Now that you know insomnia is nothing to ignore, the following self-help resources will tell you where to turn. The toll-free telephone hotline, which is open 24 hours a day, is sponsored by Searle pharmaceuticals. Stress is the most common cause of short-term insomnia. Conditioned insomnia is the most common cause of chronic insomnia. For short-term insomnia, sleep medications usually are only needed for up to two weeks.
Medication combined with behavioral therapy is the most effective way to treat short-term insomnia.
David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America. Click here to return to Lifestyle Columns menu page.