Will light therapy or chronotherapy help in sleeping issues?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 27-year-old male with a sleeping disorder. I have difficulty falling asleep at night and difficulty going back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night. I need to masturbate in order to fall asleep. I suffer from delayed sleep phase disorder. This has made it difficult for me to maintain a normal job. During college time, I never used to sleep the night before the exam because of fear of not getting up on time. What are light therapy and chronotherapy? How can they help? I have daytime fatigue. If there are any medicines that I can take for a short time, please suggest them. I am facing this problem for the last 10 years.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com. Sleep disorders are very common. Normally hygienic measures could be helpful to alleviate the symptoms. Also, it could be a symptom of other disorders. However, in your particular situation that does not seem to be the case. Melatonin is effective in regulating the synchronization of the circadian rhythms of physiological functions like sleep timing. Of course, there are pharmacological options that can be useful in acute cases or taking a short-time course like Lorazepam 1-2 mg, or Lormetazepam 2 mg. If that does not work please feel free to contact me again.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I took Melatonin for some days and sometimes it worked well. However, on important occasions, even it did not work like I just cannot sleep the night before my exam or if I have any other important occasion the next morning. Even Melatonin fails. I am writing this to you as I tried to sleep last night after taking Melatonin, but have not been able to yet. Is this a serious disorder or some other underlying problem? I do not really understand.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. Melatonin is more for sleep and circadian rhythm regulation and not that useful if what you intend is to induce sleep. To induce sleep Lorazepam or Lormetazepam are better. But you must be careful when using it before an important date (like the night right before an exam) as if you are not accustomed, it could affect your concentration and produce drowziness. Recovering data from your first query that does not seem a serious disorder. Although sleep disorders could be related to other disorders, like mood or anxiety disorders. It is common to see them during stressful periods like exams or job interviews. Above all, you should reduce all stimulant drinks, avoid sleeping after lunch or doing exercise after 6 pm. And it is important to establish a sleep timetable.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
I took Clonazepam for sleep disorder.I am feeling agitated,hyperactive and sometimes suicidal thoughts come in mind.Please help.
Would drinking alcohol interfere with my medicines?
Due to gas problem, I am unable to eat properly. Please help.
I had a full-blown anxiety attack two days back. Should I start taking Ativan 5 mg?
Lifestyle Modification for Sleep Disorders: An Effective Form of Non-pharmacological Treatment
What kind of food habit should I follow to sleep well?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.