Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills can be a good short-term solution for sleep disorders, but they can also be dangerous and even life-threatening. While modern sleeping pills are safer than their predecessors, it is still possible to overdose and die from taking too many sleeping pills, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol or opioids. This is because sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity, and taking too many can slow down breathing and heart rate to the point of respiratory arrest and death. Additionally, long-term use of sleeping pills has been linked to a higher early mortality rate and decreased life expectancy. Therefore, it is important to use sleeping pills with caution and only as directed by a doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of overdose | Yes |
| Possibility of death | Yes |
| Number of pills that can cause overdose | 2-4 times the recommended dose |
| Number of pills that can cause death | 60-90 times the intended dose |
| Factors that can cause overdose | Misuse, accidental ingestion, mental health issues, dependence, tolerance, combining with other substances |
| Factors that can cause death | Combining with other CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines |
| Signs of overdose | Extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, clumsiness, excessive sleepiness, memory loss, strange behavior |
| Side effects of overdose | Brain injury, physical injury, painful side effects for life |
| Treatment for overdose | Flumazenil, stomach pump, CPR |
| Prevention of overdose | Take only as prescribed, consult a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills can be addictive
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia and other sleep disturbances by making one feel drowsy and relaxed. However, they are not meant to be used long-term due to their potential side effects. Sleeping pills can be addictive, and their overuse can lead to a dangerous sleeping pill overdose.
Sleeping pills such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines can be addictive. Addiction to sleeping pills can develop from behaviours such as using sleeping pills for an extended period of time or taking a higher dose than recommended. The longer and the more one takes the drug, the more the brain becomes dependent on them. This is known as addiction or substance use disorder. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances such as opioids or alcohol can also increase the risk of addiction and overdose.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from sleeping pills can produce a variety of unpleasant side effects. The most serious one is "relapse insomnia", which happens because the body is accustomed to getting a constant supply of sedatives to fall asleep. Other withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, especially in the case of benzodiazepines. Therefore, one should only stop taking sleeping pills under the direction and supervision of a doctor.
Overdose
Overdosing on sleeping pills can occur when one takes 60-90 times the intended dose or combines it with other drugs that strengthen the depressive effects. An overdose can cause serious problems such as brain injury from a lack of oxygen caused by depressed breathing, unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and even death. However, death from sleeping pill overdose is less likely today than in the past due to safer formulas.
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Overdose is possible, and can be fatal
Overdosing on sleeping pills is possible and can be fatal. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help people rest. Overuse of these drugs can slow down body functions to the point of causing unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death.
An overdose may occur accidentally or deliberately. Accidental overdose can happen when someone takes too much of a sedative by mistake or combines sleeping pills with other drugs that enhance their depressive effects, such as opioids or alcohol. The risk of accidental overdose increases with age due to decreased drug metabolism rates. Accidental overdoses may also occur when a person becomes dependent on sleeping pills but over time becomes less responsive to the drug, leading to higher doses being taken.
Deliberate overdose often occurs as a suicide attempt. Sleeping pills are commonly used for this purpose because it is believed there won't be any pain. However, not all suicide attempts succeed because vomiting is common when the drug is taken in excess. If the person survives, they may still experience brain damage due to a lack of oxygen.
The severity of a sleeping pill overdose depends on the type of pill, the amount taken, and individual factors such as age, body weight, and overall health status. Most people who overdose on sleeping pills take between 2 and 4 times the recommended dose, but overdose can also occur at lower amounts. Some sleeping pills, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, are more likely to lead to overdose and are among the chief causes of drug overdose deaths.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for paramedics, place the person in the recovery position—on their side with one leg forward of the other—to ensure their airway is clear and that they are breathing regularly.
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Combining with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk
Combining sleeping pills with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of overdose. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, which means they slow down the activity of the brain and nervous system. When taken together, the effects of both substances are heightened, increasing the risk of a life-threatening overdose. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous when combined with sleeping pills.
Mixing sleeping pills and alcohol can also increase the risk of addiction to both substances. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in America, with more than 14.5 million Americans thought to have an alcohol use disorder. Studies have found that 10-15% of people with chronic insomnia also struggle with substance abuse, and insomnia is thought to be more likely in the 10% of Americans who drink daily.
The combination of sleeping pills and alcohol can also lead to poor decision-making, lack of coordination, and other bizarre sleep behaviours. It can impair cognitive function, including the ability to think clearly, make decisions, and remember things. This can be dangerous, especially if operating machinery or driving a car. Mixing sleeping pills and alcohol can also disrupt sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep, causing more frequent waking during the night, and resulting in less restful sleep.
Additionally, combining sleeping pills with other drugs, such as opioids, can further increase the risk of overdose and other adverse effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug overdose deaths have consistently increased since 1999, with more than 64,000 deaths reported in 2016. Sleeping pills, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates, are among the main causes of overdose deaths, especially when combined with other substances.
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Side effects include drowsiness, memory loss and breathing difficulties
It is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, and an overdose can be fatal. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help you rest. Taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking pills more often than prescribed can increase the risk of overdose. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, further increases the risk of a deadly overdose.
Side effects of sleeping pills include drowsiness, memory loss, and breathing difficulties. Sleeping pills can cause drowsiness and grogginess during the day, with some people experiencing confusion and memory issues. These side effects can be particularly dangerous for older adults, increasing the risk of falls, broken hips, and car accidents. Additionally, sleeping pills can interfere with normal breathing and pose risks for people with chronic lung problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and tolerance. They may also cause serious health issues and negatively impact sleep quality in the long run. It is important to be aware of the side effects of sleeping pills and consult a doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
While modern sleeping pills are safer than their predecessors, death from sleeping pill overdose is still possible, especially when mixed with other substances. The lethal dose varies depending on the specific sleeping pill, but it typically ranges from 60 to 90 times the intended dose.
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Long-term use may cause health issues and increase mortality risk
While modern sleeping pills are safer than their predecessors, and deaths from their use are less likely, it is still possible to overdose on them. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, slowing down brain activity to help people rest. However, taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking pills more often than prescribed can increase the risk of overdose. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances like opioids or alcohol can also be deadly.
Long-term use of sleeping pills may lead to health issues and increase mortality risk. A study of 484,916 adults found that sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than non-users, even when sleeping for the optimal amount of 6-8 hours. The study also showed that the life expectancy of 30-year-old male sleeping pill users with extremely short or long sleep durations was 12-13 years shorter than that of non-users who slept for 6-8 hours. Overall, life expectancy in individuals using sleeping pills was shorter by 5.3 years in men and 5.7 years in women.
Another study found that people who took sleeping pills were 3.5 times more likely to die within a 2.5-year period, and this likelihood increased with the number of pills taken. This study also found a 35% increased risk of cancer among those taking the most sleeping pills.
Long-term use of sedatives like Ambien can cause serious issues such as memory loss, mood changes, and physical dependence. Sleeping pills can also cause negative side effects even when used as directed, such as daytime drowsiness. They can also lead to addiction and make sleep issues worse over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, taking 200 sleeping pills can kill you. An overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended dose of sleep medication. A lethal dose varies depending on the type of sleeping pill, but it is typically around 60-90 times the intended dose.
Signs of a sleeping pill overdose include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, clumsiness, and a bluish tinge to the lips, fingers, and skin.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call emergency services immediately. Keep the person awake and talking if possible until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and wait for help.
