Loading icon
Health Information Center

Treatments for Insomnia

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Insomnia

Treatment of insomnia varies. It depends on how severe it is and the cause. Short-term or bouts of insomnia may not need treatment. This is because it lasts only a few days. When treatment is needed it may involve lifestyle changes, medicines, and other treatments.

The first step is to find and treat any underlying causes of insomnia. The main goal is to have normal and restful sleep.

Treatment may involve the following:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Other treatments

Complementary and alternative treatments

References

  • Patel D, Steinberg J, Patel P. Insomnia in the Elderly: A Review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2018 Jun 15;14(6):1017-1024.
  • Insomnia. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/insomnia. Accessed March 17, 2022.
  • Insomnia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/insomnia-in-adults. Accessed March 17, 2022.
  • Insomnia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/insomnia. Accessed March 17, 2022.
  • Insomnia. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/home. Accessed March 17, 2022.

Contributors

  • Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2021-11-17

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.