According to a study many Americans are affected by insomnia, not able to get good sleep in the night, and most of them are turning to sleep aids that will act fast and put them to sleep. //

Seeing a doctor for an instant insomnia "cure," however, shouldn't be the first course of action, says a Purdue University expert.

"When new products come out on the market, doctors tend to rely upon them because samples are readily available and doctors are short on time," says Gail Newton, an associate professor of pharmacy practice in Purdue's School of Pharmacy. "One of the main factors in patients seeking these prescriptions is the constant direct-to-consumer advertising by the makers of these medications that is full of symbolism, but low on content, promising a great night's sleep.

"The fact is that for most suffering from occasional insomnia, behavioral changes or over-the-counter options are often just as effective and more appropriate."

This year's National Sleep Foundation's Sleep Awareness Week is March 27 through April 2. A poll by the organization last year found that about half of the respondents experienced at least one symptom of insomnia at least a few nights a week within the previous year. A third had experienced at least one symptom every night or almost every night.

Another poll released last year by a managed-care company found that the use of prescription sleeping medications among adults doubled from 2000 to 2004.

Newton says this trend is troublesome because, while not physically addictive, newer sleep aids can be psychologically habit-forming. She says this creates a situation in which people feel like they can't sleep without the drug, even though they physically might be able to do so.

Newton says for those having trouble sleeping, the following steps should be tried before seeking a prescription:

* Establish a regular sleep schedule, even on the weekends.
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