Insomnia

If we are stressed, sleep is frequently disturbed. About 35% of Americans have had sleep difficulties during the last year. Perhaps 10% (women twice as much as men) suffer prevalent insomnia, i.e. at least 14 difficult nights in the last 6 months. It is estimated that 3% oversleep. The situation is complicated by the fact that 45% of under and over-sleepers also have an emotional disorder, especially anxiety or depressive disorders. About 8% of us each year use drugs to sleep, taking 600 tons of sleeping pills annually. That is enough to put all of us to sleep for 8 days!

Good sleep is very important for a good mood, efficient work, clear thinking, and good health. Avoid stimulants, even coffee and cigarettes. The old advice of warm milk is still good. Get exercise during the day, not right before bedtime. Follow a routine, going to bed at the same time and in the same place. Slow down before bedtime. Don't try hard to "will" yourself to sleep, but do use your cognition to avoid thoughts that work up your emotions (reading a book may be a good way to control your thoughts). You can also mentally focus on a mundane task--counting sheep or remembering a song or a dull book--which will reduce upsetting thoughts. Take drugs if you have to, but only in small quantities and for a short time.

Also, for further assistance, see other related topics. If you would like to speak with someone from the EAP, call our toll free 24-hour hotline at:

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