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How Can Disturbed Deep Sleep Be Treated?
Question: Hey doctor,
The last week or so now I have been having this issue where I am waking up too early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep. Usually I go to be around 12am and aim to wake up about 8/9am but lately I have been waking up at like 5/6am and not getting enough sleep. I just feel really tired because of it and I am getting these headaches too from it. What can I do to fix this should I maybe try going to bed earlier I don’t want to go on any medications?
The last week or so now I have been having this issue where I am waking up too early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep. Usually I go to be around 12am and aim to wake up about 8/9am but lately I have been waking up at like 5/6am and not getting enough sleep. I just feel really tired because of it and I am getting these headaches too from it. What can I do to fix this should I maybe try going to bed earlier I don’t want to go on any medications?
Brief Answer:
My suggestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per the information provided by you, it is understood that you are waking up early in the morning and not able to go back to sleep.
I would like to know is there any disturbing thoughts that makes you wake up early?
Is there any recent stress that is predisposing? and any other symptoms like sad mood, lack of interest in work, easy fatiguability, loss of pleasure in the pleasurable activities?
Because early morning awakenings could be seen in depression.
If any of the above symptoms are associated with them, it is better to start on medication amitryptiline 10 mg in the night, which can take care of your sleep and even decreases your headache.
You can feel fresh in the morning and can go back to work.
But, nothing to worry, as you are not interested to take any medications, you can take this drug for at least 3-5 days and can stop at any time once your sleep gets better if you do not have any associated symptoms.
After 3 days or so, your sleep gets regularised and can stop it.
The other options that you can follow sleep hygiene techniques. That is
- Avoid coffee, tea or other beverages after 4 pm.
- Restrict bedroom only for sleep rather than office work.
- Follow regular timings.
- Have a cup of warm milk before going to bed.
- Avoid heavy exercise before sleep. you can always do moderate exercise.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Soujanya, Psychiatrist
My suggestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per the information provided by you, it is understood that you are waking up early in the morning and not able to go back to sleep.
I would like to know is there any disturbing thoughts that makes you wake up early?
Is there any recent stress that is predisposing? and any other symptoms like sad mood, lack of interest in work, easy fatiguability, loss of pleasure in the pleasurable activities?
Because early morning awakenings could be seen in depression.
If any of the above symptoms are associated with them, it is better to start on medication amitryptiline 10 mg in the night, which can take care of your sleep and even decreases your headache.
You can feel fresh in the morning and can go back to work.
But, nothing to worry, as you are not interested to take any medications, you can take this drug for at least 3-5 days and can stop at any time once your sleep gets better if you do not have any associated symptoms.
After 3 days or so, your sleep gets regularised and can stop it.
The other options that you can follow sleep hygiene techniques. That is
- Avoid coffee, tea or other beverages after 4 pm.
- Restrict bedroom only for sleep rather than office work.
- Follow regular timings.
- Have a cup of warm milk before going to bed.
- Avoid heavy exercise before sleep. you can always do moderate exercise.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Soujanya, Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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