Many people resort to sleeping pills as a long-term solution to insomnia i.e. inadequate or no sleep. However, sleeping pills not only lose their effectiveness after 4-6 months, but they may also disturb your sleeping pattern and actually contribute to insomnia.

The most effective therapy is to identify the problems causing the insomnia and then attempt to solve them.

Causes of insomnia ::
Smoking, drinking and caffeine. Too much light in the room or extremes of temperature. Noise, breathing, disorders, periodic muscle contractions or other physical factors. Stress and worry, physical and psychological illness.

Tips to help you sleep ::
If you can't sleep, read or watch T. V. instead of fretting. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes 2 hours before bedtime and caffeine 6 hours before. Exercise regularly but not too close to bedtime. Wake up at the same time everyday, regardless of when you went to sleep. Establish relaxing bedtime rituals, like a warm bath or a few minutes of reading.

And finally, remember, that everybody's cycle are different. 5 hours sleep may be more than enough for on person, while even 8 hours may be insufficient for another.

Do not self medicate and for further information, consult your doctor.