Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Difficulty In Sleeping?
Question: hello, from past two years I observed a trend in my health issues. every third month, I face challenges with sleeping. any two months will all be fine but the very next month, I have seriously trouble with sleeping. please help
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The months in itself should have no effect on sleep. However the changes in seasons, in light and weather do have an impact on sleep. That is because light changes affect the production of the hormone melatonin which is involved in sleep regulation. So that is a possible explanation for that regular pattern (other than it being a coincidence, or you overthinking it and becoming anxious when that third month comes).
So I believe you should try regulating your sleep by using melatonin. It is sold as an over the counter product and is a very safe medication as it is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The months in itself should have no effect on sleep. However the changes in seasons, in light and weather do have an impact on sleep. That is because light changes affect the production of the hormone melatonin which is involved in sleep regulation. So that is a possible explanation for that regular pattern (other than it being a coincidence, or you overthinking it and becoming anxious when that third month comes).
So I believe you should try regulating your sleep by using melatonin. It is sold as an over the counter product and is a very safe medication as it is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
no it mayn't be due to weather conditions because just in summer or winter, I face challenges and good sleep too. I work for night shifts. is melatonin can be taken. does it have any side effects. I feel stress a lot every day. please give me some.solid tips to overcome. no matter how much ever I try to sleep, I am not able to sleep at all.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
There is no medication which doesn't have a potential for side effects, but Melatonin is one of the safest among them, I can't recall patients reporting any from daily practice.
In your case I am afraid there are several factors at play, not simply monthly changes. The first advice in someone with sleep issues is to have a regular sleep schedule and your working with shifts does mess that up. Stress and anxiety also are among the main causes of sleep issues.
So the first step (apart from changing work schedule) would be relaxation exercises and activities like yoga which help alleviate stress and anxiety. Avoid any stimulant like energy drinks, coffee etc, especially in the 6 hours before going to sleep.
If such conservative measures do not work among medication, melatonin remains the safest one.
If that is not enough then medication like Zolpidem or Zaleplon may be considered.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
There is no medication which doesn't have a potential for side effects, but Melatonin is one of the safest among them, I can't recall patients reporting any from daily practice.
In your case I am afraid there are several factors at play, not simply monthly changes. The first advice in someone with sleep issues is to have a regular sleep schedule and your working with shifts does mess that up. Stress and anxiety also are among the main causes of sleep issues.
So the first step (apart from changing work schedule) would be relaxation exercises and activities like yoga which help alleviate stress and anxiety. Avoid any stimulant like energy drinks, coffee etc, especially in the 6 hours before going to sleep.
If such conservative measures do not work among medication, melatonin remains the safest one.
If that is not enough then medication like Zolpidem or Zaleplon may be considered.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
