What You Should Know About Sleeping Pills
Are you struggling to sleep? If you are, you're certainly not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 30% of American adults get less than seven hours of sleep each night. There are people who take sleeping pills when they are not able to sleep because of lifestyle changes like exercising or the reduction of stress. In this article, we'll talk about what you need to know about sleeping pills, such as their advantages as well as risks and alternative.
Understanding Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills, also referred as sedative-hypnotics are drugs which are used to aid individuals fall asleep or remain asleep. These pills can slow brain activity and cause sleepiness. There are numerous types of sleeping pills, including non-benzodiazepines and melatonin agonists. Each one has a distinct mechanism of action as well as potential adverse negative effects.
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Different types of sleeping pills
Benzodiazepines: These medications are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders as well as insomnia. They increase the action of Gamma-aminobutyric Acetate (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter, and reduces brain activity. Examples are diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).
Non-benzodiazepines are sometimes known as "Z-drugs" and are used to combat insomnia. They work by targeting specific brain receptors that help to sleep. Examples include Ambien (zolpidem) as well as Lunesta (eszopiclone).
Melatonin agonists: These drugs are akin to the effects of melatonin the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. They are prescribed to combat insomnia and are less likely to cause dependence than other kinds of sleeping drugs. Examples include the ramelteon (Rozerem) and Tasimelteon (Hetlioz).
Benefits of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can be helpful in the short-term for those who struggle with sleeping. They can assist people to fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, and improve the quality of their sleep. They might be required in certain situations to treat conditions like insomnia or anxiety.
There are some risks with taking sleeping pills
While sleeping pills are beneficial for a short time however, there are some dangers. Common side effects are dizziness headache, and nausea. They may also trigger dependence and withdrawal symptoms, especially with long-term use. Other risks include:
Increased risk of falls, especially in older adults
The driving impaired or other activities that require attention
Troubles with memory and confusion, especially in older adults
Greater chance of developing respiratory issues for those suffering from sleep apnea or other conditions
Alternatives to sleeping pills
If you're in search of alternatives to sleeping pills, there are a variety of options to consider:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat insomnia (CBT-I): This type of therapy is focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that can be hindering sleep.
It is about making lifestyle changes like avoiding drinks and caffeine before going to sleeping, establishing a sleep routine and creating a calm sleeping atmosphere.
Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help ease stress and promote relaxation.
Conclusion
While sleeping pills can be beneficial for those who are struggling to sleep but it's not advised for everyone. It is essential to speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking sleeping pills. There are also several options to consider like CBT-I, sleep hygiene, and relaxation techniques.
