Medications Prescription sleeping pills may help you get to sleep. But using them for more than a few weeks is generally not recommended, because of dependence and possible side effects.
Nonprescription sleep medications contain antihistamines that can make you drowsy. But antihistamines may reduce the quality of your sleep, and they can cause side effects, such as daytime sleepiness, dizziness, urinary retention, dry mouth and confusion.
Lifestyle Here are some suggestions to manage insomnia and help you sleep better: Exercise. Exercise daily at least 5 to 6 hours before bedtime. - Avoid or limit naps. Naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night.
- Pay attention to caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime, limit alcohol and don’t smoke.
- Stick to a schedule. Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent.
- Avoid large meals before bed. A light snack is fine.
- Don’t read, work or eat in bed. Save your bed for sleep and sex.
- Make your bedroom comfortable. Create a calming background noise, and keep the room dark and the temperature cool.
- Hide bedroom clocks. Set your alarm, then hide all clocks so that you don’t worry about what time it is.
Yours in good health,
Sanjeev Nanda, M.D. | 
