Canadian doctors recommend treatment for people struggling with sleep due to insomnia.
Insomnia is a medical condition that is defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep.
Treatment Options for Insomnia
Talk to your doctor about your negative daily symptoms and long-term health risks and ask what treatment(s) are recommended for you.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
A discussion-based approach that can help you identify and address thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that contribute to sleeplessness.
Dr. Mom discusses when to seek counselling with CBT-I
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is another way to say “good sleep habits” that help improve sleep quality, such as reducing light and sound in your bedroom, or practicing a 'wind down' activity. It also includes adjusting your lifestyle, like cutting down on caffeine and changing your exercise regimen. Know that sleep hygiene alone will not cure insomnia, so make sure to talk to your doctor about your sleep issues.
Prescription medicines may be recommended for people with insomnia. Talk to your doctor about the health risks associated with insomnia and ask if prescription sleep medicine is right for you.
Prescription Sleep Medicines
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aids
Over-the-counter sleep aids are medicines that you can purchase from most pharmacies off the shelf without a prescription. There are a wide variety of OTC sleep aids available. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting a new product, or if your sleep issues persist.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aids
Get Dr. Mom's list of Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Sleep Medicines
