Gina Johnson
Sleeping pills are a common intervention for insomnia and other sleep disorders. They can help people fall asleep and stay asleep. However, they are not meant to be used long-term as they can have side effects and may cause dependence. Taking more than the recommended dose of sleeping pills can lead to an overdose, which can have severe and even life-threatening consequences. An overdose can occur due to misuse, accidental ingestion, or combining sleeping pills with other substances. If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately and provide the necessary information to help emergency personnel respond appropriately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help people with sleep disorders like insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep |
| Availability | Over-the-counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription |
| Side effects | Memory problems, changes to sleep stages, worsening sleep quality, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, parasomnia, sleep-induced injuries, depression, sleep disorders |
| Overdose | Occurs when taking a higher dose than prescribed or combining with other drugs; can lead to slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, severe drowsiness, confusion, abdominal pain, clumsiness, lethargy, memory loss, strange behavior, death |
| Prevention | Strictly follow prescribed dosage, avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs, seek help for addiction |
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What You'll Learn
Side effects
While taking three sleeping tablets at once may not be life-threatening, it is still considered an overdose and can have serious side effects. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help you rest. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to adverse health effects, including slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, severe drowsiness, confusion, abdominal pain, clumsiness, and memory loss.
One of the most critical immediate risks of a sleeping pill overdose is respiratory depression, where breathing becomes inadequate, leading to hypoxia and potential brain damage or death. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, can further increase the risk of overdose and severe health complications. Therefore, it is crucial to only take sleeping pills as prescribed by a healthcare professional and not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnias, which are complex sleep behaviours that occur while the person is asleep and unaware of their actions. These behaviours can include sleepwalking, eating, talking, or even driving. While rare, parasomnias can be challenging to detect and are more likely to occur with higher dosages.
Chronic use of prescription sleep medications has been linked to memory problems, changes in sleep stages, and worsening sleep quality. Additionally, some sleep medications have been associated with the development of depression and sleep disorders. It is important to address any underlying health conditions or situations resulting in insomnia rather than solely treating the symptoms.
Prolonged use of sleeping pills can lead to dependence, where the body develops a tolerance and requires higher doses for the same effect. Stopping the medication suddenly can result in rebound insomnia, where insomnia returns worse than before. Therefore, it is crucial to gradually taper off sleeping pills under medical supervision to minimise withdrawal symptoms and safely address any underlying sleep issues.
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Overdose
Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to death. An overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended dose of sleep medication. The specific amount that leads to an overdose can vary depending on the type of sleeping pill and the individual's physiology. Factors such as body weight, tolerance, and concurrent use of other substances can influence the threshold for overdose. For example, taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking pills more often than prescribed can increase the risk of an overdose. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances like opioids or alcohol can also lead to an overdose.
The signs of a sleeping pill overdose can manifest physically and psychologically. Physically, the signs include extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness. Psychologically, signs include severe drowsiness, memory loss, confusion, and strange behaviour. In some cases, a sleeping pill overdose can lead to a coma, seizure, or death.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, it is important to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for the paramedics, turn the person into the coma position with their body face down, their head turned to one side, and one knee slightly bent. Check the person's airway to ensure it is clear and that they are breathing regularly. Check for a pulse in the neck and wrist. If there is no pulse, administer CPR. Turn the person on their back and inform the ambulance personnel that the person is in cardiac arrest. Show the medics any empty bottles or packets of pills that the person may have taken.
To prevent a sleeping pill overdose, it is important to adhere to safe usage guidelines. This includes strictly following the prescribed dosage, avoiding taking extra pills, and storing medication securely. It is also crucial to avoid mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as alcohol or drugs.
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Death
The likelihood of death from taking sleeping pills increases with the number of pills taken annually. One study found that people who took the most sleeping pills were 35% more likely to get cancer. Additionally, people who take sleeping pills for extended periods are at a higher risk of overdose and death. This is especially true for those who abuse sleeping pills, have a history of substance abuse, or have mental health disorders.
The dangerous side effects of misusing sleeping pills can begin long before an overdose occurs. Sleep-induced injuries, crimes, and self-harm have been reported due to unawareness of one's actions while under the influence of sleeping pills. Mixing sleeping pills with opioids or alcohol can cause respiratory failure and death. In addition, older adults are at a greater risk of overdose from sleeping pills due to decreased drug metabolism rates.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call 911 immediately and keep the person awake and talking if possible until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position—on their side with one leg forward of the other—and wait for help. If the victim appears to be gasping for air or has ceased breathing and lost consciousness, administer CPR and call 911.
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Addiction
Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants that slow down brain activity to help you rest. They are usually recommended for short-term use only, as they can have side effects and the risk of dependence and addiction.
Sleeping pills can be habit-forming, and users may develop a tolerance over time, requiring a higher dosage to achieve the same effect. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of increasing dosage and the potential for overdose or other harmful side effects. Mixing sleeping pills with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol, further increases the risk of overdose and adverse outcomes.
The likelihood of addiction and the severity of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the type of sleeping pill and the length of use. Benzodiazepines, for example, can be highly addictive and are typically prescribed for short periods to lower the risk of substance use disorder. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), are often preferred over benzodiazepines due to their milder effects and lower potential for addiction. However, even Z-drugs can cause dependence and rebound insomnia if used long-term.
Withdrawal symptoms from sleeping pills can include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms may be similar to the issues the medication was intended to address, leading to a cycle of relapse. To avoid this, it is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage over time with medical supervision and psychological or therapeutic support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to sleeping pills, it is important to seek professional help. Drug rehab centres and support groups can provide guidance and resources for recovery. Additionally, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other non-drug therapies may be more effective long-term solutions for improving sleep without the risk of addiction.
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Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbances
- Seizures
- Shivering
- Circulation problems
- Agitated behaviour
- Hallucinations
- Muscle tension
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
To manage the risk of dependence, medical professionals may recommend tapering off the medication gradually rather than stopping abruptly. This strategy can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a smoother transition to natural sleep patterns.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your body weight, tolerance, and whether you've taken any other substances. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants, so taking more than the recommended dose can slow your breathing dangerously or even stop it. This can lead to hypoxia and potential brain damage or death.
Signs of a sleeping pill overdose can manifest both physically and psychologically. Physically, you may experience extreme lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing trouble, and clumsiness. Psychologically, you may feel confused or exhibit strange behaviour.
If you've overdosed on sleeping pills, call 911 right away. While waiting for the paramedics, turn the person in the coma position with the body face down, the head turned to one side, and one knee bent slightly. Check the person's airway to make sure it's clear and that they are breathing regularly. Keep them safe and stay with them until emergency services arrive.
To prevent a sleeping pill overdose, it is crucial to follow safe usage guidelines. This includes strictly adhering to the prescribed dosage and avoiding taking extra pills, even if you are struggling to fall asleep. It is also important to avoid mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other drugs, as this can increase the risk of overdose and severe health complications.
