Evie Summers
Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being , but for those who struggle to get a good night's rest, sleeping pills may seem like a tempting solution. Sleeping pills are designed to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, and they are often used to treat insomnia. They are available over the counter or by prescription, and natural sleep aids like melatonin are also an option. However, it's important to remember that sleeping pills are typically recommended for short-term use only and can come with a range of side effects, including daytime drowsiness, problems with concentration, and even strange nocturnal behaviours like sleepwalking or driving while asleep. Before turning to sleeping pills, it's worth trying other methods to improve your sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and practising cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Help people fall asleep or stay asleep |
| Availability | Over the counter, natural supplements, or by prescription |
| Effectiveness | People who take sleeping pills fall asleep about 8-20 minutes faster and get an extra 35 minutes of sleep |
| Side Effects | Daytime drowsiness, problems with concentration, allergic reactions, constipation, digestive problems, worsen snoring and sleep apnea, rebound insomnia, memory issues, balance problems, parasomnia |
| Safety | Not recommended for long-term use due to risk of dependence and addiction; may cause serious harm to young children |
| Alternatives | Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sleep hygiene practices (e.g. maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake) |
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What You'll Learn
What are sleeping pills?
Sleeping pills are medications that can help you fall asleep and relieve stress and anxiety. They are designed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, helping people who struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night and are unable to get back to sleep. Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription.
Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Natural sleeping pills include melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, and valerian, an herb that aids relaxation and sleep. While these options are easily accessible, it is still recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking them to ensure they do not interfere with other medications or health conditions.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter options and are typically recommended for short-term relief. They include benzodiazepines (benzos) and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Benzodiazepines stimulate a chemical in the brain called GABA, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Z-drugs, on the other hand, slow down brain activity.
Sleeping pills can have side effects, including constipation, digestive problems, and worsening snoring and sleep apnea. Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependency, and when discontinued, insomnia may return, known as rebound insomnia. It is important to use caution when taking sleeping pills and consult a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
While sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term, especially during stressful life events, they are not a cure for insomnia. Non-drug therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), changing sleep behaviours, and improving sleep hygiene are often more effective in improving sleep quality and treating insomnia.
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Are sleeping pills addictive?
Sleeping pills are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription. While they can help treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed, they can also be addictive.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones, and providers usually recommend them for short-term relief only. This is because, in addition to the risk of dependence and addiction, they are not a cure for insomnia.
Sleeping pills consisting of benzodiazepines will usually attach to the GABA receptors in the brain and induce relaxation in their user, prompting them to sleep. This can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing the dosage to counteract the body's acclimatisation to the effects. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and lead to substance use disorder. To lower this risk, healthcare providers prescribe these sleeping pills for short-term use.
Over-the-counter sleeping pills are easily accessible and do not require a prescription. However, they can also be addictive. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before taking them as they can interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions.
Sleeping pill addiction can develop after continuous use over a short period or after taking a higher dosage than needed or prescribed. It often stems from using sleeping pills as a coping mechanism for factors such as anxiety or depression. Seeking help for addiction is essential to address the underlying issues and reduce the risk of adverse effects on natural sleeping habits, such as insomnia and memory and concentration problems.
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What are the side effects?
Sleeping pills can have a range of side effects, from mild to severe. The most common side effects include drowsiness, difficulty with movement, and impaired focus the next day. Other common side effects include:
- Burning or tingling sensations in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or impaired balance
- Gas, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, or change in appetite
- Mental impairment the following day
- Difficulty paying attention or remembering things
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Weird dreams or nightmares
These side effects can be dangerous and can impact your ability to drive or operate machinery. They can also cause problems with memory and attention, and can be especially harmful to older adults, leading to falls, broken hips, and car accidents.
Some people may also experience parasomnias, which are complex sleep behaviours that occur while the person is still mostly asleep. These can include sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep eating, and sleep driving. Parasomnias can be more common with increased dosage, so it is important to only take the medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Sleeping pills can also cause allergic reactions, with symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, itching, rash, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the eyes, lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately.
Additionally, sleeping pills can be habit-forming and may lead to dependence or addiction. It is important to use them only as directed and for short-term relief of sleeplessness.
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Who should take them?
Sleeping pills are generally not recommended for long-term use. They are typically prescribed for short-term relief and can be addictive. If you are experiencing sleep difficulties, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Sleeping pills can be helpful if you are going through a difficult time and are finding it hard to sleep. They can help you get your sleep back on track, but it is important to remember that they do not treat the cause of insomnia. If you have long-standing insomnia, sleeping pills are usually not a good option.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription. Over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Natural sleeping pills include melatonin and valerian supplements. Melatonin is a natural hormone that promotes sleep, while valerian is an herb that aids relaxation and sleep.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are typically recommended only for short-term use. They include benzodiazepines (benzos) and Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). These pills work by stimulating chemicals in the brain that lead to sedation and muscle relaxation.
Sleeping pills may be especially risky for older adults. The drugs can stay in the body longer, causing side effects like confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. People over 65 should typically try non-drug treatments first, as there may be safer ways to improve sleep.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any sleeping pills, as there may be risks associated with the medication. Research has shown a link between sleeping pill use, specifically with benzodiazepines, and adverse birth outcomes such as increased preterm birth risks and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.
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How do they work?
There are several types of sleeping pills available, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Each type of sleeping pill works differently, but they all aim to promote drowsiness and help individuals fall asleep.
Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills
Over-the-counter sleeping pills are widely available and can be purchased without a prescription. Many OTC sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which are typically used to treat allergies. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, the substances in the body that cause alertness. Common antihistamines found in OTC sleep aids include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. While these medications can induce drowsiness, they are not recommended for long-term use as their effectiveness decreases over time.
Natural Sleeping Pills
Natural remedies such as melatonin and valerian supplements are also popular sleep aids. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes sleep by influencing when we fall asleep and wake up. Valerian, on the other hand, is an herb that has a calming effect on the nervous system, aiding relaxation and promoting better sleep.
Prescription Sleeping Pills
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC options and are typically recommended for short-term relief. These medications work in different ways, depending on the specific type. For example, benzodiazepines stimulate a chemical in the brain called GABA, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. On the other hand, Z-drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) work by slowing down brain activity.
While sleeping pills can be effective in treating insomnia and promoting sleep, it is important to consider potential side effects and risks. Some common side effects include daytime drowsiness, confusion, and balance issues. Additionally, there is a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with prescription medications. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleep aids to ensure safe and effective use.
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Frequently asked questions
Doctors recommend sleeping pills for short-term use to get your sleep back on track. Sleeping pills can be helpful if a stressful life event is keeping you awake.
Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes or talk therapy to improve your sleep. Other nondrug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be better at improving your sleep.
Sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine.
Yes, benzodiazepines can be addictive and lead to a substance use disorder.
Any medication you take while pregnant or breastfeeding passes to the fetus or baby. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter sleeping pills or supplements.
