Sleepless in Illinois

Are money problems, job problems, love problems and who knows what other stressors keeping you awake at night? 

Some 30-40 percent of adults have trouble sleeping now and then, and older people and women experiencing menopause, menstruation or pregnancy can be plagued by insomnia the most, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Plus, some medications — particularly those that treat colds, allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, birth control, asthma, pain and depression — can keep anyone awake, sleep experts say.

Think you’re getting a good night’s sleep? Having trouble falling asleep and remaining asleep until your alarm goes off aren’t the only signs that you might not be.  Daytime irritability, sleepiness and having trouble concentrating can also be signs you’re not sleeping well at night, according to the sleep foundation.

Here are some tips from Dr. Ismail Bobat, a sleep medicine physician for Provena hospitals, on how to get a better night’s sleep:

— Avoid or limit caffeine consumption.
— If you’re worried about what you have to do the next day, try making a list to help you feel you’ve got it all under control.
— Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening, which initially makes you feel drowsy but can cause middle-of-the-night wakefulness.
— Avoid eating heavily before bedtime.
— Take steps to control your pain, which can disrupt your sleep.
— Seek help for depression, which often goes hand-in-hand with insomnia.
— Don’t watch TV, read or eat in bed.
— Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and not overly warm.
— Adopt a regular schedule for going to bed and getting up and stick to it, even on weekends.
— Exercise regularly, but don’t exercise within four or five hours of bedtime.
— Try drinking some warm milk or taking a warm bath before bed.
— If you try sleep medications, take them on a short-term basis only.
— Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can cause insomnia. So can other medical conditions, such as stroke, menopause, heartburn, an overactive thyroid, asthma, heart failure, arthritis and headaches. For persistent insomnia (lasting more than two or three weeks) consult your doctor.
— Consider cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health specialist to target thoughts and actions that interfere with sleep and encourage good sleeping habits.