Question

A recently divorced fifty-five-year-old man with severe rheumatoid arthritis comes in for a routine visit complaining of insomnia. He requests a specific barbiturate, Seconal®, as a sleep aid, asking for a month's supply. On further questioning, he states that he wakes up every morning at four, tired but unable to go back to sleep. He admits that he rarely leaves his house during the day, stating that he has no interest in the activities he used to find enjoyable.

What is an appropriate course of action?

Answer 1

• Its clear from the history, that he is having insomnia related to loneliness and depression of staying alone and that causes him loss of interest in everything and his sedentary lifestyle caused his loss of interest in everything and insomnia.

He can regain his sleep with following activities.

• Practice yoga
• Music rejuvanates mind and hear some relaxing music
• Always engage in some activities, go out and hang out with friends.
• Do not sleep during day time
• Self meditate, hear some positive talks, plant some trees and divert the mind to sometjing he feels as interesting
• Avoid late night sleep, go to bed early. Read some good books.

It will surely help him to get a good night sleep and no need of barbiturates now.