DEAR Amy T. Of GSIS,
We are now in the last stretch. Here are more medical reasons of insomnia.
* Medications
Some drugs for allergies, heart disease, hypertension, thyroid problems, and depression -- especially those of the SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) -- might lead to insomnia.
Medications for ADHD and Parkinson’s disease can also keep you awake. Moreover, not all over-the-counter (OTC) drugs would not interfere with your sleep because the pseudoephedrine found in many OTC decongestants can also spell the same trouble.
But, before you adjust or change any of your medications, be sure to check it out with your physician first.
* Primary Insomnia
This is not about the environment, physical health, or mental wellness. But, it is possibly because of the genes.
Insomnia is not a joke. It can make you moody, cranky, anxious, and depressed. You could not also think straight or you might struggle remembering things. You could even get to have car accidents. This is also associated to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
You definitely need help. But, you have to start it with your bedroom. Make it dark, quiet, safe, comfortable, and cool. If possible, avoid caffeine -- which are usually found in tea, coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks with cola. You can take a hot bath, some readings or light stretching before going to bed.
Avoid playing games with your phone or computer, loud activities, difficult discussions, and heavy, fatty foods. Get yourself to exercise earlier in the day, and get some sunshine in the morning -- but, not after 10am.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)