Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills are available over the counter or by prescription. While they can be effective in aiding sleep, they are not without risks. Prescription sleeping pills, for instance, are associated with a risk of dependence and addiction. Further, certain sleeping pills such as benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety and sleep problems, but they can interact with opioids and increase the risk of overdose. This has spurred research into alternative sleep medications such as suvorexant, which has shown promise in helping people sleep better during opioid withdrawal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect | Sleeping pills make users feel drowsy and relaxed, helping them fall and stay asleep. |
| Addiction | Sleeping pills can be addictive and cause dependence. |
| Side effects | Sleeping pills can cause confusion, sleepwalking, or eating in sleep. |
| Overdose | Sleeping pills can cause overdose, especially when mixed with opioids, other sedatives, or alcohol. |
| Availability | Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. |
| Alternatives | CBT, mindfulness techniques, and other non-drug therapies are recommended over sleeping pills. |
| Types | Sleeping pills include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, melatonin, valerian, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills are not opioids, but they can interact with them
Sleeping pills are not opioids, but they can interact with opioids and increase the risk of opioid overdose. Sleeping pills are sedatives that treat insomnia by making people feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also induce drowsiness. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and mixing them with opioids can be dangerous and lead to overdose, coma, or death. The risk of overdose is especially high for those who mix sleeping pills with opioids or alcohol. This is because the sedative effects of sleeping pills are amplified by these substances, increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Additionally, taking higher doses of sleeping pills can increase the risk of complex sleep behaviours and overdose.
Sleeping pills work by changing how the brain functions to help people fall and stay asleep. They can affect brain hormones like melatonin or brain chemicals like orexin, which is responsible for wakefulness. While sleeping pills can be effective in treating insomnia, they are not a cure and should be used with caution due to their potential side effects and addictive nature. Other non-drug therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may be more effective in improving sleep without the same risks associated with sleeping pills.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills, especially if taking other medications, to avoid any potential drug interactions or adverse effects. While sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term for treating insomnia, they should not be relied upon long-term due to their potential for dependence and negative health consequences.
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Mixing sleeping pills with opioids can increase the risk of overdose
Sleeping pills are not opioids, but they are central nervous system depressants. They are designed to treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. However, they can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
Sleeping pills can be addictive and may lead to overdose, particularly when taken in large quantities or combined with other substances. Mixing sleeping pills with opioids can increase the risk of overdose, coma, or death. This is because the combination may slow down the brain to a dangerously low level, leading to respiratory depression. The risk of overdose death rises significantly as the prescribed doses increase. For instance, the risk of opioid-related overdose death is nearly 17 times higher for those who use opioids at moderate to high doses together with benzodiazepines.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased by 22% between 2019 and 2020. In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a boxed warning to all benzodiazepines to caution people about the serious risks of addiction, abuse, drug interactions, and potential adverse effects. Drug overdose deaths in the US have consistently increased since 1999, reaching nearly 92,000 in 2020. Sleeping pills, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates, are among the chief causes.
It is important to note that sleeping pills should not be mixed with other substances, such as alcohol and other sedative drugs. Even without mixing, taking sleeping pills consistently for a long time can lead to dependence and addiction. If you stop taking them, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
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Sleeping pills are sedatives that make you feel drowsy
Sleeping pills are sedative-hypnotics, a specific class of drugs used to help people fall asleep or stay asleep. They are not opioids, but they are still potentially addictive and can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. They should not be used long-term and can be dangerous when mixed with other sedatives or alcohol.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger and include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and Z-drugs. Benzodiazepines stimulate a brain chemical called GABA, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. They are potentially addictive and can cause problems with memory and attention. Barbiturates depress the central nervous system, causing sedation. They are typically used as anesthesia during surgery or medical procedures. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), slow down brain activity.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. About 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleeping pills, feeling drowsy and disoriented. These daytime effects can negatively impact daily tasks and the ability to drive or operate machinery. Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where people may sleepwalk, eat, talk, or drive while unaware of their actions. Most people do not remember doing these things after they wake up.
While sleeping pills can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, they are not a cure and should be used with caution due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Healthcare providers typically prescribe them for short-term relief, and it is important to follow the instructions for use. Other non-drug therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques may be more effective in improving sleep without the same risks associated with sleeping pills.
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Sleeping pills can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms
Sleeping pills are not opioids, but they can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms. Sleeping pills are designed to treat insomnia by making users feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription. Providers do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term because they are not a cure for insomnia and there is a risk of dependence and addiction.
Sleeping pills change how the brain functions to help users fall and stay asleep. The more one takes them, the more the brain becomes dependent on them. If one stops taking them, they may experience uncomfortable sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms. However, not everyone who becomes dependent on sleeping pills develops an addiction, although it is a risk factor.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when people suddenly stop using sleeping pills. Depending on the specific drug, symptoms can start within a few hours, but they may also start later—sometimes even weeks after one stops taking the drug. Typical withdrawal symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and feeling dizzy and faint. These symptoms are similar to the ones the sedative was originally meant to get rid of. To avoid such relapses, it is important to try to keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum when one stops taking the medication. This is why it is common to gradually reduce the dose over several weeks before stopping the medication completely.
Sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms can be intense, although they will vary from individual to individual based on several factors, such as the severity and length of the addiction. Some symptoms can even be life-threatening if not treated by a medical professional. During medical detox, doctors monitor the person in withdrawal to check vital signs and address any potential health concerns that may arise.
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Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. However, sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to several associated risks and side effects.
Firstly, sleeping pills are not a cure for insomnia. While they can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep, they do not address the underlying causes of insomnia or improve your sleep quality in the long term. It is important to note that insomnia can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or other medical conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and address the root cause of insomnia rather than solely relying on sleeping pills for temporary relief.
Secondly, sleeping pills can lead to dependence and addiction. With prolonged use, your brain can become dependent on sleeping pills to fall asleep, and stopping their use may result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, there is a risk of developing an addiction to sleeping pills, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Even a mild addiction can quickly escalate, and mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as alcohol, can increase the risk of overdose, coma, or even death.
Thirdly, sleeping pills can have side effects that may negatively impact your daily functioning. Common side effects include excessive drowsiness during the day, confusion, and problems with concentration. In rare cases, allergic reactions and nocturnal behaviours, such as walking or eating in your sleep (parasomnia), can occur. These side effects can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks and may pose safety risks, especially if you operate heavy machinery or engage in activities that require alertness and concentration.
Lastly, sleeping pills may interact with other medications or health conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills, especially if you are taking other medications or have existing health issues. Sleeping pills can interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs or worsen certain medical conditions. Additionally, the effectiveness of OTC sleeping pills may wear off over time, making them less effective for long-term use.
While sleeping pills can provide temporary relief from sleep issues, it is crucial to explore alternative treatments and lifestyle changes to improve your sleep hygiene. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, meditation, and deep breathing are some examples of non-drug therapies that can help improve your sleep quality without the risks associated with long-term sleeping pill use. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for managing insomnia or sleep difficulties.
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Frequently asked questions
No, sleeping pills are not opioids. Opioids are a type of painkiller, whereas sleeping pills are used to help people sleep. However, some sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem, can be misused and are therefore risky for people with substance use disorders.
Taking sleeping pills with opioids can increase the risk of an opioid overdose. Stanford researchers found that nearly 30% of fatal opioid overdoses in the US also involved benzodiazepines, which are commonly used to treat sleep problems.
The FDA-approved sleep medication suvorexant has been found to help people sleep better during opioid withdrawal. Unlike many sleeping pills, suvorexant targets the sleep-wake cycle instead of causing drowsiness, and it does not cause a drug "high".
Sleeping pills can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. They can be addictive and may interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills or supplements.
