Colin Snow
Sleep is essential for our well-being, but sometimes we need a little extra help to get a good night's rest. Sleeping pills and sleep aids are widely available over the counter and by prescription, but are they safe to take? The short answer is yes, but with caution. Sleep medications can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. They can cause constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and even worsen snoring and sleep apnea. Additionally, they can lead to rebound insomnia, where your insomnia returns worse than before if you stop taking the medication. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any sleep aids to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and to rule out any underlying sleep disorders or medical conditions that may be causing your sleep problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you take meds and sleep | Yes, but it depends on the medication and your body's reaction to it. |
| Over-the-counter sleep medications | Can cause side effects like constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsen snoring and sleep apnea. |
| Prescription sleep medications | Can cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where people carry out activities without being fully conscious. |
| Long-term use of sleep medications | Not recommended. Can lead to rebound insomnia and dependence. |
| Precautions | Consult a doctor before starting any medication. Read the pamphlet carefully and follow dosage and timing instructions. |
| Alternative solutions | Natural sleep aids like melatonin or valerian supplements. |
| Medications that may disrupt sleep | Antidepressants, beta-blockers, decongestants, diuretics, smoking-cessation drugs, steroids, asthma medications, cold and allergy meds, pain medications, weight loss products, glucosamine and chondroitin, St. John's wort, vitamins, alpha-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs). |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills: side effects and safety
While sleeping pills can be effective in treating insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed, they can also cause several side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy, while natural supplements may include melatonin or valerian, which promote sleep and relaxation, respectively. Prescription sleep medications include benzodiazepines, which stimulate a calming chemical in the brain, and Z-drugs, which slow down brain activity.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsening of snoring and sleep apnea, and rebound insomnia when discontinued. Additionally, they can cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where individuals may engage in dangerous behaviors while still mostly asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, or even driving. Sleeping pills may also lead to daytime drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and impaired reaction time, making it unsafe to drive or operate machinery.
It is crucial to use caution when taking sleeping pills, as they can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. Before starting any sleep medication, individuals should consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and ensure the medication does not interact with other substances. Experts recommend starting with the lowest effective dose and gradually adjusting it under medical supervision. Sleeping pills are generally recommended for short-term use and should not be relied upon long-term, as there is limited evidence on their safety and efficacy beyond four weeks of use.
Older adults, in particular, should exercise caution when considering sleeping pills, as they are more susceptible to side effects, including confusion, memory problems, and an increased risk of falls or accidents. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also refrain from taking OTC sleeping aids. It is important to address any underlying sleep disorders or medical conditions that may be contributing to sleep problems, as sleeping pills are intended for short-term relief and may not address the root cause of insomnia.
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Natural sleep aids
- Melatonin: This is a hormone naturally produced by the body that signals to your brain that it's time to sleep. Melatonin supplements are popular and easily available over the counter. They have been found to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall sleep quality. However, melatonin may not be suitable for everyone and can interfere with certain medications.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that can help promote sleep. It is often included in natural sleep aids.
- Valerian Root: Valerian is a plant with sedative qualities. It has been found to help with insomnia and improve sleep, especially for postmenopausal women. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking valerian as it may interact with other medications.
- Cannabinoids (CBD and THC): Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant. Some studies suggest that CBD and THC can help people fall asleep, stay asleep, and improve sleep quality. However, marijuana and THC products have the potential to create dependence, and withdrawal can aggravate sleep problems. CBD is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing people due to limited research on its long-term safety.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is a plant with sedative effects that promote rest and sleep. Chamomile tea has been found to help improve sleep and alleviate depressive symptoms.
- Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant plant used in the production of oils, perfumes, and medicines. It is often included in natural sleep aids.
- Passionflower: The passionflower plant contains chemicals that have a calming effect and can induce feelings of relaxation and tiredness. A 2016 study found that ingesting passionflower for four weeks helped improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
- Red Ginseng Extract: A 2013 study found that red ginseng extract helped people fall asleep and improved sleep quality.
- Other Natural Remedies: Some other natural sleep aids include warm milk, tart cherry juice, and magnesium. While there isn't much scientific proof, these remedies are generally considered safe to try.
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Prescription drugs that affect sleep
It is important to exercise caution when taking sleep medication. Over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and digestive problems. Sleeping pills can also cause rebound insomnia, a short bout of insomnia that occurs when you stop taking sleep aids. This can be mitigated by weaning yourself off the medication by gradually lowering your doses.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), as natural supplements, or by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Some people opt for natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements, both of which promote sleep. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids, as they can interfere with other medications or health conditions.
Prescription sleeping pills are typically stronger than over-the-counter options and are usually recommended for short-term relief. This is because there is a risk of dependence and addiction, and they are not a cure for insomnia. Some types of prescription sleeping pills include antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Benzodiazepines, in particular, can be addictive and lead to substance use disorders, so they are generally prescribed for short-term use. Z-drugs, on the other hand, are more commonly prescribed due to a lower risk profile.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any new medication, including sleep aids. A doctor will consider your existing mental and physical health concerns and ensure that the sleep aid will not interact negatively with any other medications or substances you are taking. They will also ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients in the prescribed sleep aid. Experts advise taking the lowest dose possible to minimise potential side effects and to follow your doctor's instructions on dosage and timing.
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Over-the-counter remedies that affect sleep
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids can be helpful for short-term sleep issues, such as jet lag or occasional sleeplessness. However, they are not recommended as a long-term solution for chronic insomnia. Before taking any OTC sleep medication, it is important to consult a doctor to understand the potential side effects, risks, and interactions with other substances.
One category of OTC sleep aids is antihistamine-containing medications, such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl) and doxylamine succinate. These medications help induce sleep by decreasing histamine levels in the brain. While they can be effective in making you sleepy, they may also cause side effects such as daytime drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, and dry mouth. It is important to note that antihistamine medications are not recommended for regular use, especially in older adults, as they can increase the risk of dementia and cause other nervous system-related issues.
Melatonin is another popular OTC sleep aid. It is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements can be helpful for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep, especially "night owls" and those experiencing jet lag. However, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness in treating general insomnia. Side effects of melatonin supplements may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. It is important to note that melatonin supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there may be variations in dosages and ingredients between different brands.
Valerian is an herbal supplement that is believed to act on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system and induce drowsiness. It has been associated with few side effects, mainly limited to drowsiness and dizziness. CBD (cannabidiol), derived from the cannabis plant, is another OTC option that has gained popularity in recent years. CBD products do not contain THC, so they do not produce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. They come in various forms, including pills, edibles, patches, and creams.
In addition to these OTC remedies, natural sleep aids such as lavender essential oil, herbal teas (containing chamomile, passionflower, or valerian), and warm milk can help promote relaxation and improve sleep. Forming good sleep habits, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, and keeping the bedroom temperature cool are also important for achieving quality sleep.
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When to take medication
The timing of medication is an important factor in its efficacy and its effect on the body. The body's internal circadian rhythm, or 24-hour day-night cycle, influences how the body functions throughout the day. As such, the time of day that a medication is taken can improve its therapeutic effect and/or minimise side effects.
Sleep medications, for example, are obviously taken before one wants to go to sleep. However, it is important to exercise caution when taking sleep medication. Over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and can worsen snoring and sleep apnea. They can also cause rebound insomnia, where insomnia returns worse than before once a person stops taking the medication. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking sleep medication, and to only take the lowest effective dose.
The time of day that other types of medication are taken can also have a significant impact. For example, short-acting statins used to treat high cholesterol should be taken prior to bedtime, as cholesterol levels increase during sleep. Drugs that treat acid reflux are most effective when taken before the first meal, as this is when the number of stomach pumps is highest. Some anticoagulants should be taken with an evening meal to aid absorption so that the drug is effective in the morning when the risk of a cardiovascular event is highest. Drugs that treat ADHD can cause insomnia and should be taken in the morning, while drugs that treat hepatitis B can cause dizziness and tiredness, so should be taken at bedtime.
It is important to note that many medications can interfere with sleep, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, decongestants, diuretics, smoking-cessation drugs, steroids, asthma medication, cold and allergy meds, pain medication, weight loss products, and vitamins. If sleep problems are becoming distressing, it is recommended to consult a doctor about switching to a medication that won't affect sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the medication. Some medications are designed to be taken before sleep, such as sleeping pills. However, some medications can interfere with sleep and cause insomnia, so it is important to check the packaging or do some research to see if this is a possible side effect.
Sleeping pills can cause constipation or diarrhea, muscle weakness, digestive problems, worsened snoring and sleep apnea, and rebound insomnia. They can also cause parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder that can lead to dangerous behaviors. It is important to use caution when taking any sleep medicine and to follow the advice of a healthcare professional.
Many medications can interfere with sleep, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, decongestants, diuretics, smoking-cessation drugs, steroids, asthma medications, cold and allergy medications, pain medications, weight loss products, and vitamins.
If a medication is causing sleep problems, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may suggest a lower dose, a different medication, or a natural sleep aid. Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting your doctor.
