Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills are medications that can help people fall asleep and relieve stress and anxiety. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones. Generally, they start working within 20 to 30 minutes after taking them. While sleeping pills can be effective in the short term, they are not a cure for insomnia and can lead to dependence and addiction if used long-term. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping medication to ensure safe use and avoid potential side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How soon do sleeping tablets work? | Generally, within 20 to 30 minutes |
| How long do they last? | Up to 8 hours |
| Are they addictive? | Yes, certain types of sleeping pills can be addictive, such as Benzodiazepines. |
| Are they safe? | Sleeping pills can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. |
| What are the side effects? | Parasomnia, confusion, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, eating or driving while asleep, worsened snoring and sleep apnea, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and long-term effects like depression. |
| What are the alternatives? | Non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sleep hygiene practices like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulating activities before bed, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and doing relaxing activities. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills are not a cure and can be addictive
While sleeping pills can help you fall asleep and relieve stress and anxiety, they are not a cure for insomnia and are not intended for continuous use. Sleeping pills can be addictive and are associated with adverse side effects and an increased risk of mortality.
Sleeping pills are typically prescribed for short-term relief, as long-term use can lead to dependency and addiction. People can become dependent on sleeping pills when they take them daily, even for a few days. This dependency can result in withdrawal symptoms and worsen insomnia if the pills are discontinued abruptly. Additionally, certain types of sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines, carry a risk of overdose and can lead to substance use disorder.
The adverse effects of sleeping pills can include feeling tired or groggy the next day, parasomnia (disruptive sleep disorders), worsening snoring and sleep apnea, and long-term side effects such as depression, especially in patients with liver and kidney disease. Research has also linked the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy to increased preterm birth risks and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.
To avoid the potential risks and side effects of sleeping pills, it is recommended to practice good sleep hygiene. This includes creating a suitable sleep environment, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and controlling factors like noise, temperature, and light. It is also important to avoid stimulating activities, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime and to engage in relaxing activities before bed. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is another effective alternative to sleeping pills, helping to improve sleep without medications.
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They can help you fall asleep faster
Sleeping pills can help you fall asleep faster. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can also be used to treat allergies. However, antihistamines should not be given to children under 2 years of age or to teenagers to help with sleep, as this can be harmful. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC ones and usually contain tranquilizers to treat insomnia, restless sleep, or difficulty falling asleep.
Hypnotics are a type of sleeping pill that works quickly to help you fall asleep faster. They are often prescribed for short-term relief and can be addictive if taken every day. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills to ensure safe use and monitor for any side effects. Sleeping pills can cause side effects such as feeling confused or sleepy during the day, and some people may experience parasomnia, or disruptive sleep disorder, while taking them.
Sleeping pills generally start working within 20 to 30 minutes after taking them. It is recommended to get into bed after taking a sleeping pill, as there is a risk of feeling unsteady once the effects kick in. To ensure safe use, it's important to follow the directions on the medication and not take more than the prescribed dose. Additionally, alcohol should not be consumed near the time of taking a sleeping pill, and operating machinery should be avoided after taking one.
While sleeping pills can help with falling asleep and staying asleep, they are not a cure for insomnia or other sleep disorders. They are typically recommended for short-term use, as long-term use can lead to side effects and dependency. To improve sleep without medication, individuals can practice good sleep hygiene, which includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, controlling factors like noise and temperature, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed.
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They can cause side effects like drowsiness and sleepwalking
Sleeping pills can help with getting to and staying asleep, but they can also cause side effects. Some people may experience drowsiness or sleepwalking, while others may develop a dependency or addiction. It is not recommended to take sleeping pills every night, and they are typically only prescribed for short-term relief.
Drowsiness is a common side effect of sleeping pills, as they are designed to make you sleepy and help you fall asleep. This can carry over into the next day, leaving you feeling tired or groggy. Some people may also experience dizziness and fatigue. Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness as they block the substances in your body that cause alertness.
Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where people may sleepwalk, eat, talk, or even drive while mostly still asleep. People experiencing parasomnia may appear awake, but their brain is not fully alert, and they are often unaware of their actions. Most people do not remember doing these things after they wake up.
Sleeping pills can be addictive, particularly prescription pills containing benzodiazepines, and it is possible to overdose on certain types. Dependency can occur quickly, even after a few days of daily use, and can adversely affect your health in the long run. It is important to follow the directions on your prescription medication and not take more than the prescribed dose.
To minimise the risk of side effects, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleeping pills. They may suggest starting with a lower dose and trying the medication in the short term to monitor your reaction.
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They may not be safe for pregnant women
Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction, and they are generally intended for short-term relief. They are especially not recommended for pregnant women due to limited research on their safety for both the mother and fetus.
Pregnancy often comes with physical changes that can make sleep difficult, and the majority of pregnant people experience sleep problems, especially in late pregnancy. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to prioritize options that have been studied in the context of pregnancy and are regulated by relevant authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
Sedative hypnotics, a class of prescription drugs known to relieve anxiety and induce sleep, are typically avoided during pregnancy. This class includes benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs), which are commonly prescribed for insomnia. However, data regarding their reproductive safety is limited, and healthcare providers generally try to avoid their use during pregnancy.
Some pregnant individuals may opt for over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, such as melatonin supplements and antihistamines. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies and induce drowsiness, but they are also used to alleviate morning sickness and indigestion during pregnancy. While antihistamines appear to be safe and effective for these purposes, the safety of many sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified.
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They are not recommended for long-term use
Sleeping pills are not a cure for insomnia or other sleep disorders. They are only meant to be used as a short-term solution to sleep problems. This is because they can have adverse side effects when used continuously over an extended period.
Firstly, sleeping pills can be addictive and lead to substance use disorder. This risk is particularly high with prescription sleeping pills, which are stronger than over-the-counter ones, and specifically with benzodiazepines. This class of sleeping pills, which includes alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam, can also cause depression, especially in patients with liver and kidney disease.
Secondly, sleeping pills can cause dependence, even when taken every day for just a few days. This can result in withdrawal symptoms and worsened insomnia if a person stops taking the pills.
Thirdly, sleeping pills can cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder that can lead to dangerous behaviours such as sleepwalking, eating, talking, or even driving while still mostly asleep.
Finally, one study found that people who took hypnotics or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) consistently for three years had increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Another study found that people who took sleeping pills over two years, especially benzodiazepines, also had increased mortality.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping tablets generally start working within 20 to 30 minutes of consumption. It is advised to get into bed immediately after taking a sleeping tablet as there is a risk of feeling unsteady once the tablet starts working.
Yes, there are several side effects of sleeping tablets. They can cause daytime sleepiness and confusion. They can also cause parasomnia, which is a disruptive sleep disorder that can make people sleepwalk, eat, talk, or even drive without being fully awake. Sleeping tablets can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Sleeping tablets can be addictive, especially if they are taken every day for a few days. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are more likely to be addictive. Benzodiazepines, a powerful class of sleeping pills, have been linked to increased mortality in the long term.
Yes, there are several alternatives to sleeping tablets. Some people use natural sleep aids like melatonin or valerian supplements. Other non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also help improve sleep. Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, can also help.
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