What can I do to get better sleep if I have insomnia?

This question was asked in Bellflower, California on 07/16/2012.
I want to make an appointment for sleep study/evaluation. For the last 20 years I have not been able to get more than 5 hours sleep or sometimes no sleep at all and I'm very worried because I feel it starting to affect my overall health. I'm a total insomniac in need of help. I'm about to go nuts because I just don't what to do! I've tried it all and beyond with no good turnout. I just recently received a kidney transplant and I really need to sleep in order to heal properly but I'm no longer allowed to take my Soma medicine or over the counter meds. Is there something else I can do to try and find a solution?

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Doctors Answers (2)

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 7/19/2012

Treatment of insomnia includes not only striving to get more hours of sleep but getting better sleep. Quality of sleep is better than quantity of sleep. Five hours of good sleep is better than ten hours of poor sleep. I agree that you need to see a board certified sleep specialist who can address your renal issues and work toward quality sleep.

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD
Answered on: 7/17/2012

It sounds as though your sleep proble is complex and in need of a sleep professional to address your chronic sleeping problems that are leading to some physical and emotional disability. They would be the best person to use midication and other therapies or possible order a sleep study.