Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is an essential part of a person's overall health and well-being, and a lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on young people. Sleep issues in adolescents have been linked to a wide range of medical and psychological problems, including aggressive behaviour, poor concentration, and anxiety. While sleeping pills can be a solution, they can also be dangerous, especially for minors. So, can a minor buy sleeping pills? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of sleeping pills for minors | Over-the-counter sleep aids like melatonin, Benadryl, and Unisom are available for minors without a prescription. |
| Prescription sleeping pills for minors | Prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended for minors due to potential side effects and safety concerns. Child psychiatrists may prescribe them in specific cases of childhood insomnia or psychological issues. |
| Side effects of sleeping pills | Side effects of adult medications include weakness, uncontrollable shaking, and balance issues. Melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. Z drugs can cause sleepwalking and dependence issues. |
| Recommended duration of use | Sleeping pills should be used for a limited duration, typically no more than four consecutive weeks or three weeks at most. |
| Alternatives to sleeping pills | Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, and reducing technology use at night are recommended as alternative approaches to improve sleep. |
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What You'll Learn
Over-the-counter sleep aids
Sleep is extremely important for young people, and insomnia in children has been linked to a wide range of medical and psychological problems. While sleeping pills can be dangerous for minors, there are some over-the-counter options that can help aid sleep. These are usually found in the supplements aisle of a pharmacy and are much weaker than prescription medication.
One option is melatonin, which is a natural protein that makes people feel tired. It is available in gummy form and can be helpful for restless sleepers or those who have trouble falling asleep. However, it can have side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also be purchased over the counter and may aid sleep due to their drowsy side effects. Unisom is another over-the-counter sleep aid that does not require a prescription.
It is important to note that medication should be a last resort, and there are many other alternatives to aid sleep. Cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and meditation can all help. Reducing technology use at night can also improve sleep, as the blue light from device screens can suppress melatonin production and disrupt sleep.
While Z drugs such as zolpidem and zopiclone are non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills that can be prescribed in the UK, they are not suitable for minors and should only be prescribed for severe insomnia after other non-medication treatments have been attempted. These drugs can cause dependence and withdrawal issues and may not be suitable for more than a few weeks of use.
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Prescription sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can be purchased over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Providers generally do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term because they are not a cure for insomnia and carry a risk of dependence and addiction. They are typically prescribed for short-term relief only.
Prescription sleep medications work in different ways. Benzodiazepines, for example, stimulate a brain chemical called GABA, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Z-drug sleeping pills, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), slow down brain activity.
Sleeping pills, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhoea, and muscle weakness. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy and dizzy, and experiencing muddled thinking and balance problems. These effects can impact the ability to drive, work, or perform daily tasks, so caution is advised when taking sleep medicine.
Child psychiatrists may prescribe sleeping pills to minors due to the effects of sleep deprivation on young bodies. Childhood insomnia is associated with various medical and psychological issues, including aggressive behaviour, poor concentration, and anxiety. However, there are no FDA-approved sleep medications for children, so young patients are often prescribed adult medications, which can have more severe side effects, including weakness, uncontrollable shaking, and balance issues. These medications are typically not meant to be taken for more than a few days at a time. Even natural sleep supplements like melatonin can cause side effects in minors, including daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
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Side effects of sleeping pills
In the United States, minors aged 15-17 can buy milder over-the-counter sleeping pills such as melatonin and Benadryl. However, prescription sleeping pills are not available for children, and over-the-counter pills are intended for short-term use only. Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, and in some cases, may lead to dependency or addiction.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Other possible side effects include:
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
- Digestive problems, including gas, heartburn, and nausea
- Worsening of snoring and sleep apnea
- Confusion and memory issues, especially in older adults
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty urinating
- Burning or tingling sensation in the extremities
Sleeping pills can also interfere with normal breathing and be dangerous for people with certain chronic lung problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, they may cause a "hangover effect" the day after taking them, with users experiencing muddled thinking and balance issues. This can negatively impact daily activities such as driving or working.
It is important to note that sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use, as they can lead to dependence and worsen insomnia. If you are considering taking sleeping pills, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional first to discuss potential side effects and alternative treatments.
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Natural alternatives to sleeping pills
While sleeping pills can be prescribed by child psychiatrists to treat childhood insomnia, which has been linked to a range of medical and psychological issues, they are not without risks. Sleeping pills can have side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches, and are not designed to be taken for more than a few days at a time. As such, it is important to consider natural alternatives that may aid sleep.
Herbal and natural supplements have become popular alternatives to prescription sleep medications due to their perceived safety, lower risk of dependence, and fewer side effects. However, it is important to note that these supplements are not without risks and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Valerian: This herbal supplement has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. It is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women experiencing insomnia.
- Hops: Hops have been found to enhance sleep quality, with a 2014 study showing that non-alcoholic beer containing hops improved university students' sleep.
- Chamomile: The chamomile plant has sedative effects, promoting rest and sleep. It has been found to help postpartum mothers sleep better and can also alleviate digestive issues and depressive symptoms.
- Lavender: The calming effects of lavender may promote restful sleep. A 2015 study found that lavender improved sleep quality in postpartum mothers.
- Passionflower: This plant contains chemicals that have a calming effect and can induce feelings of relaxation and tiredness when combined with other plants in a herbal blend. A 2016 study found that passionflower helped mitigate sleep issues after four weeks of ingestion.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that governs our circadian cycles. Taking melatonin supplements may help you fall asleep and improve your sleep quality.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is often included in natural sleep aids as it supports natural sleep cycles and reduces nighttime awakenings.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and meditation: These non-pharmacological methods can aid with sleep and help address underlying causes of insomnia.
It is important to remember that while these natural alternatives may help improve sleep, they might not work for everyone, and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.
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Sleeping pill dependence and withdrawal
In the United States, there are no FDA-approved sleep medications for children. This means that minors who are prescribed sleeping pills are taking powerful adult medications that can have side effects like weakness, uncontrollable shaking, and difficulty keeping balance. These medications are not designed to be taken for more than a few days at a time.
Sleeping pills are both physically and psychologically addictive. People can become dependent on them after just a few weeks of use, and the risk of dependence increases with the duration of use. Dependence on sleeping pills can lead to withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. These symptoms can be intense and vary from person to person, but they often include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, dizziness, and faintness. More severe symptoms can include hallucinations, seizures, and even death. Rebound insomnia is also a common withdrawal symptom, where the insomnia returns and is often worse than before. The duration of rebound insomnia depends on the half-lives of the medication, the frequency of use, and the dosage taken.
To manage the risk of dependence and withdrawal, it is crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions and use sleeping pills for the shortest duration possible. Gradual dose reduction ("tapering") with or without substitute medication, brief contacts with doctors, and therapeutic support have been found to help with withdrawal. Medical detoxification may be necessary in cases of established dependence, and individuals are advised to seek professional help to manage the process safely.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country and the type of sleeping pill. In the UK, for example, melatonin and Benadryl are available over the counter and can be bought by minors. However, prescription sleeping pills, such as Z drugs, can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Z drugs are non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills used to treat severe insomnia. They are short-acting drugs with a lower likelihood of causing a 'hangover' effect the next day. Zolpidem and zopiclone are Z drugs currently licensed for prescription in the UK.
Sleeping pills can have various side effects, including daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, weakness, uncontrollable shaking, and difficulty keeping balance. They can also cause sleepwalking and dependence or withdrawal issues. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the medication and not take sleeping pills for longer than recommended.
Yes, it is recommended that minors first try alternative methods to improve their sleep, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, and limiting technology use before bedtime. Lifestyle changes, such as a family commitment to switching off at night, can also help improve sleep habits.
