HIV and Insomnia: a Worrying Combination

While it might seem logical that HIV-positive people and insomnia should go hand in hand, very few studies had been made on this subject until recently. It seems logical simply because it seems logical that HIV-positive people are probably prone to anxiety and depression, and depression and anxiety are known to be common triggers of insomnia. But, what proof is there of a correlation between HIV and insomnia? And, if this correlation does exist, what can be done to relieve the insomnia symptoms of HIV positives?

The proof that there is indeed a correlation between HIV and insomnia comes from direct observation. It has been noted in a number of tests that insomnia is more common among HIV positives than among healthy people. This has been related to the extra depression and anxiety suffered by this group, which has also been observed when comparing them with healthy people. So, if we now know that HIV positives are indeed more prone to insomnia, what can be done to help them overcome this problem?

The first step, obviously, should be for the doctors treating HIV positives to move on from treating the physical aspects of the problem only to taking a more holistic view of the problem and treating the depression and anxiety brought on by knowing that you are HIV positive. This would be a very positive step, not only to treat insomnia, but the depression and anxiety itself, which can lead to other illnesses as well as insomnia.

The second step is for the same doctors (or other specialists) to inform HIV positives of other, natural ways of combating insomnia. These natural forms could include acupuncture, yoga or the use of herbs. However, it is probably fair to say that the greatest results would come from a change in diet and a strict avoidance of stimulants, especially caffeine and alcohol, in the hours before bedtime.

So, while it has been found that a correlation does exist between HIV and insomnia, it doesn?t mean that HIV positives should simply sit back and accept the fact that they can no longer sleep well. With help from their doctor to combat the resulting depression and anxiety, and with advice on how to minimize the effects of insomnia, they should be able to at least reduce the symptoms of insomnia, if not get them to disappear altogether.