Colin Snow
Sleeping pills are medications that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. They are available over the counter or by prescription, and they go by many names, including sleep aids, sleep medicines, and tranquilizers. While they can be effective in treating short-term insomnia, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with their use. Sleeping pills can cause constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. They can also lead to dependence and addiction, with rebound insomnia occurring when an individual stops taking the medication. Before taking any sleeping pills, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe use and avoid potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help people with sleep disorders like insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep |
| Availability | Over-the-counter (OTC), natural supplements, or by prescription |
| Age Restriction | Anyone age 18 and older can buy OTC sleep medications |
| Natural Remedies | Melatonin, valerian, herbal medicines |
| Side Effects | Constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring and sleep apnea, dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headaches, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, memory problems |
| Addiction Risk | Yes, there is a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with prescription sleeping pills |
| Safety Precautions | Consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids, especially when taking other medications or having health conditions; do not mix with alcohol or other sedatives; follow dosage instructions |
| Usage | Take 20-30 minutes before bedtime and get into bed within 10-15 minutes; consult a doctor about duration and how to stop safely |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription vs over-the-counter sleeping pills
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. Anyone over the age of 18 can buy OTC sleep medications at drugstores or other retail outlets. Melatonin supplements, for example, are widely available over the counter. However, melatonin receptor agonists such as ramelteon (Rozerem) are prescription drugs for sleep problems.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones. You need a prescription from a healthcare provider to obtain these pills. 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 only prescribed for short-term relief. Benzodiazepines, for example, are a group of sleeping pills that are effective for short-term use (less than four weeks) to treat insomnia. However, long-term use of these prescription sleeping pills is not recommended due to the risk of serious side effects. Benzodiazepines are Schedule IV (4) controlled substances because of their potential for physical dependence, misuse, withdrawal, and addiction. You can also build up a tolerance to these drugs, meaning higher doses may be needed over time to achieve the same effects.
Over-the-counter sleeping pills and supplements can interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions. It is important to consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking any sleep medications to determine the cause of your sleep disorder and make the best treatment decision based on your current medication and medical history.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation or diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. Additionally, when taken night after night, the body may become dependent on them, and stopping the medication may result in rebound insomnia, where insomnia returns worse than before. It is important to use caution when taking sleep medicine, as approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after, feeling drowsy, dizzy, and having problems with balance and muddled thinking.
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Natural remedies and supplements
Natural sleep aids and supplements have become popular due to their perceived safety, lower risk of dependence, and fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. They are usually plant-based, vitamins or minerals, or supplemental amounts of substances produced by the body. However, it is important to remember that even natural sleep aids can have side effects and interact with medications, so it is always a good idea to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement.
One popular natural sleep aid is melatonin, a hormone that is naturally released in the brain a few hours before we start feeling sleepy. Melatonin production is triggered by reduced light exposure, but unnatural light from phones, laptops, or TVs can prevent its release and disrupt sleep. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter and can help with sleep issues like jet lag and trouble falling or staying asleep. However, melatonin is unregulated and untested for long-term use, and side effects like grogginess, depression, headache, dizziness, and nausea have been reported. It is generally considered safe for short-term use (three months or less) in healthy adults, and a dosage of 1-3 milligrams taken two hours before bed is recommended.
Magnesium is another natural sleep aid that may improve sleep quality, especially in older individuals and those with restless leg syndrome. Low magnesium levels can make it harder to fall asleep, so including magnesium-rich foods like nuts and leafy greens in your diet or taking a supplement may be beneficial. However, it is important to note that too much magnesium can lead to side effects like cramps and nausea, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially for those with kidney disease.
Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is a popular herbal remedy for insomnia due to its calming properties. It contains GABA, a brain chemical that influences mood and sleep. Animal studies and a limited number of human studies suggest that passionflower tea may help improve sleep quality. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Other natural sleep aids and remedies include lavender aromatherapy, valerian root, hops, chamomile tea, tart cherry juice, and tryptophan, which is found in milk and certain foods like turkey, cheese, nuts, beans, and eggs. While these remedies may help improve sleep, it is important to maintain good sleep habits and practices, as natural remedies should not replace healthy sleep hygiene.
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Side effects and risks
Sleeping pills can cause various side effects and carry certain risks. They are intended for short-term use and are not a cure for insomnia. While they can help with sleep in the short term, they may worsen insomnia over time.
The most common side effects include drowsiness, impaired focus, and difficulty with movement the next day. These effects can be dangerous, especially if you need to drive or operate machinery. This "hangover" effect is more common with certain medications like benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, and zopiclone.
Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep disorders where people may sleepwalk, eat, or even drive without being fully awake. This can lead to dangerous behaviours and injuries. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can further increase the risk of injuries and memory problems and even the risk of death.
Some sleeping pills can be habit-forming, leading to dependence and addiction. Withdrawal from certain medications can cause rebound insomnia, where insomnia worsens after stopping the medication. Additionally, long-term use of sleeping pills has been associated with brain function issues, memory problems, and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Other potential side effects include constipation, difficulty urinating, a dry mouth or throat, decreased sexual drive, and weight gain. It's important to consult a doctor if you experience severe side effects or plan to use sleeping pills, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the medication can pass to the fetus or baby.
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Addiction and withdrawal
Sleeping pills can be addictive, and users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking them. This is especially true of older types of sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, which include drugs like Valium and Xanax. Newer sleeping pills like Ambien and Sonata, often referred to as "Z-drugs", seem to be less physically addictive, although they may still foster psychological addiction.
Sleeping pills are both physically and psychologically addictive. People can become dependent on sleeping pills after just a few weeks of use, and their body becomes reliant on the drugs to function. If they quit taking the pills, they will experience withdrawal symptoms as their body tries to readjust. These symptoms can be intense and may even be life-threatening if not treated by a medical professional. Typical withdrawal symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and circulation problems. In some cases, doctors may administer intravenous (IV) fluids to balance electrolytes and replenish the body.
The withdrawal process and duration are different for each sleeping pill user. For most people, symptoms of withdrawal begin within several hours to a few days after quitting the drug. Symptoms generally fade after about a week or two, but psychological symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, irritability, agitation, mood swings, and poor concentration can persist for several weeks. These persistent symptoms are known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).
To avoid a relapse, it is important to keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum when stopping the medication. This is usually done by gradually reducing the dose over several weeks or months, rather than quitting cold turkey. Medical detox is always the safest way to withdraw from sleeping pills, as doctors can monitor vital signs and address any potential health concerns. Psychological or therapeutic support can also help during this process.
It is important to be aware of the signs of addiction to sleeping pills. These may include steadily increasing your dosage, spending more time using the substance than is typical, or neglecting obligations like work, relationships, or school. If you think you may be addicted to sleeping pills, talk to your healthcare provider about how to taper off safely.
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Safe usage
Sleeping pills can be a helpful short-term solution for sleep problems, but they should be used cautiously and only under medical supervision. Here are some guidelines for the safe usage of sleeping pills:
Consult a Healthcare Professional:
Before taking any sleep aid, it's important to consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have other health conditions, such as lung disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or obstructive sleep apnea. They can advise you on the potential risks and benefits of different sleep aids and ensure they won't interfere with any other medications you're taking.
Follow Prescribed Dosage and Instructions:
If your doctor prescribes sleeping pills, follow their instructions carefully. Take the pills as directed, and don't increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your doctor first. Ask your doctor how long you need to take them and how to safely stop taking them when the time comes.
Avoid Mixing with Other Substances:
Do not mix sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives. Mixing sleep aids with these substances can lead to a risk of overdose and dangerous side effects. It's also important to avoid taking someone else's sleeping pills or sharing yours with others.
Be Aware of Side Effects and Risks:
Sleeping pills can have side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring or sleep apnea. They may also cause rebound insomnia when discontinued, especially if used for a long time. Additionally, some prescription sleep medicines may induce parasomnia, leading to disruptive sleep behaviors like sleepwalking or eating while still mostly asleep.
Short-Term Usage:
Sleeping pills are generally recommended for short-term use, often for less than four weeks. They are not a long-term solution for insomnia, and prolonged use may lead to dependence and addiction. If you need help with long-term sleep issues, it's best to explore other options with your healthcare provider, such as improving sleep hygiene and addressing any underlying causes of your sleep difficulties.
Timing and Precautions:
Take sleep aids right before bedtime to avoid interference with evening activities. Keep in mind that some sleeping pills may take longer to work if taken with food. Additionally, avoid driving or engaging in activities that require your full attention after taking sleeping pills, as they can impair your alertness and reflexes.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are not suitable for everyone. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any sleep medication, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medications.
Sleeping pills can cause side effects such as dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headaches, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and rarely, severe allergic reactions or facial swelling. They can also cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other complex sleep-related behaviours.
Some people take natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements to aid sleep. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes sleep. Valerian is an herb that is supposed to aid relaxation and sleep.
Sleeping pills can be addictive, especially when taken over a long period. They can also cause dependence, meaning that higher doses are needed over time, and that it is difficult to stop taking them without experiencing rebound insomnia.
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