Evie Summers
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, sleep medicines, or tranquilizers, are used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. They are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription, with prescription pills generally being stronger. OTC sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness by blocking histamines that induce alertness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Prescription medications include benzodiazepines, which stimulate the brain chemical GABA, leading to sedation, and Z-drugs, which slow brain activity. Antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and orexin receptor antagonists are also used to treat insomnia and promote sleep.
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What You'll Learn
- Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which block histamines that cause alertness
- Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC pills and include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs
- Natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian supplements promote sleep without a prescription
- Antidepressants and antianxiety medications are sometimes used to treat insomnia due to their drowsiness side effects
- Orexin receptor antagonists (ORAs) are a new class of sleep medications that block orexin, a chemical that promotes wakefulness
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which block histamines that cause alertness
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, sleep medicines, or tranquilizers, are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. OTC sleep aids include non-prescription sleeping pills and natural supplements.
OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which block histamines that cause alertness. Antihistamines are typically used to treat allergies but can also induce drowsiness. Common antihistamines found in OTC sleep aids include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Doxylamine, in particular, is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is important to note that doxylamine can cause extreme fatigue if a person wakes up soon after taking it. Additionally, antihistamines may cause side effects such as daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, and trouble urinating.
Other OTC sleep aids include melatonin, which is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Valerian root is another natural supplement that has a calming effect on the nervous system and promotes better sleep. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any OTC sleep aids, as they can interfere with other medications or aggravate certain health conditions.
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Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC pills and include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also induce drowsiness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Natural sleep aids include melatonin and valerian supplements, which promote sleep by influencing the body's sleep and wake cycle and calming the nervous system, respectively.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC pills and are typically used for a short time, in combination with good sleep practices or behavioural treatments. They include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs. Benzodiazepines, also known as "benzos", are a class of hypnotics that stimulate the chemical GABA in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Diastat, Valium). Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), work by slowing down brain activity.
Prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation and muscle weakness, and approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a "hangover" effect the day after taking them. There is also a risk of dependence and addiction, so healthcare providers generally do not recommend their long-term use.
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Natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian supplements promote sleep without a prescription
Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids, sleep medicines, or tranquilizers, are often used to combat insomnia, a condition that affects an estimated 1 in 7 people in the US. While prescription sleeping pills are available, they are not typically recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. As an alternative, natural sleep aids like melatonin and valerian supplements can promote sleep without a prescription.
Melatonin is a hormone that influences when you fall asleep and wake up. It is safe for most people to take nightly for one to two months. However, it is important to note that melatonin supplements may not be suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with certain medical conditions. To enhance the effectiveness of melatonin, it is recommended to reduce exposure to blue and green light from electronic devices before bed, as this light can interfere with melatonin's effects.
Valerian root is a natural sleep aid that has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and is considered a safer alternative to prescription sleep aids. Valerian root supplements are widely used in European countries and are available without a prescription. However, it is important to purchase reputable products as the safety and efficacy of supplements are not closely monitored by regulatory agencies.
Both melatonin and valerian supplements can be effective in promoting sleep without the need for a prescription. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids, as they can interfere with other medications or health conditions. Additionally, natural remedies such as maintaining a dark and comfortable bedroom environment, reducing screen time before bed, and exposing yourself to daylight during the day can also improve sleep quality.
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Antidepressants and antianxiety medications are sometimes used to treat insomnia due to their drowsiness side effects
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can cause daytime fatigue and a reduced quality of life. It is often associated with increased mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse, and increased healthcare use. While healthcare professionals usually recommend lifestyle changes and behavioural therapies as the first course of action, certain prescription medications can also help treat insomnia.
Tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin (Silenor) are used to treat depression and anxiety, but they can also be used to treat insomnia by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, helping individuals stay asleep. Doxepin is available in capsule and liquid forms, with a recommended dosage of 6 milligrams taken once daily at least 30 minutes before bedtime. However, side effects may include increased sleepiness and confusion, especially in older people. Other tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, imipramine, and clomipramine are also used to treat insomnia, although there is limited evidence supporting their efficacy.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are another type of antidepressant that has shown promise in treating insomnia, with paroxetine significantly improving subjective sleep measures in two studies. Antidepressants may be prescribed at low doses initially and gradually increased to the normal dosage, with treatment response assessed after six weeks. Benzodiazepines, a class of medications used to treat anxiety, can also be considered for short-term insomnia relief (up to four weeks) due to their hypnotic and anxiolytic effects. Examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and triazolam (Halcion). However, benzodiazepines have a higher risk of causing dependence and withdrawal symptoms with long-term use.
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Orexin receptor antagonists (ORAs) are a new class of sleep medications that block orexin, a chemical that promotes wakefulness
ORAs are a potential treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. They have been shown to improve sleep parameters such as latency to persistent sleep (LPS), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), and sleep quality (SQ). The three most common ORAs are suvorexant, lemborexant, and daridorexant, which was the most recently approved ORA in 2022. These drugs have different affinities for the two orexin receptors and differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles, with daridorexant having the shortest half-life of about 8 hours.
ORAs have several advantages over traditional sleep-promoting drugs. They appear to have no dependence or tolerance-inducing effects, making them suitable for long-term treatment. Additionally, they do not cause a "hangover" effect the next day and have no carry-over effects, as the exposure is primarily when the person is in bed and supposed to be sleeping. However, ORAs are not currently used as first-line treatments for insomnia due to their cost and concerns about possible misuse.
Side effects of ORAs include somnolence, daytime sleepiness, sedation, headache, abnormal dreams, fatigue, and dry mouth. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids or medications, as they can interfere with other medications or worsen health conditions. While over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are easily accessible, prescription sleeping pills are stronger and may be recommended for short-term relief.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various types of medications to treat insomnia and sleep disorders, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids. Prescription medications include benzodiazepines, Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), and antidepressants such as trazodone and quetiapine (Seroquel). OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines with common ingredients like diphenhydramine and doxylamine.
Some examples of prescription sleeping pills include zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), pramipexole (Mirapex), and temazepam (Restoril). These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use and should be used in conjunction with good sleep practices and behavioural treatments.
Yes, some people opt for natural remedies such as melatonin or valerian supplements, which can promote better sleep without the same side effects as prescription medications. However, the efficacy of these alternative treatments may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as prescription drugs.
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, muscle weakness, and a "hangover" effect the next day with grogginess, drowsiness, or headaches. There is also a risk of dependence and addiction with long-term use, and approximately 8 out of 10 people experience side effects the day after taking sleep medicine.
