Sleep Disorders: In Depth

Do you get enough sleep? Many people don’t. Adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to be well rested, but the average adult sleeps for less than 7 hours.

Some people don’t allow enough time for sleep, and some have difficulty sleeping. For those who have difficulty sleeping, some complementary approaches may help, particularly relaxation techniques such as guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation. Relaxation techniques are generally considered safe.

The dietary supplement melatonin may help people with insomnia, but its effect is small. Melatonin may be more helpful, though, for sleep problems associated with shift work or jet lag. Melatonin appears to be relatively safe for short-term use, but its long-term safety has not been established.