Miya Pearson
Sleeping pills are medications that can help people with insomnia or other sleep disorders. They can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. While they can be effective in aiding sleep, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with their use. One common question regarding sleeping pill usage is whether one should eat before taking them. Most sleeping pills are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, however, it is always advisable to follow the specific instructions provided with the medication or by a doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to take sleeping pills | 20-30 minutes before bedtime |
| What to do after taking a sleeping pill | Get into bed within 10-15 minutes |
| How long it takes for prescription sleep medicines to reach maximum level | 1 to 1 ½ hours |
| Side effects | Sleepwalking, sleep-driving, dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headache, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, severe allergic reactions, facial swelling |
| Precautions | Avoid combining with alcohol, do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take with other medicines, do not take without consulting a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping pills are best taken on an empty stomach
- Consult a doctor before taking pills, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Pills may cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other complex behaviours
- Pills are a short-term solution and can cause dependence
- Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use as sleep aids
Sleeping pills are best taken on an empty stomach
It is important to take sleeping pills as prescribed by your doctor. They are usually taken 20-30 minutes before bedtime, and it is recommended to get into bed quickly after taking them—ideally within 10-15 minutes. This helps to prevent complex sleep-related behaviours, such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving, which can occur when people enter a "'sleep-walking' phase while they are still awake".
Sleeping pills are typically a short-term solution for severe insomnia and should not be taken for more than three weeks. They can cause dependence, meaning they become less effective over time and higher doses are needed to fall asleep. Withdrawal from sleeping pills should be gradual to avoid negative side effects.
It is important to be cautious when taking sleeping pills, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, as there may be limited options available due to concerns about the medication's impact on the fetus or its transfer to the baby through breast milk. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any sleep medication to ensure it is safe for you and does not interact with other medications you may be taking.
Additionally, sleeping pills should never be combined with alcohol, as this can trigger disturbed sleep behaviours and worsen any medical problems. Always read the instructions and package inserts carefully to understand the safe use of the medication and be aware of any potential side effects, which may include dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headache, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and, rarely, severe allergic reactions.
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Consult a doctor before taking pills, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding
Sleeping pills can be a helpful short-term solution for those with sleep disorders like insomnia, helping them fall and stay asleep. However, it's important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pregnant individuals should always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement, including over-the-counter sleeping pills. While it's natural to want to turn to sleep aids during pregnancy, it's important to first try lifestyle adjustments and natural sleep aids, such as improving your "sleep hygiene." This can include drinking tea, taking a warm shower, meditating, or reading before bed. Pregnant people should also be cautious about taking antihistamines, which are known to induce drowsiness and are sometimes used to treat morning sickness. While melatonin supplements may be suggested by a doctor during pregnancy, it's important to note that they are not regulated by the FDA, so there may be unknown side effects or risks.
If you are breastfeeding, you should also consult a doctor before taking any sleeping pills, as there may be concerns about the medication passing to the baby through breast milk. Additionally, if you are planning to become pregnant, it's important to speak to your doctor about any medications you are taking, including sleeping pills, to ensure the safety of the fetus.
In general, it's recommended to try non-drug treatments for sleep issues before resorting to medication, as there may be safer ways to improve sleep. This is especially important for older adults, as sleeping pills can have special risks for this population. Always consult your doctor if you experience any side effects from sleeping pills, such as chronic fatigue, confusion, parasomnia behaviors, or problems with focus and concentration.
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Pills may cause sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other complex behaviours
While taking sleeping pills can help you fall asleep, they may also cause some unexpected side effects, including sleepwalking and even sleep-driving. This is because some sleep medications can relax your body to the point where you might get up and engage in activities while you're technically still asleep.
These behaviours can be very complex and may include activities that you normally do during the day while you're awake, such as preparing and eating a meal, or even driving a car. In some cases, people have reported sleep-cooking or sleep-eating after taking sleeping pills, which can be dangerous as it increases the risk of fires or other accidents.
Sleep-driving is an especially concerning side effect of sleeping pills. People who have engaged in sleep-driving often have no memory of it the next day and may not even be aware that they drove anywhere until they are confronted with evidence, such as traffic tickets or car damage. Sleep-driving can not only put the driver in danger but also anyone else on the road or in the vicinity.
It's important to understand that these complex behaviours can occur without your knowledge or consent, and you may have no memory of them the next day. If you experience any unusual or dangerous behaviour while taking sleeping pills, it's crucial to consult your doctor immediately and consider alternative treatments for insomnia.
To minimise the risk of these side effects, it's generally recommended to take sleeping pills on an empty stomach. This is because eating before taking sleeping pills may slow down the absorption of the medication, potentially leading to a higher concentration of the drug in your system, which could increase the likelihood and severity of side effects. However, always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions regarding your medication.
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Pills are a short-term solution and can cause dependence
Sleeping pills are generally recommended for short-term use only. They are not a cure for insomnia and can cause dependence and addiction. Healthcare providers will typically only prescribe them for short-term relief, and they are not meant to be a long-term solution. The Z-drugs, a class of non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills, can cause problems with dependence and withdrawal. Sleeping pills are intended to help people fall asleep faster and relieve stress and anxiety, but they can become less effective over time and may cause negative withdrawal effects when discontinued.
Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and many long-term users become dependent without realizing it until they abruptly quit, causing side effects that impact their daily lives. The adverse effects of sleeping pills include drug tolerance, poor memory, brain degeneration, and an increased risk of accidental falls. Long-term use of sleeping pills can also lead to changes in brain function and structure, causing dependency and other side effects such as depression and respiratory depression during sleep, which can be life-threatening.
Healthcare providers recommend that sleeping pills be used for a limited duration, typically no more than three weeks, and ideally for no longer than one week. It is important to gradually reduce the dosage of sleeping pills to allow the body to adjust and avoid negative withdrawal effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often suggested as an alternative or complementary treatment for insomnia, as it is an effective tool for improving sleep patterns and curing insomnia without the risk of dependence or addiction.
While sleeping pills can provide short-term relief for insomnia, they are not a sustainable solution and can lead to dependence and adverse health effects with prolonged use. It is important to use them cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, exploring alternative treatments such as CBT to address underlying sleep issues and improve sleep quality without the risks associated with sleeping pills.
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Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use as sleep aids
While antihistamines may help you fall asleep, they are not recommended for long-term use as sleep aids. Antihistamines are known to cause drowsiness as a side effect, which is often welcomed by those experiencing allergies or a cold. However, as a sleep aid, they come with several health risks and are not recommended by experts.
Firstly, antihistamines have been linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease with long-term use. A 2021 review of 14 studies found that anticholinergic medications, which include antihistamines, can increase the risk of these conditions, and that higher exposure leads to a higher risk.
Secondly, antihistamines can cause an altered mental state, urinary retention, and dry mouth. While these side effects may be mild and well-tolerated in younger, healthier individuals, they can pose a significant risk to older adults. In addition, antihistamines can cause sleepwalking and other parasomnias, which can be dangerous.
Thirdly, antihistamines may negatively impact overall sleep quality. They can sometimes have the opposite of the intended effect, causing hyperactivity, especially in children. Many people also develop a tolerance to antihistamines very quickly, which means they may stop being effective after a few days.
Lastly, antihistamines are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, as there are limited options available due to concerns about the medication passing to the baby.
If you are experiencing chronic insomnia, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional, who can advise you on alternative treatments or medications that are safer for long-term use. Some alternatives to antihistamines include melatonin supplements, good sleep hygiene, and cognitive behavioral therapy. It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially for sleep disorders, as they can recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Most sleeping pills should be taken on an empty stomach. It is recommended that you take the pill 20-30 minutes before bedtime and get into bed within 10-15 minutes of ingesting the medication.
Sleeping pills can cause dizziness, prolonged drowsiness, headache, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and rarely, severe allergic reactions or facial swelling. They can also cause complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and sleep-eating.
Sleeping pills are prescribed for people with insomnia, which is a sleep onset problem or difficulty staying asleep. They are meant for short-term use and should not be taken for more than three weeks. If you are experiencing insomnia, it is recommended to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and to explore non-medication treatments first.
