Conquering Insomnia:

Sleep medication may not help if the problem gets out of hand. Chronic insomniacs - people whose struggles to fall asleep or to stay asleep last longer than one month - can successfully treat their condition with cognitive behavior therapy, according to new research. This involves regular sessions with an expert who counsels them on relaxation techniques along with selecting the best bedtime and creating the proper environment for sound asleep. This therapy prevents side effects commonly associated with sleeping pills, such as dizziness, headaches, and lethargy that can spill over into the next day. Sleeping pills can still fill a need, as long as they are taken as prescribed to resolve a short-term problem. Other steps to fighting insomnia: walking at the same time every morning (including weekends); avoiding naps during the day; and no alcohol, caffeine or tobacco in the hours before bedtime.

Source: www.4women.gov/faq/insomnia.htm

From September 2006 Newsletter