Evie Summers
Sleeping pills can be a helpful short-term solution for sleep difficulties, but they also carry risks and side effects. Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible to adults, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking them. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness as a side effect, or natural supplements like melatonin and valerian, which promote sleep. While these options may be safer than prescription medications, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and risks, such as constipation, muscle weakness, digestive issues, worsened snoring, and rebound insomnia. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives can lead to overdose and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the directions and only take the recommended dosage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can take over-the-counter sleeping pills? | Anyone aged 18 and older can buy over-the-counter sleeping pills. |
| Do I need a prescription? | No, but you should check with your healthcare provider before taking them. |
| What are some examples of over-the-counter sleeping pills? | Melatonin, valerian supplements, antihistamines (e.g. doxylamine, promethazine, diphenhydramine, and doxylamine succinate) |
| What are the side effects? | Constipation or diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring and sleep apnea, dependence, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired judgment and coordination, sleep-induced injuries, parasomnia, slowed breathing, unresponsiveness |
| Can I overdose on over-the-counter sleeping pills? | Yes, an overdose can occur when a person takes 60-90 times the intended dose, and it can be life-threatening. |
| Can I mix over-the-counter sleeping pills with other substances? | No, do not mix sleeping pills with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can cause the person to stop breathing and may result in death. |
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What You'll Learn
Side effects and risks
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills can cause various side effects and carry certain risks. It is important to be aware of these before taking any sleep medication.
Firstly, it is vital to consult your healthcare provider before taking any OTC sleeping pills or supplements. This is because they can interact with other medications you may be taking, including herbal and traditional medicines. For example, mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can cause dangerous side effects such as slowed breathing or unresponsiveness, and even lead to death. Additionally, grapefruit can increase the amount of the drug in the bloodstream, causing over-sedation and unintentional overdose.
Secondly, while OTC sleep aids can help with occasional sleeplessness, they are not a long-term solution. Taking sleeping pills night after night can lead to dependence, and when you stop taking them, your insomnia may return worse than before (rebound insomnia). This is because your body can become tolerant of and dependent on the medication, requiring higher doses to be effective. As a result, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as feeling unwell, dizziness, and worsened insomnia when trying to stop.
Thirdly, sleeping pills can cause other side effects, including constipation or diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring and sleep apnea, and parasomnia (sleepwalking or performing actions while unaware). They can also make you feel groggy, dizzy, forgetful, and unsteady the next day, increasing the risk of accidents and falls, especially for older individuals.
Lastly, it is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, especially if you take more than the prescribed dose. Overdose can lead to death, and even if it doesn't, it can have dangerous consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to take sleeping pills only as directed by your healthcare provider and not to exceed the recommended dosage.
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Overdose and death
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills can be effective in dealing with short-term sleep problems. However, they can become addictive and lead to substance use disorders. The risk of overdose increases when individuals take more than the prescribed dose or combine sleeping pills with other substances like opioids or alcohol.
Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to death. It can cause respiratory failure and unconsciousness, resulting in fatal outcomes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug overdose deaths have consistently increased since 1999, with over 64,000 deaths reported in 2016. The majority of sedative-related overdose deaths occur due to the combined use of sedatives and opioids.
In the event of a sleeping pill overdose, immediate medical attention is required. The individual should be kept awake and talking if possible until help arrives. If unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position—on their side with one leg forward of the other—while awaiting emergency assistance.
Treatment for a sleeping pill overdose may include the administration of flumazenil, which reverses the sedation caused by hypnotics. It is important to act quickly, as the overdose effects tend to last as long as the drug is in the system, and prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to brain injury or death.
While the pills currently available on the market are generally milder and less likely to be lethal, the risk of overdose and death associated with sleeping pills remains a serious concern. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed it to mitigate these risks.
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Drug interactions
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible and available without a prescription. However, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with their use, especially concerning drug interactions.
OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness as a side effect. While antihistamines can help with sleep, they are primarily allergy medications. Before taking OTC sleeping pills, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are already taking other medications or have existing health conditions. The drugs in OTC sleep aids can interfere with other medications and potentially worsen certain health conditions.
For example, if you are taking medications for mental health conditions, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, these may also have drowsiness as a side effect. Combining these with OTC sleeping pills could enhance this effect and impact your daily functioning. Similarly, prescription sleeping pills like benzodiazepines can be addictive, and mixing them with OTC sleep aids can increase the risk of dependence or overdose.
Additionally, it is essential to be cautious about mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives. This combination can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Furthermore, certain prescription sleep medications, such as Z-drugs, can cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where individuals may engage in dangerous behaviours while still partially asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, or even driving.
While melatonin is a natural hormone that can aid in sleep regulation, it is generally recommended for individuals over 55 or those with chronic sleep issues. Even with natural remedies, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to ensure safe use and avoid potential interactions with other substances or medications. Overall, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional advice when considering the use of any sleep aid, including OTC sleeping pills, to ensure safe and effective use.
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Natural alternatives
While over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are easily accessible, they should not be used as a long-term solution for insomnia or other sleep problems. This is because they can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring, and sleep apnea. Additionally, there is a risk of overdose and addiction, and when you stop taking them, your insomnia may return worse than before (rebound insomnia).
If you are experiencing sleep difficulties, it is recommended that you try natural alternatives first. Here are some natural alternatives to OTC sleeping pills:
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps control your sleep and waking patterns. It can be purchased over the counter as a supplement and may be a good choice for people with naturally low levels of melatonin. However, melatonin should not be used regularly over several weeks as it can cause a rebound effect, resulting in worse insomnia. It is also not recommended for people who have received an organ transplant, experience depression, or have a bleeding or seizure disorder.
- Valerian: Valerian is an herb that is supposed to aid relaxation and sleep. It is available in the form of pills, teas, or other formulas. Research on its effectiveness is mixed, but there is some evidence that it can help people fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
- Lavender essential oil: Lavender essential oil is used in a variety of products such as lotions, bath salts, and sheet sprays.
- Good sleep hygiene: Before trying any sleep aids, it is recommended that you practice good sleep hygiene, which includes habits such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: If you are experiencing ongoing sleep difficulties, you may benefit from seeing a sleep psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy to treat insomnia.
It is important to remember that even natural sleep aids can have side effects and may interact with other medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications.
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Safe usage
It is important to be aware of the safe usage of over-the-counter sleeping pills to avoid adverse side effects and potential overdose. Here are some guidelines to ensure safe usage:
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before taking any over-the-counter sleeping pills, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can guide you on the appropriate dosage, potential interactions with other medications, and any specific precautions based on your medical history. This step is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving the medication to a child.
Understand the Risks and Side Effects
Over-the-counter sleeping pills can have various side effects, including constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring, and sleep apnea. They may also cause rebound insomnia when discontinued, leading to worse insomnia than before. Additionally, sleeping pills can cause dependence, requiring higher doses over time and making it challenging to sleep without them. Other side effects may include dizziness, grogginess, and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
Follow Dosage Instructions
Always take over-the-counter sleeping pills as directed by the product instructions or your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take the pills more frequently than advised. Taking higher doses or combining them with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, increases the risk of overdose and severe side effects.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
While over-the-counter sleeping pills can provide temporary relief, it is essential to address underlying sleep issues. Practice good sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimising distractions in your sleep environment. Additionally, consider non-medicated sleep aids, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to improve your sleep quality without relying solely on medication.
Be Mindful of Interactions
Sleeping pills may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, herbal supplements, and traditional medicines. Always inform your healthcare provider about any other substances you are taking to ensure safe usage and minimise the risk of adverse interactions.
Monitor for Side Effects
When taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, pay attention to any unusual physical or mental changes. If you experience severe side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. It is important to be vigilant and prioritise your safety when using any sleep medication.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not take two over-the-counter sleeping pills. Sleeping pills can be addictive and can have side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. They can also cause dependence, meaning that you will need higher doses to fall asleep and will find it harder to sleep without them. It is important to take sleeping pills only as directed and to discuss their use with your healthcare provider.
Taking two over-the-counter sleeping pills can lead to an increased risk of overdose, which can be fatal. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives, can also be dangerous and may lead to overdose or death. Additionally, taking a higher dose of sleeping pills may increase the risk of parasomnia, which is a disruptive sleep disorder that can cause dangerous behaviours while asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, or driving.
If you have been taking over-the-counter sleeping pills for a long time, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop safely. Stopping suddenly can lead to rebound insomnia, where your insomnia may come back worse than before. It may take months to safely taper off the pills.
