1
Q
referral criteria
A
- secondary cause of insomnia e.g. narcolepsy, sleep apnoea (breathing stops and starts while sleeping)
- adverse effect of medicine
- suspected drug/substance abuse
- medical condition
- failed OTC/prescribed med
- children under 16
- pregnant or BF
2
Q
short term vs long term insomnia time frame
A
short term is less than 4 weeks
long term more than 4 weeks
3
Q
non pharmacological advice
A
- good sleep hygiene e.g. regular bed time routine, avoid heavy meals, caffeine, exercise etc, avoid daytime naps, consider bedroom environment
4
Q
otc product - diphenhydramine
A
this is a drowsy antihistamine
e.g. nytol one a night
do not use for more than 2 weeks without consulting doctor
take one 50mg tablet 20 mins before bed
do not use in under 16s
avoid alcohol - it may increase effects of alcohol
not in P or BF
5
Q
diphenydramine otc - age
A
16 and over only
