This article aims to shed light on sleeping issues. If you are among those facing difficulty sleeping, even after following the usual tips for getting enough sleep, or if you are considering a sleep aid but unsure if it’s right for you, or are unsure about whether sleeping pills bad for you, then this page is for you. This page will explore sleeping pills side effects and how you should use them.
Are sleep aids bad for you? Well, sleeping pills might help temporarily. If taken properly, sleeping pills give enormous benefits to those dealing with an inability to get a sound sleep at night. At the same time, the rise in the use of sleep medication has unpleasant side effects. All sleep medications function on the brain to promote drowsiness. Some drugs are specifically designed as sleep aids; talk to your healthcare specialist before using a sleep aid.
Side effects of sleeping pills
Are sleeping pills bad for you? This is the common question that comes to mind when someone uses sleeping pills or is dependent on them. Sleeping pills also have side effects, like most medications. Sleeping pills can disturb normal breathing and can prove to be dangerous for people with respiratory tract conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Some common side effects of sleeping pills include:
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- Changes in appetite
- Burning or tingling sensation in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Trouble keeping balance
- Mental slowing or problems with attention or memory
- Irresistible shaking of a part of the body
- Unusual dreams
- Weakness
Are sleeping pills dangerous?
Some prescription pills may contribute to parasomnia. This sleep disorder is not only disruptive but also shows dangerous behaviour while you are still sleeping. Those who consume Z-drugs may talk, eat or sleepwalk, take medicines, or even drive, all while not aware that they are doing these activities. You may appear awake, but your brain is not fully attentive. Most individuals do not recall what they did while sleeping upon waking up. Sedatives are also believed to worsen snoring and sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Dependency on sleeping pills
For short-term treatment of insomnia, your healthcare provider may prescribe sleeping pills for several weeks, but regular use of sleeping pills for a longer period stops working as you build a tolerance to the medication. It may also increase your psychological dependency on the medicine. Then, even the thought of sleeping without consuming the pill will make you anxious. You might find it difficult to sleep when not taking the sleeping pill. If this happens, it could be an indication of a physical or emotional dependence or both. Long-term usage of these sleeping pills actually disrupts sleep. The finest way to avoid dependence on sleeping aids is to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions and quit taking the drug when not recommended.
Are sleeping pills addictive? Well, yes, benzodiazepines can be addictive and may contribute to substance use disorder. To reduce the risk, healthcare specialists generally prescribe these sleeping aids for short-term use.
Natural sleep aids: dietary supplements
The options for people who don’t want to take prescription sleep medications, but crave a good night’s sleep, include some of the natural sleep remedies, i.e.,
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- Valerian: It is a dietary supplement used for insomnia and nervousness. Many people consider valerian to be the best sleep aid.
- Chamomile: It is a traditional herbal remedy used to fight sleep issues and a wide range of other health complaints. Chamomile is available in various forms, including tea, extract, and topical ointment. Chamomile can easily be found in health food stores and supermarkets.
- Melatonin: It is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in the brain. It is known to play a central role in regulating sleep and the circadian rhythm. Synthetic melatonin, a dietary supplement, is sold as anatural sleeping pill and antioxidant.
Safe use of sleeping pills for insomnia
Here are some tips to avoid sleep aid side effects and use them safely:
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- Allow enough time for a full night’s sleep – Sleep aids only work correctly if you set aside enough time to rest your eyes. Most sleep aids recommend devoting a full eight hours to sleep, so patients are encouraged to ensure they are getting adequate sleep.
- Don’t try sleeping pills before a big day – Initially, try a sleep aid on a night when you won’t need to wake up early, drive, or make important decisions the next day. If you take a higher dose than required or don’t get enough sleep, you may experience morning drowsiness due to sleep aid side effects. You could also potentially sleepwalk, talk, or even drive without being aware of what you are doing. Sleep aids work by activating the sleep centres in the brain and inhibiting the wake centres.
- Be on the lookout for sleeping pills side effects – The medications reduce anxiety and relax your muscles. For people with a history of depression, sleep aids can make it worse. Headaches and nausea are possible side effects.
- Take pills for a short time – Healthcare providers recommend patients use sleep aids nightly for two to four weeks. If you need such aids for an extended period, it is recommended that you check with your healthcare provider about them.
- Don’t stop taking a sleep aid suddenly – If you take a sleep aid every night, try reducing the dose gradually. Follow the pattern till you are no longer dependent on the medication. If you have already been taking the lowest doses, try cutting out the medication, taking it once a week, and slowly eliminating it.
Modifying your lifestyle and sleep habits is the best way to manage insomnia. Changes in behaviour and surroundings can positively affect sleep and medication, without any risk of side effects or dependency.
Conclusion
Unable to sleep, it is still important to consult a healthcare specialist before trying an over-the-counter sleep aid. Often, non-medical treatment and behavioural changes are all you require for enhanced sleep. But a healthcare professional may prescribe a prescription sleeping aid in some cases. They will recognise the exact cause behind your sleep disturbance and suggest the best plan that suits you, helping you rest more easily. If you have a neurological condition, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Your healthcare specialist will discuss the treatment plan with you that suits you well.
