Suggest Treatment For Chronic Severe Insomnia

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

Question: My husband has chronic, severe insomnia..probably only rests 3-4 hours a night. He's been prescribed many sleep meds, even xanex, but nothing keeps him asleep longer than the above mentioned time. He spent a night at a sleep clinic, no apnea, slight RLS but nothing else was noted. He is somewhat hyperactive but doesn't support ADD type symptoms. Is there another source of knowledge we can seek advice from...different type MD, etc., It is concerning to me and he's beginning to show signs of wear. He is 52. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult Psychiatrist please

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

I can understand your concern for your husband.

Insomnia are of two types:

Primary Insomnia: Sleep disturbance is the main problem and no physical or psychological problem is there

Secondary Insomnia: Sleep disturbance is secondary to some underlying physical or psychological problem.

In both types some mesures called 'Sleep Hygiene' and sleeping pills from benzodiazepine group are useful.
But in case of secondary insomnia main treatment is to treat underlying physical or psychological problem.

Your husband is hyperactive as you mentioned.
Sleep study has been done and no apnea.
No improvement with xanax.

He shoud be evaulated thoroughly by a psychiatrist.His detail history and mental status examination needed to diagnose his problem. Insomnia is generally treated by psychiatrist.
There are drugs like clonazepam or lorazepam which are long acting and can help. And if they do not work , there are lots of drugs to treat insomnia.

Best thing is to consult psychiatrist with all past reports and prescription.

Hope I have answered query,
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T