Colin Snow
Sleep medication is a broad term for medicines designed to help people fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep medication is used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Sleep medication can be split into three types: prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. Prescription medication is stronger than over-the-counter medication. Sleep medication usually contains tranquilizers. Sleep medication should only be used for a short time due to the risk of dependency and other side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep |
| Types | Prescription medications, Over-the-counter drugs, Dietary supplements |
| Mechanism of Action | Varies depending on chemical composition; some cause drowsiness, while others silence the area of the brain that keeps you alert |
| Examples | Benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Selective Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medications, Melatonin, Valerian, Kava |
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, Confusion, Sleepwalking, Hallucinations, Reduced Sex Drive, Muscle Weakness, Constipation, Allergic Reactions |
| Usage | Not meant for long-term use; can lead to dependence and addiction |
| Precautions | Consult a healthcare provider before use; not recommended for children and pregnant women |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription vs. over-the-counter medication
Sleep medications work on the brain to promote drowsiness and relaxation. While some drugs are specifically designed as sleep aids, others have sedation as a side effect.
There are three types of sleep aids: prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. Prescription sleep medications are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are only prescribed by healthcare providers for short-term relief. This is because they are not a cure for insomnia and carry a risk of dependence and addiction.
Over-the-counter sleep aids are easily accessible and generally safe for short-term use. However, they can interfere with other medications and make certain health conditions worse. They are not recommended for long-term use, especially for chronic insomnia. Over-the-counter sleep aids can cause side effects like daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, and constipation. They can also negatively impact your ability to perform daily tasks.
Dietary supplements, such as melatonin, valerian, and CBD, are not formal medications and are not regulated as strictly as prescription drugs. While they can be helpful in treating jet lag or shift work disorder, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness in treating insomnia.
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Natural sleep aids
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body to signal to your brain that it's time to sleep. Melatonin supplements have become a popular sleep aid, especially for those with jet lag or trouble falling or staying asleep. They are generally safe for healthy adults when taken for a short period and can be easily purchased over the counter. However, it's important to note that melatonin supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so the dosage and ingredients may vary between manufacturers.
- Valerian: Valerian is a perennial plant that has been used as a sleep aid for centuries. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system and may help raise GABA levels, which promote relaxation. While it is generally considered safe for short-term use, some people may experience headaches and stomachaches as side effects.
- Magnesium: Magnesium has been shown to promote better sleep and is available as a supplement.
- CBD: Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in marijuana and hemp plants that has been found to relieve anxiety and act as a natural sleep aid. While it doesn't get you high, it can help you relax and improve your sleep quality. However, it may cause side effects such as nausea in some people, and its long-term safety is still being studied.
- Lavender: Lavender is a natural sleep aid that can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
- Herbal teas: Herbal teas, such as chamomile tea and tart cherry juice, are recommended by some experts as natural sleep aids. While there isn't much scientific proof of their effectiveness, they are generally considered safe to try.
- Reducing light exposure: The light from smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Reducing exposure to these lights, especially before bedtime, can help improve your sleep. If you need to get up during the night, using a flashlight instead of turning on the lights can help minimize visual disruption.
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Side effects
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They are usually recommended for short-term use, as they can have side effects and cause dependence when used continuously over an extended period.
The side effects of sleeping pills vary by medication, and different people respond differently to them. However, some of the most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired focus or memory, and confusion. These side effects can negatively impact your ability to drive, work, or complete daily tasks the day after taking the medication. This phenomenon is known as the "hangover" or "residual" effect.
Other potential side effects of sleeping pills include:
- Muscle weakness
- Digestive problems, including constipation, gas, heartburn, and nausea
- Worsening of snoring and sleep apnea
- Parasomnias, or complex sleep behaviours, such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls, or even sleep driving
- Allergic reactions
- Depression
- Decreased sexual drive
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth or throat
- Difficulty urinating
It is important to use caution when taking sleeping medications and to follow the directions provided by your doctor. If you experience any side effects, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider about adjusting or safely discontinuing the medication.
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Dependency risks
Sleeping pills can be highly addictive, and dependency can develop in as little as seven days. The German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS) estimates that 1.5 to 1.9 million people in Germany are dependent on benzodiazepines. Women, especially older women, are more likely to use these medications.
The risk of dependency is why sleeping pills are usually only prescribed for short-term relief. Providers do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term because they are not a cure for insomnia and can lead to misuse, abuse, and addiction. It is also common for the original insomnia to return worse than before once a patient stops taking the drug, a phenomenon known as rebound insomnia. This withdrawal symptom can cause a dangerous cycle of abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when people suddenly stop using sleeping pills, and they can start within a few hours or even weeks after discontinuing the medication. Typical withdrawal symptoms include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and dizziness. These symptoms are similar to the original condition the medication was meant to treat, and many people start using sleeping pills again to relieve them.
To stop taking sleeping pills, it is recommended to gradually reduce the dose with a doctor's guidance. Psychological or therapeutic support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can also help. Brief, motivating contacts with doctors, such as a talk or a letter, can also be beneficial.
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Non-drug therapies
One well-known non-drug therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which can be delivered in various formats, such as face-to-face individual or group therapy, or digitally-delivered self-help formats. CBT-I has been shown to positively impact insomnia and its associated symptoms.
Other non-drug treatments include natural remedies such as drinking warm milk, chamomile tea, or tart cherry juice, which are believed to help with the sleep-wake transition. Melatonin supplements are also available over the counter and can be helpful due to their role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle. However, it is important to consistently buy the same brand of melatonin supplement, as per-pill dosages and ingredients may vary between manufacturers.
Additionally, maintaining a cool and dark environment can improve sleep quality. Keeping the room temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, and minimising exposure to light from smartphones or other electronic devices is recommended. For those who need to get up at night, using a flashlight instead of turning on the lights can help reduce visual disruption.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are medications that can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders by making you feel drowsy and relaxed.
Sleeping pills work on the brain to promote drowsiness. Some drugs are designed specifically as sleep aids, while others have sedation as a side effect. Prescription medications work in different ways, with some stimulating chemicals in the brain and others slowing down brain activity.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, muscle weakness, and a hangover effect the next day. They can also lead to long-term issues like poor memory, brain degeneration, and a risk of accidental falls.
Yes, natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian supplements can help promote sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that influences when you fall asleep and wake up, while valerian has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), but it's recommended to check with a healthcare provider before taking them as they can interfere with other medications. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger and may be prescribed for short-term relief, but they are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
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