complicated
Sleep is a complicated phenomenon that, hopefully, accounts for 1/3 of our existence on this planet.
There are tomes written on sleep disorders, their causes and management.
Educational seminars for physicians on sleep disorders abound and are usually days in length.
Study after study shows that we are a sleep deprived culture and excessive daytime sleepiness causes a frightening number of auto accidents and industrial accidents (eg: The Exxon-Valdez catastrophe was the reult of a sleep deprived Captain).
As a psychiatrist for 33 years it is interesting that the 2 most common complaints I hear from people are: 1) I'm always tired and 2) I can't sleep.
The temptation to resort to hypnotics (sleeping pills) is great, both for pt and physician. They work. But, in reality they are like mini-anesthetics and , no matter what you are told, can easily lead to dependence (NOT to be confused with addiction.... a BIG difference).
Sleeps like sex.... the harder you try to get it to work, the more you mess it up. (ever notice how when you fight to stay awake when watching a movie you've rented on a Fri nite you always fall asleep on the couch?)
Although "sleep specialists" have developed a subspeciality in medicine, my experience has been that their primary focus is Obstructive sleep apnea or Restless Leg Syndrome and that the majority of patients are left with a dx of "psychophysiologic insomnia" or "idiopathic insomnia" ... translation-->"you can't sleep and I don't know why".
Many psych disorders have insomnia as a core symptom, especially bad depression.
Assuming that's not the case there are 2 excellent behavioral techniques that work great BUT they require an incredible amt of personal discipline.
Google : Sleep Restriction Therapy and Stimulus Control Therapy for treatment of insomnia.
Good nite Chet.... Good nite David.
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