Difficulty falling asleep is something we all face from time to time but when it starts becoming a nightly occurrence, and it negatively affects your health during the day - for example fatigue, irritability, headaches - then there is a good chance that you have developed insomnia.
How to cure insomnia is a question many sufferers are asking needlessly, the treatment options are accessible and varied and can lead to permanent solution, but before you find the best method for you, you need to understand which type of insomnia you have.
Acute insomnia, sleep hygiene and supplementation.
If your insomnia is considered to be acute - meaning there are no underlying problems or health issues to be dealt with then there are a number of actions that you can take to end those sleepless nights.
Often better sleep hygiene may be the answer.
This is not as bad as it sounds; it simply means adopting better habits during your night time routine to improve the likelihood of sleep.
For example you can avoid caffeine, limit the amount of light and noise entering the room and remove all televisions and electronic tablets.
If sleep hygiene does not provide the answer for how to cure insomnia then do not worry because there are some alternative measures that can be taken.
Prescription sleeping pills and other over-the-counter aids are a common solution but they are not to everyone's liking because of the chemicals and the sense that they are nothing more than a quick fix.
It really is down to personal opinion but if you would prefer to try a more natural method there are different teas, such as Chamomile, and other supplements that can help - melatonin being a particularly beneficial form of hormone therapy.
Chronic insomnia, health issues and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
The above measures should work brilliantly if your insomnia is acute and the problem is due to little more than difficulty falling asleep.
The problem is that for many insomnia sufferers this is just the start and there are deeper issues at work.
If you find that the above treatment options are ineffective then it might be time to consult your medical practitioner and search for the cause of your chronic condition.
Doctors can help you deal with pain and other ailments that could be contributing to the disorder as well as looking at any medications that you are currently taking but it is also worth considering talking to a psychologist.
The idea of psychiatric help may be daunting for many people but it is quite often the most effective way of dealing with the causes of chronic insomnia and in many cases provides a permanent cure rather than medicating and prolonging the experience.
Insomnia can be the result of mental traumas, stress and anxiety.
By talking with cognitive behaviour specialist and working with them to understand these issues it becomes easier to remove their influence and get rid of the insomnia altogether.
Finding the right method for you.
Hopefully this brief guide has helped you understand how to cure insomnia and the different factors and methods involved.
The process of recovery can be slow and there is no guarantee that the first method you choose will be effective but with the right support and understanding of your condition it can become much easier to end those sleepless nights.