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Self-Medicating to Treat Insomnia
A government expert panel on insomnia recently concluded that too many Americans are using alcohol, antihistamines, and other drugs to self-medicate their insomnia problems, the Chicago Sun-Times reported June 16, 2005.
Around one in three Americans has trouble sleeping, and approximately 10 percent can be diagnosed as insomniacs. But researchers know little about the causes of insomnia or how to prevent sleeplessness, according to experts from the National Institute on Health.
Cognitive and behavioral therapy can cure some insomnia, as can newer sleeping aids like Sonata, Ambien, and Lunesta, the panel said. But too many people rely on unproved self-medications, from alcohol use to supplements like melatonin and valerian, experts agreed, calling for more research to develop better treatments.
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