Sleep

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Difficulty sleeping?

This assumes you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.
Pharmacist

Let's see what can get you some sleep that is available over the counter.

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If you have to take over-the-counter sleep aids for more than 5 nights in a row, then it is time to talk to a doctor.
Often, lack of sleep is the symptom that would make someone with depression who doesn't know to seek medical help.

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Sleep

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Why sleeping pills?

Is it that you can't fall asleep on most nights?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

Do you keep waking up during sleep?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Hope you are not looking at sleep apnea.
(See 'FYI' for a brief intro to sleep apnea)
Pharmacist
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(Discuss sleep apnea) Central sleep apnea consists of repeated episodes of breathing cessation or shallow breathing during sleep, lasting at least 10 sec, caused by diminished respiratory effort. The disorder typically manifests as insomnia or as disturbed and unrefreshing sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea consists of episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway during sleep, leading to cessation of breathing for > 10 sec. Sometimes patients awaken, gasping. These episodes disrupt sleep and result in a feeling of unrefreshing sleep and EDS

Sleep maintenance insomnia suggests advanced sleep phase syndrome, major depression, central or obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, or aging. In patients with significant snoring, frequent awakenings, and other risk factors, obstructive sleep apnea is quite likely.

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Do you wake up earlier than you want to?
Pharmacist

 

Earlier?
Anyway, it depends on how you feel when you wake up.
Pharmacist

If you wake up feeling refreshed, you are getting enough sleep. For some people, this may take only 4 hours. Others may need up to 10 hours to feel rested.

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Do you feel refreshed on waking up?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

What about feeling tired during the day due to too little sleep?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

Has this been going on for a while or just started?
Pharmacist

 

A while?
You should be seeing a doctor on this one.
Pharmacist

Lack of sleep is a key symptom of depression, you should be checked for depression if you are having trouble sleeping.

See a dcotor if your sleeping problem occur more than 3 nights per week for more than 1 month

Let's continue to see what a pharmacist think would work for you over-the-counter until you can see a doctor for an evaluation if you are not at the moment.

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Just starting?
Sometimes good sleep hygiene is all you need if your sleeplessness is just starting.
Pharmacist

Meanwhile, let's continue and see what can get you some sleep that is available over-the-counter if you are using good sleeping habits.

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Sleep

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Which of the poor sleeping habits below apply to you?
Pharmacist

Pharmacist
It is important you get rid of this poor sleep habit.
Pharmacist

You should use the bed only for sleep. Consider it a place where you want to rest your head for the day.

None of these?
Just a few more questions for you.
Pharmacist

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Sleep

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What about medications?
Which of these did you take lately?
Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Some medications can cause lack of sleep. The list include these medications.
Pharmacist
Not listed?
Some medications can cause lack of sleep. Check the side effects.
Pharmacist
Nothing?
Great. Some medications can cause lack of sleep. Let's continue.
Pharmacist

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Sleep

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also...

Physical, social, and mental health issues can affect sleep patterns.
Pharmacist

Which of these apply to you?


Pharmacist
This can affect your sleep. Hope you are getting some medical help for these.
Pharmacist

Tried something yet?

None of these?
Anyway, have you tried something yet?
Pharmacist

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Sleep

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Tried nothing so far

Nothing yet?
Oh well, let's see what a pharmacist recommend for sleep that is available over-the-counter.
Pharmacist

Or would you like to see the nearest urgent care clinic to you?

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Sleep

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Tried something

What have you tried so far?
Here are what we think below.
Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Let's see what a pharmacist recommend you use over-the-counter.
Pharmacist

Just to remind you that over-the-counter sleep aids are for occasional use like if your menstrual period is here or if you have a big day tomorrow and you want to sleep good.

If sleep problems persists, let your doctor know. It may be a sign of something serious.

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Prescription sleep aid?
You may want to check with the doctor if it is not working.
Pharmacist

If you ran out of the prescription and would like to see what a pharmacist recommend over-the-counter, let's continue.

Just to remind you that over-the-counter sleep aids are for occasional use like if your menstrual period is here or if you have a big day tomorrow and you want to sleep good and so on.

If sleep problems persists, let your doctor know. It may be a sign of something serious.

Clinic Continue

None of these?
Alright, let's see what a pharmacist recommend you take over-the-counter.
Pharmacist

Just to remind you that over-the-counter sleep aids are for occasional use like if your menstrual period is here or if you have a big day tomorrow and you want to sleep good and so on.

If sleep problems persists, let your doctor know. It may be a sign of something serious.

Find Clinic Continue