RTS - Insomnia

What are the common causes of insomnia?

Stress and anxiety
Poor sleeping environment which could include an uncomfortable bed, noise, too hot/cold or too bright.
Lifestyle factors including drinking caffeinated drinks or alcohol before bedtime, jet lag, shift work, nicotine from smoking etc.
Mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia
Physical health conditions like heart problems, sleep disorders and chronic pain
Some prescribed medications (e.g., antidepressants, epilepsy medication and steroids) as well as recreational drug use (e.g., cocaine or ecstasy)

What drugs are available for treatment?

DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Nytol or Sleepeaze)

PROMETHAZINE (Sominex or Phenergan)

VALERIAN (Nytol Herbal Simply Sleep One-A-Night or · Kalms Night)

MELATONIN (Circadin)

What NON-DRUG ADVICE can you provide?

The medication may make the patient feel sleepy during the day; let them know that if this happens, not to drive or use tools or machines.
Sedating effects of the medication is enhanced by alcohol intake so make sure the patient does not drink alcohol.
Advise the patient to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks near bedtime.
Advise the patient into smoking cessation if they smoke as nicotine can be affecting their sleep.
Advise them to stop taking recreational drugs if is this applies to them.
Give advice on improving their sleeping environment (getting the right temperature, avoiding noise, dim/no lighting and having a more comforted bed)
Refer them to a mental health specialist if they are feeling quite stressed/anxious which is causing the insomnia.
Advice to reduce/have no screen time near bedtime and encourage using a blue light filter on devices being used.
Ask them to consider alternatives to shift work (if they currently do this) if possible.

What signs and/or symptoms would you refer to a doctor?

When changing sleeping habits has not helped
Trouble sleeping lasts over a prolonged period (for months)
The insomnia is impacting the patient's daily life in a way that makes it hard for them to cope.