How can I sleep without taking sleeping pills?
Ravi Singareddy, MD
Assistant Professor,
Sleep Research & Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry,
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine,
USA
Assistant Professor,
Sleep Research & Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry,
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine,
USA
Q: I am unable to sleep and don't want to take sleeping pills. I am 21 years old only and these pills have side effects too. Please help. I am unable to concentrate on work. If I don't get sleep soon I think I'll commit suicide.
A:From your brief description it seems like you have severe sleep disturbances to a point that as a result you are feeling suicidal. Sleep disturbances can definitely increase the risk of suicide. Often sleep disturbances are associated with mood disturbances, which also increase the risk of suicide. I suggest that you see a psychiatrist as soon as possible so as to be assessed further in this regard and possibly recommend treatment options.