Gina Johnson
Sleep is essential for good health, but many people experience sleep issues for a variety of reasons. Sleeping pills are prescription medications that can help treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep. They are typically prescribed for short-term use, and only when other methods, such as lifestyle changes and behavioural treatments, have been explored. While sleeping pills can be effective, they also carry risks and side effects, including the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication for sleep disorders to ensure safe and effective use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescribed by | Doctors, PAs |
| Use | Short-term treatment for sleep problems, extreme insomnia, or restless sleep |
| Types | Anti-Parkinsonian drugs, Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants, Antianxiety medications, Orexin receptor antagonists, Anticonvulsants, Antinarcoleptics, Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, Melatonin receptor stimulators |
| Side effects | Addiction, substance use disorder, overdose, parasomnia, sleepwalking, sleep eating, sleep driving, worsened snoring, sleep apnea, memory issues, balance problems, constipation, difficulty urinating, dry mouth or throat, decreased sexual drive, weight gain, withdrawal symptoms, rebound insomnia |
| Precautions | Should not be mixed with other sedatives or alcohol, not suitable for children or adolescents, not safe for long-term use, should be combined with good sleep practices and/or behavioral treatments |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pill side effects
Sleeping pills are typically prescribed for short-term use to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. While they can be effective in aiding sleep, they also come with a range of potential side effects. It is important to note that not everyone experiences side effects, and your doctor can advise you on the specific risks associated with a particular medication.
One of the most commonly reported side effects is a "hangover" effect the next day, causing drowsiness, muddled thinking, dizziness, and balance problems. This can impact your ability to drive, work, or perform other daily tasks safely. Older adults are more susceptible to these side effects, which can increase their risk of falls, hip fractures, and car accidents. Additionally, sleeping pills may cause digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. They can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Sleeping pills can induce parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep disorders where individuals engage in complex behaviours while still mostly asleep. People taking sleeping pills may sleepwalk, eat, talk, or even drive without being fully awake or aware of their actions. This can pose a significant danger to both the individual and others. Furthermore, sleeping pills can interfere with normal breathing and may be risky for individuals with asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Sleeping pills are also associated with memory and attention problems, and in some cases, they can lead to dependence and addiction. Benzodiazepines, a common type of sleeping pill, are potentially addictive and are usually not recommended for long-term use. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing sleeping pills to ensure safe use and gradual withdrawal if necessary.
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Sleeping pill alternatives
Sleeping pills can be addictive and are typically only prescribed for short-term use. They should not be mixed with other sedatives or alcohol, as this can lead to an overdose. Before taking any sleep medication, it is important to talk to your doctor to understand the options, benefits, and risks.
Good Sleep Habits
Good sleep habits include keeping a sleep diary, changing your sleep environment, and adopting nondrug treatments, especially for older adults. For children, changing sleep behaviours is often the best way to improve sleep.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Melatonin supplements, for example, can help promote sleep by helping melatonin levels rise. It is most helpful if taken an hour before bedtime and comes in short- and long-acting forms. Antihistamines can also be used as a sleep aid, although they are not approved for this purpose and carry a risk of overdose.
Behavioural Treatments
Cognitive behavioural therapy can help improve sleep. Medication works best when combined with good sleep practices and/or behavioural treatments.
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Prescription sleeping pills
Sleep issues can occur due to several factors, and people with cancer or heart disease often experience them. Before recommending sleeping pills, providers may suggest trying alternative methods to improve sleep. These can include keeping a sleep diary, changing the sleep environment, or trying cognitive behavioral therapy.
Prescription sleep medications work in different ways. Benzodiazepines, for example, stimulate the GABA chemical in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. However, they can be addictive, so they are usually prescribed only for short periods. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), work by slowing down brain activity. They are often preferred over benzodiazepines due to their lower risk of dependence. Other types of prescription sleeping pills include anti-Parkinsonian drugs, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, orexin receptor antagonists, and antinarcoleptics.
Sleeping pills can cause various side effects, including constipation, diarrhoea, and muscle weakness. About 80% of people experience a hangover effect the day after taking them, feeling drowsy and disoriented. Additionally, they can cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where people may sleepwalk, eat, or even drive without being fully awake and aware of their actions. This can have dangerous consequences. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives can lead to an increased risk of overdose, and they should be discontinued gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Over-the-counter sleeping pills
While PAs can prescribe medication, it is not recommended to take sleeping pills long-term, even with a prescription. This is because they are not a cure for insomnia and can lead to dependence and addiction. Instead, it is advised to try alternative methods to improve sleep, such as changing your sleep environment, cognitive behavioural therapy, or keeping a sleep diary.
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are available without a prescription and can be purchased at pharmacies or drug stores. They are typically antihistamines that work by blocking histamines, the substances in your body that cause alertness. Common ingredients in OTC sleeping pills include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. While they may provide temporary relief for occasional sleeplessness, they are not intended for long-term use.
It is important to note that OTC sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsening of snoring and sleep apnea, and a "hangover" effect the next day, including drowsiness, muddled thinking, and dizziness. These effects can negatively impact your daily functioning, so caution should be exercised when taking these medications.
People aged 65 and older are advised to try non-drug treatments first due to the increased risks associated with sleeping pills in older adults. The drugs can stay in their bodies longer, causing side effects like confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which increase the risk of falls and hip fractures.
Additionally, parents should not give OTC antihistamine medications to children to aid sleep without first consulting a pediatrician or pediatric sleep specialist. These medicines are not approved for sleep purposes, and there is a risk of overdosing. Changing a child's sleep behaviours is often the best way to improve their sleep.
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Sleeping pill withdrawal
Sleeping pills are typically prescribed for short-term use, and it is important to use them as directed to minimise the risk of dependence and withdrawal. Sleeping pills, also known as hypnotics or sedatives, are medications that slow down the nervous system to help individuals fall asleep or stay asleep.
However, physical and psychological dependence on sleeping pills can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. The withdrawal process and duration vary for each individual, but symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours after the last dose and peak between four to ten days. In some cases, psychological symptoms can persist for several weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from moderate to severe and may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremors, shivering, circulation problems, sweating, and sleep disturbances. In severe cases, seizures may occur, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, medical detox is recommended to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detoxification process. Doctors will monitor vital signs and address any health concerns during medical detox. They may also taper the dosage gradually rather than having the individual quit abruptly, which can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
To prevent dependence and withdrawal, it is crucial to use sleeping pills as directed, for the shortest duration possible, and consider non-medical interventions for sleep issues, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. If you plan to stop taking sleeping pills, consult your healthcare provider to determine a safe plan for discontinuation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a PA can prescribe sleeping pills. Sleeping pills are prescription medications containing tranquilizers to treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep.
Sleeping pills can have side effects and are typically prescribed for short-term use. They can become habit-forming and cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Other side effects include feeling tired or groggy the next day and memory problems in older adults.
Yes, it is recommended to try lifestyle modifications and behavioural treatments before resorting to sleeping pills. This includes regular exercise, reducing caffeine and sugar intake, avoiding eating close to bedtime, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
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