Can't kip
Question
I've had problems getting to sleep for many years now. It's now got to the stage that I can't get to sleep before 3am. I would really like to have a more normal sleep pattern as I'm very tired when I wake up in the morning. I also produce a lot of saliva when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?
Answer
This sounds like you are suffering from insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep for a long enough period of time. People can be affected by insomnia for many reasons from sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress to stress.
There are a number of things you can do to help yourself fall asleep more easily. A lot of people find exercise a very effective method of ensuring a good night's sleep. It would also be advisable to avoid caffeine later on in the day. Some people find a warm bath and a hot drink before bed helps them to sleep and others find reading before bed helps to combat their insomnia.
There are also sleeping tablets and herbal remedies available to combat sleeplessness. It's not advisable to take sleeping pills as a long-term solution because your body becomes tolerant to them and this can lead to addiction.
There are many possible reasons for the excessive saliva production you are currently experiencing. Snoring and a condition called sleep apnoea are two possible reasons. It's advisable to see your local doctor (GP) who can give you a proper examination. Your GP will also be able to give you advice on sleeping tablets should you require them.
Updated: 13/02/2007
Question answered by bss
