Melatonin has not been shown to be effective at all in treating insomnia for most adults. Dr. Troxel recommends behavioral therapy because often insomnia is a problem with behavioral rather than chemical roots. Since a lot of what keeps us awake is anxiety, the antidote is whatever helps create a feeling of serenity,. A clean room, distance from bills and reminders of stress can help too.
Vanessa isn’t a night owl. Yet, often, you can find her lying awake desperately trying to turn off her brain. When her partner stays over she often resorts to the couch just to get some rest. On this episode of How To!, co-host Carvell Wallace brings in Dr. Wendy Troxel. She is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in sleep medicine and the author of the book, Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep. On part one of a two part series—Dr. Troxel explains how insomnia disrupts sleep, how to avoid it, and why a good night’s rest starts with your environment.
If you liked this episode, check out: “How To Beat the Dreaded Midday Slump.”
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Podcast production by Derek John, Rosemary Belson, Kevin Bendis, and Jabari Butler.
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