What is fatal familial insomnia and how to treat it?

Fatal familial insomnia is a genetic disease that can cause great dysfunction and disorder in one’s life. This disease causes insomnia, hyperactive nerves, and uncoordinated motor functions. It can be fatal anywhere from four to thirty-six months because the afflicted person loses the ability to fall asleep.

Genetic link

Fatal Familial Insomnia often travels down the genetic line and is passed on from generation to generation. There are several ways in which to cope with fatal familial insomnia so that one can fall asleep and stay asleep.

Strict sleeping regimen

A set sleep schedule is essential to the process. One must try to go to bed at the same night, every night. This tells your body when it is time to “unwind.” Napping throws your body into a “scheduling whirlwind.”
Any type of drug or food should be avoided before sleeping. Cigarettes, Coffee, alcohol, and certain foods can inhibit your body’s ability to fall asleep.

Excercise

Exercise during the day (not close to bedtime). Exercise, on one hand, can keep you awake if it is done to close to bedtime. However, if it is done in the morning or early afternoon, it can provide the proper amount of exhaustion your body needs to welcome sleep.
If you worry at night, try to let your mind wander and think about unrelated, comforting things. If you worry about the following day, write a list before bed time so that you do not have to worry about forgetting things.
Stress inhibits sleep. Everyone needs some stress relief. Whatever yours is, find it, and make time for it. A lot of people prefer yoga activities, calming music, or their hobby.

Comnfortable bed

Your bed should be a very comfortable place to sleep. If your bed is too stiff or too soft, you should invest in a new mattress for the sake of your health. If your bedroom is too hot or too cold, space heaters or fans can quickly add comfort rather inexpensively.

If you are laying in bed and cannot get to sleep, reading a book or magazine can induce that relaxed feeling. TV often stimulates, so it should not be used as a sleep aid unless you have proven it to yourself as effective.

Prescription medication

Should you still suffer from fatal familial insomnia, a doctor prescribed sleep aid such as Ambien could help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Even though dependency on these medications is not good, it is much better than the possible consequences of fatal familial insomnia.