Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They are available over the counter or by prescription and typically contain antihistamines or tranquilizers to induce drowsiness. While they can be effective in the short term, sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of side effects and the potential for misuse, addiction, and overdose. Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to serious health complications and even death, especially when combined with other substances. As such, it is crucial to use sleeping pills only as directed by a healthcare provider and to explore alternative treatments for insomnia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Characteristics and values of sleeping pills
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep |
| Availability | Over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription |
| Active ingredients | Antihistamines, melatonin, valerian, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, Z-drugs (e.g. zolpidem), antidepressants |
| Side effects | Dizziness, fatigue, irritability, memory loss, mood changes, physical dependence, parasomnias (sleepwalking), respiratory depression, increased risk of accidental falls, brain degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, risk of addiction and overdose |
| Precautions | Not recommended for long-term use due to risk of dependence and addiction; may interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions; should not be combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids |
| Alternatives | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), natural supplements (melatonin, valerian), non-benzodiazepine sleep aids (e.g. Rozerem, Belsomra, Silenor) |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills can be addictive and cause side effects
Sleeping pills can help treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. However, they can also be addictive and cause side effects. While sleep aids such as melatonin and prescription sleeping pills may be helpful if used occasionally, it's best not to rely on them too often. This is because frequent use can lead to dependence or even sleeping pill addiction.
Healthcare providers usually prescribe sleeping pills for short-term relief as they are not a cure for insomnia. Moreover, prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and carry a risk of dependence and addiction. Over-the-counter sleep aids can also interfere with other medications or worsen certain health conditions.
Signs that you may be addicted to prescription sleep medications include steadily increasing your dosage, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and spending more time using the substance than is typical. If you've been taking sleep aids for months or years and can't quit, that's another sign of addiction. It's important to be aware of these signs and seek help if needed.
Sleeping pills can also cause side effects such as confusion, sleepiness during the day, and parasomnia, which involves movements, behaviours, and actions that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking or eating. Other side effects may include problems with memory or concentration, muscle weakness, abnormal behaviour, and disrupted sleep. Long-term use of sleeping pills is not recommended due to these potential side effects and the risk of addiction.
If you need to stop taking sleeping pills, it's important to gradually reduce the dose with the guidance of a doctor to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Psychological or therapeutic support can also help during this process.
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Over-the-counter vs prescription sleeping pills
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are available without a prescription and can be purchased in pharmacies and many other stores. They include antihistamine-containing sleep aids, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs, Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM, and Vicks Nyquil D Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief). Melatonin supplements are also widely available over the counter. While OTC sleeping pills are generally safe, they can cause side effects such as daytime drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, and trouble urinating. They are best used in the short term and are not recommended for long-term chronic insomnia.
Prescription sleeping pills, on the other hand, are stronger than OTC sleeping pills and require a prescription from a healthcare provider. They fall into three main categories: hypnotics, barbiturates, and
Both OTC and prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects and have the potential for dependence and drug interactions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleep medication to determine the best treatment option based on individual needs and circumstances. Non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or developing healthy sleep habits, can also be effective in improving sleep.
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The risk of overdose and death
Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help individuals rest. An overdose occurs when an individual takes a higher dose than prescribed or takes pills more frequently than prescribed. It is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, and this can lead to death.
An overdose victim may be unable to contact the authorities, as sleeping pills have overwhelming sedative effects. The victim may fall asleep before taking precautionary measures, and an onlooker may need to call for help. Modern sleeping pills are safer than their predecessors, and death from their use is less likely to occur. However, there are still dangerous ranges of misuse where life-threatening consequences are more likely. For example, Ambien is typically taken at a 10mg dose, and at 600mg, a user is entering overdose limitations with serious damage likely. Death is reported at doses higher than 2,000mg, but a lethal dose may still occur at lower amounts.
An overdose on sleeping pills may be accidental or intentional. Accidental overdoses can occur when an individual takes too much of a sedative by mistake or combines it with other drugs that enhance the depressive effects. For example, the rate of overdose deaths involving the combined use of sedatives and opioids has doubled between 2002 and 2015, and the majority of sedative-related overdose deaths occur for this reason. Older adults are at a greater risk of overdose from sleeping pills due to decreased drug metabolism rates. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can also cause an individual to stop breathing and may result in death.
Intentional overdoses may be suicide attempts. People with untreated mental illnesses or serious depression may be more likely to overdose on sleeping pills or mix them with other drugs or alcohol. Additionally, individuals may become dependent on sleeping pills, and over time, the drug has less of an effect. Desperate for sleep, an individual may take too many pills. If an individual suspects someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, they should call 911 immediately and keep the person awake and talking if possible until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position on their side with one leg forward of the other.
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Mixing sleeping pills with other drugs or alcohol
The specific interactions between sleeping pills and alcohol can vary depending on the type of sleeping pill, with some combinations being more dangerous than others. However, in general, it is strongly advised to avoid mixing sedatives or hypnotics with alcohol. Doing so can increase the sedating effects of both substances, leading to serious side effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired motor control
- Increased risk of overdose
- Lowered blood pressure
- Memory problems
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed or difficulty breathing
- Increased risk of falls and accidents
Even consuming a single alcoholic beverage in combination with a sleeping pill can be dangerous. Additionally, certain herbal or dietary over-the-counter sleep aids, such as melatonin, valerian, or chamomile, can increase nervous system side effects when mixed with alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleep aids and to avoid mixing them with alcohol.
Furthermore, the concurrent use of alcohol and sleeping pills can lead to a cycle of misuse and addiction. Some individuals with sleep disorders may self-medicate with alcohol and tranquilizers, while those misusing alcohol may develop sleep disturbances and turn to sleeping pills. As a result, frequent or regular use of both sedative sleeping pills and alcohol can complicate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. Treatment for co-occurring addiction to alcohol and sleeping pills often requires a combination of medical detox, rebound insomnia treatment, therapy, and relapse prevention skills training.
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Treating insomnia without sleeping pills
While sleeping pills can be effective in treating insomnia, they are typically a short-term solution and can have side effects. It is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, and they may cause addiction or dependence. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative treatments for insomnia.
One way to treat insomnia without sleeping pills is to develop good sleep habits, also known as sleep hygiene. This can involve making simple changes to your lifestyle and habits, such as improving your sleep environment and bedtime routine. For example, limiting screen time before bed, reducing caffeine intake, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule can all help improve sleep quality.
Additionally, certain natural sleep aids and supplements can promote sleep without the same risks as sleeping pills. Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, is available as a supplement and can help regulate sleep. Valerian, an herb that purportedly aids relaxation and sleep, is another natural option. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they can interfere with other medications or health conditions.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another effective approach to treating insomnia without medication. CBT can help identify and address any underlying thoughts, behaviors, or sleep disturbances that may be contributing to insomnia. This form of therapy aims to improve sleep quality and duration by targeting the root causes of sleep disruption.
Finally, addressing any mental health concerns and practicing self-care can help alleviate insomnia. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all impact sleep, so seeking professional help and support for these issues can be beneficial. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can also promote better sleep and overall well-being.
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