Condition
Sleep Problems (insomnia, sleep apnea)
Insomnia means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing stops and starts again during sleep. Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Common options
- Better sleep habits. Changing your sleep routine and bedroom setup is the best long-term approach for insomnia. Try our sleep calculator
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This type of talk therapy may help with insomnia, and with anxiety or depression that happens alongside it.
- Short-term sleep medicines. Options include over-the-counter antihistamines and prescription sleep medicines. Many prescription ones can be habit-forming.
- Breathing devices for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses steady air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep.
- Mouthpieces and lifestyle changes. Oral devices, a healthy weight, less alcohol and sleeping on your side may help with sleep apnea.
- Surgery or implants. Doctors may consider these for sleep apnea when other treatments haven't worked.
When to see a doctor
- Insomnia has become a problem in your daily life.
- Someone tells you that you snore or gasp for air while sleeping.
- You feel very sleepy during the day. Poor sleep raises the risk of car accidents.
Research studies
Researchers are studying new treatments for insomnia and sleep apnea. Clinical studies are one option you can discuss with your doctor.
See sleep studies recruiting near you →
Plan your next appointment: Questions for your doctor