What is Test Anxiety?
Test anxiety is the feeling of nervousness and distress you experience before or during an exam. Students who suffer from test anxiety report difficulties with concentration, mental blocks, and distractibility.
There Are Two Types Of Anxiety=
Anticipatory: feeling of distress occurring while studying for or thinking about the exam.
Situational: feeling of distress occurring while taking the exam.
It is important to be aware of when anxiety attacks you so that you may use strategies in and out of the exam situation to manage the anxiety.
Test anxiety occurs in a wave so it will increase from when you first recognize it, come to a peak, and then subside.
What causes test anxiety?• Lack of preparation!
• Past experiences of blanking out or performing badly on exams.
• Focusing too much on the outcome.
• Focusing too much on how other classmates and friends are doing.
• Issues outside of school distracting you from studying for or concentrating on exam.
How does test anxiety affect you?
Test anxiety affects you in three ways:
(1)Physiologically (2) Behaviorally (3)Psychologically
Physiological reactions may include:
- increased heartbeat
- tensed muscles
- perspiration
- dry mouth
Behavioral reactions may include:
- Inability to make decisions, act, or express yourself.
- Difficulty reading and understanding questions on an exam.
- Difficulty organizing your thoughts.
- Difficulty recalling or retrieving terms and concepts.
Psychological reactions may include:
- Feeling apprehensive or uneasy.
- Feeling upset.
- Having self-doubt or negative self-talk.
What are some ways to deal with test anxiety before the exam?
*Prepare well and in advance
*Check your attitude
*Relax
How can you prepare well and in advance?
Gather information about the exam.
Set up a study schedule.
Review material often throughout the semester.
Test yourself.
Gather information about the exam
Know as much as you can about the exam so you can study in a way that will help enhance your performance. For example, you need to know how the exam is graded. Are points taken off for wrong answers? If so, you know that guessing is a bad option. Will the instructor allow partial points for answers that are not complete? If so, it is worth it to write down anything and everything you know about an answer to a question that is challenging.
To gather information about the exam ask:
- What kind of test am I going to take?
- How much time will I have?
- What material will be covered?
- How will the test be graded?
Set up a study schedule
Put specific study times into your schedule and determine study tasks for each review session.
Below is an example of a student’s review schedule one week before exam:
Weekend Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday
Gather materials – old exams, notes, and homework.
Study chaps. 1,2 Review chaps. 1,2;study 3 & notes Review chaps 1,2,3; study 4 & notes Put hard to remember material on a master study guide. Final review of study guide.
Review material effectively and often throughout the semester.
-Conduct review sessions 10 minutes a day for each class. Seeing, hearing, or interacting with the class material often will help you remember it.
-Study in short spurts (an hour or less) and take breaks, rather that studying straight through for several hours.
-Aim for understanding the material, not just memorizing.
Test Yourself
Just understanding the material when you are looking at it doesn’t mean you will remember it on the exam. In the test situation you will not have the answers; you will be given a time limit in which to perform, and naturally you will be anxious. All of these added aspects can lead to “blanking out” on the exam, especially if you have not studied well. It is therefore important to test yourself on the material. You can do this by:
-Making flash cards.
-Using chapter tests in your textbook.
-Turning each section heading into a question and then trying to answer it.
-Looking away from each section you are studying and reiterating (to yourself or a study partner), verbally or in writing, what that section is about.
How can you check your attitude before the exam?
Change negative self-talk into positive self-talk. For example, if the voice in your head says:
“I’ve never been good at Math. I’m going to fail this exam!”
Change it to:
“Math is not my best subject but if I practice and ask questions, I’ll be okay.”
-Keep in mind that one exam is unlikely to make or break your whole future.
-If issues outside of school distract you, jot them down on a piece of paper so you can come back to deal with them later.
For chronic anxiety or depression, talk to a professional.
Relax
Learn stress releasing strategies that you can use in and out of the exam situation. Practice the techniques so they become easy to use.
Exercise ,Listen Music that soothes or motivates you,stretch,practice stress releasing exercises
Following are Quick Relaxation Techniques you can use in or out of the classroom:
TENSE AND RELAX
If sitting in a chair in class, you can use your chair to help you with this exercise.
• Place your feet flat on the floor in front of you.
• With both hands, grab the underside of your chair.
• Push your feet into the ground and pull on your chair upward. Tense your muscles, holding for 5 seconds.
• Release your pull and relax your feet, letting your body go limp.
• Repeat as necessary.
BREATHE
3 Deep Breaths
• Inhale through your nose, taking in air as if filling your abdomen.
• Hold for 1 second.
• Exhale through your mouth or nose, slowly (make sure you exhale completely – push out every last bit of air).
• Repeat two more times.
Body Scan
• Start at one end of your body and focus on a specific muscle or muscle group.
• Concentrate on how that muscle feels. Is it tense?
• Consciously release the tension in the muscle.
• Continue throughout your entire body.
Guided Imagery
• Imagine that you are going away from where you are right now and traveling to a place where you want to be. This place may be a warm beach, a tropical forest, a cozy room, a pool of water…you decide.
• What does this place feel like?
- Is it warm or cool? Are there soothing breezes or comforting sun rays?
- Is there a refreshing mist or shower of rain?
- Is it bright or dim? What kind of light is there? – Daylight? Candlelight? Moonlight?
• What aromas does this place have? – Spring flowers? Pine trees? Citrus fruits? Salty seaside air? Fresh cut grass? Coffee? Mint?
• How does this place make you feel? – Peaceful? Tranquil? Refreshed? Beautiful? Strong? Confident? Whatever the feeling, embrace it; hold on to it.
• Now as you journey back to here, hold on to that feeling and bring it back with you.
What strategies can you use to relieve anxiety during the exam?
Here are some student suggestions:
Take a break. Stop for a minute, role your shoulders or close your eyes.
Get a drink of water. See if you can leave the room for a drink of water so you can briefly leave the exam environment.
Ask a question. Break the uncomfortable silence by asking the instructor a question.
Move on to an easier question. If being stuck on a question is frustrating you, move on and come back to the challenging one later.
Use positive self-talk. Talk to yourself and guide yourself
out of the anxiety.
Use your quick relaxation exercises. Allow yourself a time
out – take a few breaths, tense and relax, or do a quick stretch
Three Stages Of Test Taking
Before the exam
During the exam
After the exam
Before the exam:
Remember to gather information about the exam.
Prepare well through setting a study schedule, reviewing often, and testing yourself.
Get rest and eat well.
Know strategies for different test types – multiple choice, short answer, matching, and essay.
Strtegies for Different Type of Exam=
Multiple Choice Exams
• Read directions carefully. Most items ask for single answers but some may give you the option of marking several choices.
• Read each question thoroughly, then look at the choices.
• Underline key words and phrases. If the question is complicated, break it down into small or simple sections that are easier to understand.
• Pay attention to qualifiers. Words such as “only” or “except” or negative words such as “not” can confuse your understanding of what is being asked.
• Eliminate answers you know are incorrect. Check relevancy and accuracy of each answer.
• Look for patterns that may lead you to the answer. Sometimes choices that are more general or are of a middle value in a range may indicate a right answer.
• Read every word of each choice. Instructors may include answers that are right except for a single word.
• When a test includes a long reading passage, read questions first. This might help you focus on the information you need to answer the questions
Matching Exams
• Read directions carefully. Sometimes an instructor may want you to consider an answer only once; other times an instructor may want you to consider an applicable answer more than once.
• Start with the column that has the longest statements and match those with shorter statements or terms.
• Do easy matches first to eliminate possible answers and make it easy to spot the more difficult matches.
Short Answers Exams
• Look for clues. The sentence structure or number of blanks may give you clues to the answer.
• Don’t look hard for hidden meaning. Short answer questions are meant to test your ability to recall information..
• Over-answer. If you are stuck with two answers, write down both – you might get partial credit.
True/False Exam
• Check for qualifiers.
• Words such as all, always, only and never tend to indicate an absolute. This may indicate a false answer.
• Words such as generally, usually, often, and sometimes may indicate true answers.
• Look for two-part statements. If one part of the statement is incorrect, the whole statement is false.
• Don’t look hard for hidden meaning.
Essay Questions
• Survey exam. Read all questions and decide how much time you will spend on each.
• Analyze each question carefully. Understand what the question is asking. For example, is the question asking you to compare ideas or describe a situation? Underline key terms and phrases. Look for phrases that limit the topic such as “Between 1815-1830…” or “In the western part of …”
• Plan before you begin writing. Write down main ideas and examples and create an outline.
• Write your answer using your outline and fill in details.
• Review. Do a final check. Did you answers all parts of the question? Check for spelling and punctuation errors.
During the exam:
Do an information dump! Before you begin answering, jot down hard to remember formulas and terms on the margins or back of exam.
Survey exam. Before you begin answering, take a quick look at the whole exam. This may help you decide where to begin and how much time to spend on each question.
Read directions carefully and underline key terms and phrases.
Do easy questions first. They may give you clues for the more challenging questions.
Relax! Use your strategies to calm yourself.
After the exam:
Reward yourself! Keep practicing positive self-talk.
Analyze your exam.
• What went well and what didn’t?
• What type of questions did you find most challenge? Why?
Make and implement a plan to do better next time.
Set Goals For Change:
List test taking or study strategy ideas you think might help you perform better on exams. Then decide how and when you will implement them
In order to improve my test taking skills I will work on:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
List two test taking or study skills you will incorporate this week:
1)______________________ How?__________________
2_______________________How?__________________
List two test taking or study skills you will incorporate this semester:
1)______________________How?___________________
2)______________________How?___________________
ALL THE BEST
Dr.NISHANT SAINI
M.D.PSYCHIATRY
21 December 2011
SLEEP PROBLEMS IN CHILDHOOD
Sleep Problems in Childhood:
Introduction:
One of the most common problems in toddlers and young children is sleeplessness. The child may have difficulty settling to sleep, or wakes in the night and wants a parent. Very young children often fear being left alone at night. This ‘separation anxiety’ is normal at a young age. Difficulties in sleeping are due to a number of reasons such as napping too much in the daytime, bedtime fears and bedwetting. You might find that when your child gets very tired, they get irritable, aggressive or even overactive not sleepy.
Older children and teenagers can also have problems with sleeplessness. They might find it hard to sleep if they are worried, drinking too much tea or coffee, cola or energy drinks, or are using illegal drugs. Some will just get into the habit of going to sleep very late. After a while, they find that they can’t get to sleep at an earlier time.
It is important that your child has a regular sleep routine:
• Decide on regular times for going to bed and getting up.
• Stick to these times.
Sometimes, difficulty in sleeping is part of a severe Depression.
Daytime sleepiness:
This can simply be caused by your child not getting enough sleep at night. Reasons for this might include:
• Going out too late with friends, working or studying
•Stress or worry.
•Less commonly, loud snoring can wake a child this is called obstructive sleep apnoea. It
can be caused by large tonsils and adenoids at the side and back of the throat. Taking them out can sometimes help.
• Some young people sleep too much if they are depressed.
• Drug or alcohol misuse may be a factor.
• Narcolepsy is an unusual condition that causes unpredictable attacks of sleep during the day. People with narcolepsy may also have sudden attacks of weakness – this is called cataplexy.
Nightmares:
Most children have nightmares occasionally. These are vivid and frightening dreams. Children will usually remember the dream, and will need to be comforted so that they can get back to sleep. Nightmares can also be caused by worry, by nasty accidents, by bullying and by abuse of any kind. You can help by encouraging your child to talk about the dream or draw a picture of it. This will help you to find out the cause of the upset
and work out what help or support your child needs.
Night terrors:
Night terrors most commonly affect children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. They are completely different from nightmares or anxiety related dreams. Unlike nightmares, they happen to young children an hour or two after falling asleep. The first sign is that your child is screaming uncontrollably and seems to be awake. In spite of appearances, your child is still asleep. They will not be able to recognize you, will be confused and unable to communicate, and it is usually hard to reassure them. It is best not to try and wake them, but sit with them until the night terror passes, usually after about 5 minutes. Try not to feel upset yourself. It can be very distressing to see your child so disturbed, but they will not remember it in the morning. Children usually grow out of this.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is similar to night terrors, but instead of being terrified, the child gets up out of bed and moves around. The main thing you can do to help is to make sure that they don’t hurt themselves. You may need to take practical precautions, like using a stair-gate, making sure that windows and doors are securely locked, and that fires are screened or put out. This is also something that children tend to grow out of.
Why sleep problems matter:
Sleep problems are very common. Most children’s sleep problems happen only occasionally. They are not serious and get better on their own with time. If they don’t, you need to take them seriously. As well as being upsetting, they may interfere with your child’s learning and behaviour. There may be an underlying health problem, physical or mental.
Where can I get help?
There are some simple things you can do to help your child sleep better:
• Develop a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine with your child. This should start with quiet time to help your child to wind down – for example, a bath followed by a short bedtime story before you say goodnight. This helps children to settle, and should end with your child falling asleep without the need for you to be with them.
•It is important to be loving, but firm, about when it is time for your child to settle down
for the night. When your child cries out, it is important to be sure that they are not wet, ill
or in pain. It is best to do this quickly, while still comforting and reassuring them. Don’t
spend too much time with them or take them into your bed, because this will reward them
for being awake.
• A dummy can help to comfort young infants who wake needing to suck. Once you have
weaned your child on to solid foods, it is best not to give them a bottle or dummy at night if they wake and can’t find it, they will probably start crying. A cuddly toy or favourite blanket can often help young children to cope with their separation anxiety.
Your general practitioner (GP) or health visitor can offer advice and help. If things don’t get better, it is worth thinking about asking for a specialist opinion from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. This will help to find out exactly what the problem is and how it can be best resolved.
Introduction:
One of the most common problems in toddlers and young children is sleeplessness. The child may have difficulty settling to sleep, or wakes in the night and wants a parent. Very young children often fear being left alone at night. This ‘separation anxiety’ is normal at a young age. Difficulties in sleeping are due to a number of reasons such as napping too much in the daytime, bedtime fears and bedwetting. You might find that when your child gets very tired, they get irritable, aggressive or even overactive not sleepy.
Older children and teenagers can also have problems with sleeplessness. They might find it hard to sleep if they are worried, drinking too much tea or coffee, cola or energy drinks, or are using illegal drugs. Some will just get into the habit of going to sleep very late. After a while, they find that they can’t get to sleep at an earlier time.
It is important that your child has a regular sleep routine:
• Decide on regular times for going to bed and getting up.
• Stick to these times.
Sometimes, difficulty in sleeping is part of a severe Depression.
Daytime sleepiness:
This can simply be caused by your child not getting enough sleep at night. Reasons for this might include:
• Going out too late with friends, working or studying
•Stress or worry.
•Less commonly, loud snoring can wake a child this is called obstructive sleep apnoea. It
can be caused by large tonsils and adenoids at the side and back of the throat. Taking them out can sometimes help.
• Some young people sleep too much if they are depressed.
• Drug or alcohol misuse may be a factor.
• Narcolepsy is an unusual condition that causes unpredictable attacks of sleep during the day. People with narcolepsy may also have sudden attacks of weakness – this is called cataplexy.
Nightmares:
Most children have nightmares occasionally. These are vivid and frightening dreams. Children will usually remember the dream, and will need to be comforted so that they can get back to sleep. Nightmares can also be caused by worry, by nasty accidents, by bullying and by abuse of any kind. You can help by encouraging your child to talk about the dream or draw a picture of it. This will help you to find out the cause of the upset
and work out what help or support your child needs.
Night terrors:
Night terrors most commonly affect children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. They are completely different from nightmares or anxiety related dreams. Unlike nightmares, they happen to young children an hour or two after falling asleep. The first sign is that your child is screaming uncontrollably and seems to be awake. In spite of appearances, your child is still asleep. They will not be able to recognize you, will be confused and unable to communicate, and it is usually hard to reassure them. It is best not to try and wake them, but sit with them until the night terror passes, usually after about 5 minutes. Try not to feel upset yourself. It can be very distressing to see your child so disturbed, but they will not remember it in the morning. Children usually grow out of this.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is similar to night terrors, but instead of being terrified, the child gets up out of bed and moves around. The main thing you can do to help is to make sure that they don’t hurt themselves. You may need to take practical precautions, like using a stair-gate, making sure that windows and doors are securely locked, and that fires are screened or put out. This is also something that children tend to grow out of.
Why sleep problems matter:
Sleep problems are very common. Most children’s sleep problems happen only occasionally. They are not serious and get better on their own with time. If they don’t, you need to take them seriously. As well as being upsetting, they may interfere with your child’s learning and behaviour. There may be an underlying health problem, physical or mental.
Where can I get help?
There are some simple things you can do to help your child sleep better:
• Develop a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine with your child. This should start with quiet time to help your child to wind down – for example, a bath followed by a short bedtime story before you say goodnight. This helps children to settle, and should end with your child falling asleep without the need for you to be with them.
•It is important to be loving, but firm, about when it is time for your child to settle down
for the night. When your child cries out, it is important to be sure that they are not wet, ill
or in pain. It is best to do this quickly, while still comforting and reassuring them. Don’t
spend too much time with them or take them into your bed, because this will reward them
for being awake.
• A dummy can help to comfort young infants who wake needing to suck. Once you have
weaned your child on to solid foods, it is best not to give them a bottle or dummy at night if they wake and can’t find it, they will probably start crying. A cuddly toy or favourite blanket can often help young children to cope with their separation anxiety.
Your general practitioner (GP) or health visitor can offer advice and help. If things don’t get better, it is worth thinking about asking for a specialist opinion from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. This will help to find out exactly what the problem is and how it can be best resolved.
12 December 2011
EXAM PHOBIA
EXAM PHOBIA
It is a common experience that more than 50 per cent of students suffer from an examinations phobia.
It doesn't matter whether the student is intelligent or not. They all worry about forgetting or overlooking something or the other while appearing in an exam, not being able to recall important facts at the appropriate time and, most importantly, ending up with a low score or failing. And these fears become barriers in their performance, especially during exam time.
I want to share through this piece some of the major reasons leading to exam phobia along with some ways that can come in handy in helping students beat the fear and enjoy the learning process.
Most teachers as a general practice in schools target their teaching either directly or indirectly towards the exams. Being focused on that, they highlight the same for the students as well like emphasiszing the need to complete much of the syllabus before the exams, working on important topics that may come in the exams, revise the lessons before the exams, etc.
The students too, as a result of this, feel that exams are the most important thing. With that settled, they too start focusing on exams while living with a feeling of dread instead of enjoying their classes.
But before discussing ways to help students beat this fear, it would also be helpful to examine the facet of fear.
Sometimes fear is related to a specific subject as a result of which your confidence may rise or fall only when tested in that subject.
Students might also fear the punishment that would be awarded to them by their parents or teachers on getting low marks. Because if God forbid, they measure less on their expectations, they are not just punished for it by the teachers in the form of having to write the correct answer 10 times or sometimes even 100 but the parents too show their disappointment by ignoring them for several days.
Another aspect is being retained in the same class on failing the finals. In addition to all this, the students know that the teachers always appreciate those who get the highest marks in class so simply getting good or average grades is not good enough.
At this stage, when the students find themselves disinterested in their studies due to exam phobia, the role of the teachers in encouraging them to just do their best becomes even more important.
So how can a teacher help the agonising young minds to lose their fear of exams? The following tips may come in handy:
• Make your students aware of the fact that their getting less marks in the exams will not result in any kind of punishment. Help them realise that examinations are merely a segment of the learning process used to explore one's skills. Give the same message to the parents as well.
• Do make the students understand that the process of learning is far more important than giving exams. If a student takes an active interest in his or her studies while not thinking about being tested on it later on, he or she would automatically gain good marks.
• Appreciate even the slightest improvement in performances. It will enhance self esteem, making the child want to learn more and work hard to acquire more good grades. Also share the improvement in students with the parents which will also do away with the notion that teachers only call the parents when the child is failing in class.
• Help them believe in their strengths. All children have their own sets of hidden potential. Help them realise their good points. For example, some students may have good handwriting, some might have good presentation skills and so on. Ask them to use the best of their already existing skills and abilities during the exam to get better results instead of thinking and worrying about self-created fears.
• Help the students search out their own areas of weakness. Self assessment helps in finding out the area within oneself that needs improvement. For instance, I secured less marks in the exam because: (a) I made careless mistakes, (b) My presentation was not attractive, (c) My time management needs improvement, (d) I need to go through the concept with the teacher again and so on. After making them go through a process of self assessment, facilitate them to practically work on the weak areas either through tasks given in the classroom or through homework.
So how can a Parents help the agonising young minds to lose their fear of exams? The following tips may come in handy:
■never underestimate your children
■never force your child to choose their course
■take care of your child's dream
■always help your child to overcome stress
■parents role is to give adequate nutrition,environment for reading
■never compare your child with other student
■never give a goal or career line to student give yr child to select his career
■always keep a watch over child but don't spy on him
■always remember that everyone's brain has their own capcity so beyond this capacity nobody can't do anything
■give emotional support to your child
■always try to be in touch with teacher
AT THE END NEVER WAIT IF ANY MENTAL DISTURBANCE OR STRESS IS SEEN IN YOUR CHILDREN
CONSULT PSYCHIATRIST AND GET ACADEMIC GUIDANCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AT THE BEGINING OF 10TH AND 12TH STD
It is a common experience that more than 50 per cent of students suffer from an examinations phobia.
It doesn't matter whether the student is intelligent or not. They all worry about forgetting or overlooking something or the other while appearing in an exam, not being able to recall important facts at the appropriate time and, most importantly, ending up with a low score or failing. And these fears become barriers in their performance, especially during exam time.
I want to share through this piece some of the major reasons leading to exam phobia along with some ways that can come in handy in helping students beat the fear and enjoy the learning process.
Most teachers as a general practice in schools target their teaching either directly or indirectly towards the exams. Being focused on that, they highlight the same for the students as well like emphasiszing the need to complete much of the syllabus before the exams, working on important topics that may come in the exams, revise the lessons before the exams, etc.
The students too, as a result of this, feel that exams are the most important thing. With that settled, they too start focusing on exams while living with a feeling of dread instead of enjoying their classes.
But before discussing ways to help students beat this fear, it would also be helpful to examine the facet of fear.
Sometimes fear is related to a specific subject as a result of which your confidence may rise or fall only when tested in that subject.
Students might also fear the punishment that would be awarded to them by their parents or teachers on getting low marks. Because if God forbid, they measure less on their expectations, they are not just punished for it by the teachers in the form of having to write the correct answer 10 times or sometimes even 100 but the parents too show their disappointment by ignoring them for several days.
Another aspect is being retained in the same class on failing the finals. In addition to all this, the students know that the teachers always appreciate those who get the highest marks in class so simply getting good or average grades is not good enough.
At this stage, when the students find themselves disinterested in their studies due to exam phobia, the role of the teachers in encouraging them to just do their best becomes even more important.
So how can a teacher help the agonising young minds to lose their fear of exams? The following tips may come in handy:
• Make your students aware of the fact that their getting less marks in the exams will not result in any kind of punishment. Help them realise that examinations are merely a segment of the learning process used to explore one's skills. Give the same message to the parents as well.
• Do make the students understand that the process of learning is far more important than giving exams. If a student takes an active interest in his or her studies while not thinking about being tested on it later on, he or she would automatically gain good marks.
• Appreciate even the slightest improvement in performances. It will enhance self esteem, making the child want to learn more and work hard to acquire more good grades. Also share the improvement in students with the parents which will also do away with the notion that teachers only call the parents when the child is failing in class.
• Help them believe in their strengths. All children have their own sets of hidden potential. Help them realise their good points. For example, some students may have good handwriting, some might have good presentation skills and so on. Ask them to use the best of their already existing skills and abilities during the exam to get better results instead of thinking and worrying about self-created fears.
• Help the students search out their own areas of weakness. Self assessment helps in finding out the area within oneself that needs improvement. For instance, I secured less marks in the exam because: (a) I made careless mistakes, (b) My presentation was not attractive, (c) My time management needs improvement, (d) I need to go through the concept with the teacher again and so on. After making them go through a process of self assessment, facilitate them to practically work on the weak areas either through tasks given in the classroom or through homework.
So how can a Parents help the agonising young minds to lose their fear of exams? The following tips may come in handy:
■never underestimate your children
■never force your child to choose their course
■take care of your child's dream
■always help your child to overcome stress
■parents role is to give adequate nutrition,environment for reading
■never compare your child with other student
■never give a goal or career line to student give yr child to select his career
■always keep a watch over child but don't spy on him
■always remember that everyone's brain has their own capcity so beyond this capacity nobody can't do anything
■give emotional support to your child
■always try to be in touch with teacher
AT THE END NEVER WAIT IF ANY MENTAL DISTURBANCE OR STRESS IS SEEN IN YOUR CHILDREN
CONSULT PSYCHIATRIST AND GET ACADEMIC GUIDANCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AT THE BEGINING OF 10TH AND 12TH STD
15 February 2011
Prescription sleeping pills: What's right for you?
Prescription sleeping pills: What's right for you?
Sleeping pills help when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. If you have chronic insomnia, a better approach may be to remove the cause by changing your lifestyle.
If you're regularly having trouble either falling or staying asleep (insomnia), make an appointment with your doctor. Treatment is available — but it depends on what's causing your insomnia. In many cases an underlying medical or sleep disorder can be diagnosed and treated, a much more effective approach than just treating the symptom of insomnia itself.
Behavior changes are generally the best treatment for persistent insomnia. For occasional sleepless nights, however, prescription sleeping pills may be helpful. Although sleeping pills don't treat the underlying cause of your sleeping problems, they may help you get some much needed rest.
Today's prescription sleeping pills don't carry the same level of risks of dependence and overdoses as sleeping pills of the past. But risks remain — especially for people who have certain medical conditions, including liver and kidney disease. Always talk with your doctor before trying a new treatment for insomnia.
Types of prescription sleeping pills
Prescription sleeping pills are available to help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer — or both. Before prescribing a medication to help you sleep, your doctor will ask you a number of questions to get a clear picture of your sleep patterns. He or she may also order tests to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing difficulty sleeping.
To reduce the risk of side effects and of becoming reliant on drugs to sleep, your doctor likely will prescribe medications for two weeks or less. If the first medication you take doesn't work after the full prescribed course, call your doctor. You may need to try more than one prescription sleeping pill before finding one that works for you.
Some prescription sleeping pills are available as generic drugs, which are typically less expensive than brand names. Ask your doctor whether there is a generic version available of the medication he or she prescribes.
Sleeping pills help when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. If you have chronic insomnia, a better approach may be to remove the cause by changing your lifestyle.
If you're regularly having trouble either falling or staying asleep (insomnia), make an appointment with your doctor. Treatment is available — but it depends on what's causing your insomnia. In many cases an underlying medical or sleep disorder can be diagnosed and treated, a much more effective approach than just treating the symptom of insomnia itself.
Behavior changes are generally the best treatment for persistent insomnia. For occasional sleepless nights, however, prescription sleeping pills may be helpful. Although sleeping pills don't treat the underlying cause of your sleeping problems, they may help you get some much needed rest.
Today's prescription sleeping pills don't carry the same level of risks of dependence and overdoses as sleeping pills of the past. But risks remain — especially for people who have certain medical conditions, including liver and kidney disease. Always talk with your doctor before trying a new treatment for insomnia.
Types of prescription sleeping pills
Prescription sleeping pills are available to help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer — or both. Before prescribing a medication to help you sleep, your doctor will ask you a number of questions to get a clear picture of your sleep patterns. He or she may also order tests to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing difficulty sleeping.
To reduce the risk of side effects and of becoming reliant on drugs to sleep, your doctor likely will prescribe medications for two weeks or less. If the first medication you take doesn't work after the full prescribed course, call your doctor. You may need to try more than one prescription sleeping pill before finding one that works for you.
Some prescription sleeping pills are available as generic drugs, which are typically less expensive than brand names. Ask your doctor whether there is a generic version available of the medication he or she prescribes.
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