Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping pills are used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They are available over the counter, as natural supplements, or by prescription. Sleeping pills can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Some sleeping pills are not listed as controlled substances, meaning they are not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These include Silenor, Seroquel, Zyprexa, Risperdal, and Rozerem. Natural sleep aids such as melatonin and valerian root are also not regulated by the CSA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping pills that are not controlled substances | Doxepin (Silenor), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Ramelteon (Rozerem) |
| Natural sleeping aids | Melatonin, Valerian, CBT |
| Over-the-counter sleeping pills | Unisom, ZzzQuil, Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, doxylamine) |
| Prescription sleeping pills | Ambien, Motrin PM, Lunesta, Restoril, Belsomra, Dayvigo, Quviviq, Z-drugs, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants |
| Side effects | Daytime sleepiness, confusion, parasomnia, addiction, dependence |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping pills are available over the counter, by prescription, or as natural supplements
- Sleeping pills can cause side effects and are not recommended for long-term use
- Natural sleep aids include melatonin and valerian supplements
- Non-drug therapies like CBT can be effective in improving sleep
- Some antidepressants can cause drowsiness and may be prescribed off-label for insomnia
Sleeping pills are available over the counter, by prescription, or as natural supplements
Sleeping pills are available in three main forms: over the counter, by prescription, or as natural supplements. Over-the-counter sleeping pills are usually antihistamines, which work by blocking histamines, the substances in your body that cause alertness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Sleeping pills are also available by prescription, which are stronger than over-the-counter pills. Prescription pills include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Providers generally do not recommend using prescription sleeping pills long-term due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
Natural sleep aids are also available as over-the-counter supplements. These are usually plant-based, vitamins or minerals, or supplemental amounts of substances produced by the body. Melatonin, for example, is a popular natural sleep aid, as low melatonin levels can cause sleep disturbances. L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea plants, is another natural supplement that may improve sleep by reducing stress and anxiety and boosting relaxation. While natural sleep aids tend to have fewer side effects than prescription medications, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, as they may not be safe for everyone. For example, melatonin can reduce the effectiveness of some medications and may not be recommended for those who have received an organ transplant or experience depression.
Sleeping pills, whether over-the-counter or prescription, can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy and experiencing muddled thinking and dizziness. These effects can negatively impact daily tasks such as driving and working, so caution is advised when taking sleep medicine.
Sleeping pills should not be taken lightly, and it is always best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement. For those struggling with addiction or mental health issues, expert guidance is available to help manage these problems without relying on sleeping pills.
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Sleeping pills can cause side effects and are not recommended for long-term use
Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use due to their potential side effects. They are designed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders by making individuals feel drowsy and relaxed. However, they can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea.
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription, and they go by various names, including sleep aids, sleep medicines, tranquilizers, and sedative hypnotics. While they can be effective in the short term, long-term use is not advised due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, with symptoms such as drowsiness, muddled thinking, and dizziness.
The side effects of sleeping pills can vary depending on the type and individual response. Common side effects of prescription sleeping pills such as Ambien, Halcion, Lunesta, Rozerem, and Sonata include a burning or tingling sensation in the extremities. Other potential side effects include parasomnias, which are complex sleep behaviours that occur while the individual is unaware, such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, making phone calls, or even sleep driving.
Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing health problems due to sleeping pills, as the pills tend to stay in their system longer. Drowsiness, confusion, and memory problems are more common side effects in this demographic, increasing the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking sleeping pills to ensure safe and proper usage and to explore alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which may be more effective in improving sleep quality.
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Natural sleep aids include melatonin and valerian supplements
While sleeping pills like Ambien, Motrin PM, and doxylamine are often used to treat insomnia, they are regulated under the CSA based on their strength. Natural sleep aids that are not regulated under the CSA include melatonin and valerian supplements.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate sleep. Melatonin supplements are often recommended for people with insomnia or those who want to overcome jet lag. They are typically taken two hours before bedtime, with a dosage of 1 to 3 milligrams. It is important to note that melatonin supplements may not be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, seizure disorders, or depression. Additionally, they may interact with hypertension medications and affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has a long history of use as a sedative, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. The valerian root extract is commonly used to treat sleep disorders, especially insomnia. A daily dosage of 300-600 mg of valerian root extract has been found to improve sleep quality. However, continuous use for up to four weeks may be necessary before noticeable effects occur. While valerian has been traditionally used for anxiety and stress relief, there is limited scientific evidence to support these benefits.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or sleep aids to ensure their suitability for your individual needs and health status.
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Non-drug therapies like CBT can be effective in improving sleep
Sleeping pills are typically used to treat insomnia by making individuals feel drowsy and relaxed. However, they can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Some common sleeping pills include Ambien, Motrin PM, doxylamine, Belsomra, Dayvigo, Quviviq, Lunesta, and Restoril.
As an alternative to sleeping pills, non-drug therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective in improving sleep. CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is a short, structured, evidence-based approach that has been shown to produce results equivalent to those of sleep medication. It is considered effective for both short-term and chronic insomnia, with improvements in sleep latency, time spent awake after sleep onset, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency.
CBT-I focuses on exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and sleep. During treatment, a trained CBT-I provider helps individuals identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to insomnia symptoms. These thoughts and feelings are examined and challenged, while behaviors are assessed to determine if they promote sleep. Educating clients about good sleep hygiene is also a core component of CBT-I. This involves adopting practices that encourage sleep while eliminating those that hinder it, such as addressing the impact of diet, exercise, and the sleeping environment.
While CBT-I can be effective, it may take time to learn and practice the skills involved. It is important for individuals undergoing CBT-I to be open to confronting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which may cause temporary discomfort. However, working with a professional trained in CBT-I can help minimize these risks and provide support throughout the process.
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Some antidepressants can cause drowsiness and may be prescribed off-label for insomnia
While sleeping pills are a common treatment for insomnia, they can have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use. Some antidepressants can cause drowsiness and may be prescribed off-label to treat insomnia.
Antidepressants are typically prescribed to treat depression, but they can also impact sleep. Some antidepressants can worsen or induce sleep disorders like insomnia, while others can alleviate sleep disturbances. For example, antidepressants with sedative properties, such as doxepin, mirtazapine, and trazodone, can rapidly improve sleep but may cause problems in long-term treatment due to oversedation. In clinical studies, mirtazapine and trazodone were associated with a very high rate of somnolence (54% and 46%, respectively), indicating their sedative effects.
On the other hand, antidepressants with activating effects, such as fluoxetine and venlafaxine, may disrupt sleep, especially in the short term. It is important to note that the effects of antidepressants on sleep can vary between individuals and depend on the specific type of antidepressant.
When treating insomnia, physicians may prescribe sedating antidepressants off-label due to their drowsiness-inducing effects. These off-label prescriptions aim to improve sleep by taking advantage of the sedating side effects of these antidepressants. However, it is crucial to understand that while these medications may promote sleep, they are not specifically designed or approved for insomnia treatment.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that natural sleep aids, such as melatonin, and non-drug therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are also effective alternatives to sleeping pills and antidepressants for treating insomnia. These options may improve sleep without the same level of side effects or risks associated with pharmaceutical interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
Some over-the-counter sleeping pills that are not listed as controlled substances include Unisom and ZzzQuil. Most over-the-counter sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness.
Prescription sleeping pills that are not controlled substances include ramelteon (Rozerem), quetiapine (Seroquel), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and risperidone (Risperdal). These medications are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction.
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that can be purchased over the counter and is not a controlled substance. Valerian supplements are also natural remedies that can help with sleep, but they may not have the same level of scientific backing as other drugs.
