The Tribune

As you head to bed, you may be thinking, "Tomorrow's going to be great."

It's a new day and you probably have too much to do on your list, but that's a good thing. Whether you plan to catch up with a friend over coffee, take another look at that long-standing project at work or head to the gym as part of your new workout routine, getting recharged with a good night's sleep is the best way to tackle your day with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

There's a lot to look forward to when you go to sleep.

Unfortunately, if you're reading this, you may be one of the many millions affected by sleep disorders, so you might not be getting the sleep you need. In fact, in the United States nearly 30 percent of adults report that they get an average of less than six hours of sleep per night.

Of the almost 80 different types of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy, perhaps the best known is insomnia. Affecting between 30 to 50 percent of the population in the U.S. alone, insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep, to stay asleep or a combination of both. It may also be present in people who wake up hours too early and can't fall back asleep.

Insomnia can be incredibly frustrating, because no matter how tired you might feel, you struggle to fall asleep or to stay asleep

Not getting enough sleep does more than just make you feel sluggish or groggy.

Studies show that poor sleep can have a big impact on someone's overall health and well-being. When it comes to mood, surveys show that the quality of life for people with severe insomnia is almost as poor as those who have chronic conditions such as heart failure.[vi] Chronic insomnia can lead to irritability, mistakes at work and poorer relationships. Additionally, insomnia may also lead to depression in some people

Many people who suffer from insomnia try to change their bedtime routine by practicing good "sleep hygiene". One of the common steps they take may involve keeping a sleep journal in which they record how they slept and for how long. Some find it beneficial to avoid distractions such as their phone, television or computer before going to sleep and instead reading, meditating or engaging in some other relaxing activity. For others, simply turning down the temperature may be enough to help them fall asleep.

However, many people may continue to struggle with insomnia, even while practicing good sleep hygiene. Given how central sleep is to a healthy, happy life, it's crucial to put sleep first and ask your doctor for help if you experience difficulty falling or staying asleep.

One available treatment for patients with difficulty staying asleep (also known as sleep maintenance insomnia) is SILENOR(R) (doxepin), a prescription sleep medicine used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble staying asleep. SILENOR doesn't put you to sleep; instead, it helps you stay asleep by working with your body's natural cycle. As with all medications, SILENOR(R) has some side effects, so it's important to talk with your doctor about all the benefits and risks of taking the treatment.

It's hard to overstate just how important a good night's sleep is, and though many of us struggle to get an adequate amount of sleep each night, you don't have to be one of them.