Evie Summers
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, sleep medicines, tranquilizers, or sedatives, are medications that help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription, and can contain antihistamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, melatonin, valerian, or other natural supplements. Sleeping pills can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Treat insomnia or other sleep problems |
| Effect | Make users feel drowsy and relaxed |
| Types | Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, herbals, melatonin receptor agonists, orexin receptor antagonists, nonbenzodiazepines, anti-Parkinsonian drugs, antinarcoleptics, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, antipsychotics |
| Availability | Over the counter, prescription, natural supplements |
| Side effects | Burning or tingling in hands, arms, feet, or legs, parasomnias, constipation, muscle weakness, hangover effect, withdrawal symptoms, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, clumsiness, urinary retention |
| Usage | Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults, people with a history of substance abuse, depression, or other mood problems |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills are sedatives that treat insomnia
OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also make you feel drowsy. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Natural sleep aids may include melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, or valerian, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. However, studies are divided on whether valerian is effective.
Prescription sleep medications work in different ways. Benzodiazepines, for example, stimulate the GABA chemical in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. They are the oldest class of sleep medications still commonly in use and are considered to have a higher risk of dependence than other insomnia sedative hypnotics. Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence. Other prescription sleep aids include "Z-drugs" like eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien). These medications are also classified as Schedule IV controlled substances and interact with GABA receptors in the brain.
Sleeping pills are typically used for a short time and are most effective when used sparingly for short-term situations, such as jet lag or recovering from a medical procedure. They may improve sleep quality, but they usually do not increase sleep duration. Sleeping pills can also cause side effects, such as parasomnias (sleepwalking or eating in your sleep), constipation, and muscle weakness. They may also interfere with normal breathing and can be dangerous for people with certain chronic lung problems like asthma. It is important to consult a doctor before taking sleeping pills, as they can interact with other medications and cause serious side effects.
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They can be bought over the counter or prescribed
Sleeping pills are sedatives that treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. They can be bought over the counter or with a prescription.
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are available without a prescription and can be purchased at drugstores and other retail locations. They often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Common antihistamines found in OTC sleeping pills include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. While these can be effective for short-term use, they may worsen insomnia when used long-term. Additionally, they can cause side effects such as blurred vision, confusion, constipation, and dry mouth. It is important to note that OTC sleeping pills are not recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for treating insomnia due to limited evidence of their effectiveness and safety.
Natural supplements, such as melatonin, valerian, and CBD, are also available over the counter. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and it is particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep, such as "night owls" or those with jet lag. Valerian acts on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system, promoting relaxation and better sleep. CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, does not produce a "high" and can be found in various forms, including pills and edibles. While these supplements have fewer reported side effects, they are not as strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, raising concerns about their accuracy in labelling.
Prescription sleeping pills are typically recommended for short-term use and are often reserved for severe cases of insomnia or individuals with certain health conditions. Benzodiazepines, for example, work by stimulating GABA receptors in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. However, they are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence. "Z-drugs," such as eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien), are also prescription-only sleep aids that interact with GABA receptors. While these medications can be effective, they are not suitable for everyone, and older adults, in particular, are advised against their use due to increased health risks.
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Side effects include parasomnias and next-day drowsiness
Sleeping pills are drugs that treat insomnia by making people feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. While they can be effective, they also come with side effects, including parasomnias and next-day drowsiness.
Parasomnias are complex sleep behaviours that occur while a person is still mostly asleep. They can include sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls, or even sleep driving. Parasomnias are rare but dangerous, as individuals are unaware of their actions and may engage in activities that can lead to harm, such as driving. The occurrence of parasomnias while on sleeping pills can be challenging to detect, and healthcare providers may not know the exact risks until an individual tries the medication.
Next-day drowsiness is a common side effect of sleeping pills, especially in older adults. Sleeping pills can remain in the system of older adults for a more extended period, causing drowsiness to persist into the next day. This can impact an individual's ability to drive or operate machinery and may increase the risk of falls and accidents.
Other side effects of sleeping pills include confusion, memory problems, impaired focus or coordination, and allergic reactions. Sleeping pills can also be habit-forming, leading to dependence or substance use disorders. Additionally, there is a risk of rebound insomnia when discontinuing sleeping pills, so it is generally recommended to wean off them gradually under medical supervision.
Due to the potential side effects, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills. They can help assess the benefits and risks and provide guidance on dosage and alternative treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Sleeping pills are typically recommended for short-term use and should not be taken long-term without medical advice.
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Benzodiazepines are the oldest class of sleep medication
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, sleep medicines, tranquilizers, or sedatives, are used to treat insomnia by making people feel drowsy and relaxed. While some sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC), others require a prescription.
Benzodiazepines have a higher risk of dependence compared to other insomnia sedative hypnotics. When taken for a prolonged period, individuals may believe they cannot sleep without them and may experience physical withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, such as anxiety and rebound insomnia. Therefore, it is important to use benzodiazepines sparingly and only when needed to avoid dependence and tolerance.
In addition to benzodiazepines, other prescription sleeping pills include suvorexant (Belsomra), lemborexant (Dayvigo), daridorexant (Quviviq), and ramelteon (Rozerem). These medications have been FDA-approved for treating insomnia and are also classified as Schedule IV controlled substances.
It is important to note that sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects and the risk of developing tolerance and rebound insomnia. Natural sleep aids, such as melatonin and valerian, are also available, but their effectiveness is debated.
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Sleeping pills are not recommended for children or older adults
Sleeping pills are medications that treat insomnia by making one feel drowsy and relaxed. They are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription. While they can help with sleep disorders, they are not recommended for children or older adults due to various associated risks.
Firstly, sleeping pills are not recommended for children. There are no FDA-approved sleeping pills for children under 16. This is because the drugs have only been developed and tested on adults, so the appropriate dosage for children is unknown. In rare situations, a doctor might prescribe a sleeping pill to a child under careful medical supervision and usually for a limited time. However, this is only done when other methods to improve sleep have been exhausted.
Additionally, sleep medicines can have side effects for children, and even herbal or 'natural' remedies can be harmful. Sleep difficulties in children should ideally be addressed through sleep and lifestyle changes. If these adjustments do not help, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if the child's sleep problems are affecting their well-being, academic performance, or relationships.
Sleeping pills are also not recommended for older adults due to special risks associated with this demographic. Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of drugs, and the drugs can linger in their bodies for longer, increasing the risk of falls and hip fractures. The likelihood of health problems and adverse side effects, such as confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, is higher in older adults who take sleeping pills. Observational evidence has linked hypnotics in older adults to an increased risk of dementia, fractures, and major injuries.
Furthermore, the long-term safety of sleeping pills is unclear, and most guidelines recommend short-term use only. Older adults should try non-drug treatments first, as there may be safer ways to improve sleep without the potential for serious adverse effects or even death associated with sleeping pills.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping pills are medications that treat insomnia by making you feel drowsy and relaxed. They are also referred to as sleep aids, sleep medicines, tranquilizers, and sedatives.
Sleeping pills can be classified into prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Prescription sleeping pills include benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines or "Z drugs", melatonin receptor agonists, and orexin receptor antagonists. OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can also be combined with pain relievers like acetaminophen. Natural sleep aids include melatonin and valerian supplements.
Sleeping pills are not recommended for children below 16 years old and adults over 65 years old. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid taking OTC sleeping aids. People with asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be cautious as sleeping pills can interfere with normal breathing. Additionally, those with a history of substance abuse, depression, or mood problems should consult a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills due to the risk of misuse, addiction, and dependence.
