Gina Johnson
Sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but many people struggle with insomnia or sleep deprivation. As a result, millions turn to over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids, such as melatonin, valerian, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. While these medications can help induce sleep, they may also have side effects, including dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headaches, and in rare cases, severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, mixing sleep aids with alcohol or other sedatives can lead to overdosing and dangerous behaviours like sleepwalking or driving while not fully conscious. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep medication, especially when sick, as other medications may be involved, and discontinuing sleep aids should be done gradually and under professional guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Sleeping pills can have side effects and should not be used long-term. |
| Side effects | Dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headache, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and rarely, severe allergic reactions or facial swelling. |
| Precautions | Do not mix with alcohol or other drugs that depress the nervous system. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking sleeping pills. Do not increase the dosage. |
| Alternatives | Lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or other natural sleep aids such as melatonin or valerian. |
| Risks | Overdose, parasomnia (disruptive sleep disorder), sleepwalking, memory problems, and addiction. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pill side effects
Like most medications, sleeping pills can cause side effects. The specific side effects that you experience will depend on your individual circumstances, and you won't know whether you will experience side effects until you try the medication. Your doctor may be able to advise you on potential side effects, especially if you have asthma or other health conditions.
Sleeping pills can interfere with normal breathing and can be dangerous for people with certain chronic lung problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Common side effects of prescription sleeping pills include a burning or tingling sensation in the hands, arms, feet, or legs.
Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnias, which are movements, behaviours, and actions over which you have no control, such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls, or having sex while in a sleep state. Sleep driving is another serious parasomnia that can occur as a result of taking sleeping pills. Although rare, parasomnias are difficult to detect once the medication takes effect.
Daytime sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion are further potential side effects of sleeping pills. These symptoms can make it dangerous to drive or operate machinery, as your reaction time may be too slow. For older adults, confusion and memory problems caused by sleeping pills can result in falls, broken hips, and car accidents.
It is important to note that using sleeping pills for too long can lead to dependence and other problems. Sleeping pills are typically recommended for short-term relief from sleeplessness. Benzodiazepines, a class of drugs often used to treat sleep issues, are potentially addictive and can cause problems with memory and attention. They are usually not advised for long-term treatment.
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Safety guidelines for taking sleeping pills
While it can be safe to take sleeping pills to help with sleep problems, it is not recommended to take them every night. Sleeping pills are intended to be short-term medications to improve sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Here are some safety guidelines to follow when taking sleeping pills:
Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist, before taking any sleeping pills, whether they are over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed. Discuss your medical history, including any other medications you are currently taking and any health conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure, liver problems, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, or obstructive sleep apnea. This information will help the healthcare provider determine if sleeping pills are safe for you and if there are any potential interactions with your existing medications.
Follow Prescribed Dosage and Duration
Take the sleeping pills exactly as prescribed or recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dosage or duration of treatment without consulting your doctor. Sleeping pills are typically recommended for short-term use, and your doctor will advise you on how long you need to take them and provide guidance on how to safely stop taking them when the time comes.
Avoid Mixing with Other Substances
Sleeping pills should not be mixed with alcohol or other substances. Combining sleeping pills with alcohol can increase the risk of adverse effects, including impaired judgment and coordination. Additionally, be cautious when taking sleeping pills with other medications, including herbal and traditional medicines. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no harmful interactions between your sleeping pills and other substances you are consuming.
Avoid Sharing or Taking Someone Else's Pills
Sleeping pills are prescribed or recommended specifically for an individual's needs. Do not share your sleeping pills with others, and do not take sleeping pills that are prescribed or given to someone else. This is important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication for the intended user.
Be Aware of Side Effects and Dependencies
Some sleeping pills may cause side effects such as sleepwalking or impaired judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors like sleep-driving. Additionally, be aware that long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to dependency. This means that over time, higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect, and stopping the medication may become challenging due to withdrawal symptoms or increased insomnia. If you experience any concerning side effects or feel that you are becoming dependent on sleeping pills, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
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Natural sleep aids
While prescription sleep aids may be effective, they are not always necessary to get a good night's rest. Natural sleep aids can be a great way to improve your sleep without the side effects or drug interactions that come with traditional sleep medications. Here are some natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments that might help you sleep better:
Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body in response to reduced light exposure, signalling to your brain that it's time to sleep. However, exposure to artificial light from phones, laptops, or TVs can interfere with this process. Melatonin supplements, available over the counter, can help regulate your sleep cycle and improve sleep quality. It's important to consistently purchase the same brand of melatonin supplements due to variations in dosage and ingredients across manufacturers.
Magnesium and Valerian Root
Magnesium is a natural mineral that has been known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Valerian root is another natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and improve sleep. It is believed to increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which promotes calmness and improves sleep.
Lavender
The scent of lavender is widely known for its calming and soothing properties. It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. Consider using lavender essential oil in a diffuser or spritzing lavender pillow mist on your bedding before sleep.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD has gained attention for its potential benefits in relieving anxiety and improving sleep. Some studies suggest that CBD, when used alone or in combination with THC, can help alleviate insomnia symptoms and enhance sleep quality. However, it's important to note that CBD is still classified as a controlled substance in some states, and more research is needed to establish its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to natural supplements and remedies, making certain lifestyle adjustments can improve your sleep:
- Avoid working out within two hours of bedtime, as it can raise your core body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep.
- Limit exposure to artificial light before sleep, especially from smartphones and other electronic devices. Use a flashlight instead of turning on bright lights if you need to get up during the night.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can interfere with your sleep quality.
- Drink warm milk, chamomile tea, or tart cherry juice before bed. These drinks are believed to have sleep-promoting properties without the negative side effects of traditional sleep aids.
- Sleep in layers to adjust your bedtime temperature as needed for maximum comfort.
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Prescription sleep medication
While over-the-counter sleep aids are easily accessible, prescription sleep medication is generally reserved for cases of extreme insomnia. Benzodiazepines, for example, are prescription sleep medications that work by stimulating a brain chemical called GABA, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. However, they can be addictive and are therefore only prescribed for short-term use.
Prescription sleep medicines typically reach their maximum levels about 1 to 1.5 hours after ingestion. It is recommended to go to bed within a few minutes of taking them to prevent complex sleep-related behaviors. This is because people on sleep drugs may engage in activities such as eating, making phone calls, or even driving while not fully awake, with no memory of these acts.
Prescription sleeping pills can have side effects, including dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headache, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and rarely, severe allergic reactions or facial swelling. Older patients and those with medical conditions or taking other drugs are at a higher risk for side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any prescription sleep medication, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding, as the medication can pass to the fetus or baby.
Additionally, it is important not to mix prescription sleep medication with alcohol or other nervous system depressants, and to avoid driving or operating machinery after taking them. If you have been using prescription sleep medication for a long time, consult your healthcare provider about how to safely stop, as it may take months to discontinue their use.
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Sleeping pills and pregnancy
Sleep disturbances and insomnia are common during pregnancy, affecting one in four women in the first trimester and over two-thirds by the end of the third trimester. While antihistamines are generally used to treat allergies, they can also induce drowsiness and are used by 10-15% of pregnant women to alleviate morning sickness and indigestion. Most studies indicate that antihistamines are safe and effective for this purpose, but more research is needed to understand their impact on inducing sleep during pregnancy.
Sedative hypnotics, also known as tranquilizers, are associated with an increased risk of early birth or below-average size and weight at delivery. They have also been shown to cross the placenta, potentially causing breathing problems and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Therefore, they are not recommended during pregnancy.
Herbal products should also be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient research on their safety. The kava plant, for example, is linked to liver damage, and chamomile use in the final months of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth.
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Ativan, and Xanax, are associated with risks of birth defects, neonatal withdrawal, preterm labour, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight. Zolpidem, commonly known as Ambien, may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies, with increased chances if taken towards the end of pregnancy. Eszopiclone, or Lunesta, is another sleep aid that should be avoided during pregnancy.
While melatonin supplements are commonly used over-the-counter sleep aids, opinions vary on their use during pregnancy. Many healthcare providers advise against it due to concerns about crossing the placenta and limited research on its safety. However, one review of 15 studies suggested that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is likely safe, although more research is needed.
Some over-the-counter antacids containing calcium carbonate, like Tums, are generally considered safe during pregnancy and can help relieve heartburn and indigestion that may disrupt sleep. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider about other types of antacids, as those containing magnesium trisilicate and sodium bicarbonate may not be recommended.
Overall, experts recommend that pregnant individuals explore alternative methods to address sleep difficulties, such as improving "sleep hygiene" through relaxing activities like drinking tea, taking warm showers, meditating, or light reading before bed. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine, sleeping on the left side, and avoiding heavy meals, excessive liquids, and caffeine later in the day can also promote better sleep during pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills can have side effects such as dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headaches, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and rarely, severe allergic reactions or facial swelling.
It is not advisable to take sleeping pills while sick without medical advice. Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use and may have adverse effects when mixed with other medications.
Alternatives to sleeping pills include lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and natural sleep aids such as melatonin and valerian.
Sleeping pills should not be mixed with other sedatives or alcohol due to the risk of overdose. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking sleeping pills with other medications or supplements.
