Caring for your HIV-related problem: Insomnia 
PROBLEM: Inability to sleep, or sleep prematurely ended or interrupted by periods of wakefulness.

This problem might be due to HIV disease, infections, medications or stress.
TREATMENT: There are several ways to treat this problem. The first step is to contact your physician or nurse. By working together, a treatment plan can be developed for you. This plan may include prescription or non-prescription medications, or other treatments.
SELF CARE:  Here some strategies that you may try to help you feel better:
  • Go to sleep the same time each night.
  • Take a warm bath before going to bed.
  • Drink a cup of warm milk or herbal chamomile tea before going to bed, but don’t drink so much fluid that you have to get up to go to the bathroom during the night.
  • Get a massage.
  • Exercise four to six hours before going to bed. Exercising close to bed time may increase sleep problems.
  • Read before going to sleep.
  • Position several pillows for comfort.
  • Listen to music or books on tape.
  • Avoid over-the-counter sleep aids because you could become dependent on them.
  • Turn on a fan to block out street noise.
  • Wear ear-plugs.
Guidelines for the symptoms of
Anxiety Depression Diarrhea Fatigue Fever
Forgetfulness Insomnia Lipodystrophy Nausea Neuropathy
Night Sweats Shortness of Breath Skin Rash/Dermatitis Unplanned Weight Loss Vaginal Problems
Home|Symptom Management Strategies|Resources Online|Email the Nurse        ©Dean Wantland MS, RN, MSN
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