Understanding Sleeping Pills, Types, Uses, Side Effects, Addiction and Treatment

Sleeping pills can become habit-forming, a surprising risk. Unknowingly becoming addicted to sleeping pills is common, but the risks are often unknown. Many people become addicted to them despite their harmlessness as a sleep aid. Ambien prescriptions peaked at 38 million between 2006 and 2011.

Even more worrisome is that doctors have quietly supported these pills, giving patients somewhat of a false sense of security. However, the evidence disproves these assumptions. Many take larger doses of these pills to fall asleep, and when people stop taking these drugs, they develop severe withdrawal symptoms, indicating addiction and dependence. If they understand sleeping pill addictions, people can use and quit them safely with few withdrawal symptoms.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a dependence on sleeping pills and are willing to make the courageous decision to face addiction, We Level Up TX Treatment Center has got your back. Your first step in any transformation is always a decisive decision. Call for a free consultation.

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Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills

OTC sleep aide drugs are procured without prescription in pharmacies and supermarkets. Natural sleeping medications like melatonin generally needn’t apply to or be reviewed by the FDA for approval. According to the FDA, most non-prescription sleeping pills contain antihistamines that induce drowsiness.

Dietary Supplements

Many sleeping aids are sold as supplements, which don’t need the approval of a governing body before they can be marketed. However, supplements usually made with naturally found ingredients are not recommended or approved since there is little research or clear studies about their effectiveness and safety.

• A Slippery Slope? Sometimes, sleeping pill dependence can be like dominoes – falling for one can knock over others, increasing the risk of getting hooked on other substances.
• Don’t Believe the Hype: There’s a lot of talk about these pills being harmless shortcuts to sleep, but that’s not the whole story. Knowing the potential downsides and exploring other sleep solutions, like calming bedtime routines or stress management techniques, is crucial before you get caught in the cycle of dependence.

6 Most Addictive Sleeping Pills

While medications like Xanax and Ativan can be helpful for short-term relief of anxiety or insomnia, they’re like crutches: great for getting you through a rough patch, but not meant to rely on long-term. This is because they belong to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are more likely to be habit-forming and cause withdrawal symptoms if used for extended periods.

Sleeping Pill	Drug Class	Potential for Addiction	Common Side Effects
Ambien (Zolpidem)	Non-Benzodiazepine	Moderate to High	Dizziness, Drowsiness, Headache
Lunesta (Eszopiclone)	Non-Benzodiazepine	Moderate to High	Bitter Taste, Dry Mouth, Dizziness
Sonata (Zaleplon)	Non-Benzodiazepine	Moderate	Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness
Xanax (Alprazolam)	Benzodiazepine	High	Drowsiness, Fatigue, Memory Problems
Ativan (Lorazepam)	Benzodiazepine	High	Dizziness, Weakness, Unsteadiness
Restoril (Temazepam)	Benzodiazepine	High	Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea

Side Effects	Severity	Duration
Drowsiness	Mild to severe	May persist into the following day
Dizziness	Mild to moderate	Varies; typically short-lived
Headache	Mild to severe	Varies; typically short-lived
Nausea	Mild to moderate	Varies; typically short-lived
Constipation	Mild to moderate	Varies; may persist
Dry Mouth	Mild to moderate	Varies; typically short-lived
Cognitive Impairment	Mild to moderate	May persist into the following day
Daytime Sleepiness	Mild to severe	May persist into the following day
Allergic Reactions	Mild to severe	Varies; seek immediate medical help if severe
Behavioral Changes	Mild to severe	Varies; can be dangerous
Dependency Risk	Mild to severe	Potentially long-term with prolonged use
Withdrawal Symptoms	Mild to severe	Varies; can last for days to weeks

Although sleeping pills are still an important drug to control sleep problems, for several reasons, they should only be taken during a quick-fix course of treatment.

Then, the sooner one can eliminate their harmful side effects and dependency risks, as well as get at the root causes behind insomnia disorders, the better it is for each individual’s health in general.

Hence, lifestyle and behavioral changes, not to mention lessening the factors that lead to poor sleep hygiene, are frequently incorporated into a treatment plan.

People suffering from sleep difficulties that last for extended periods are advised to seek medical advice, to decide which is the best course.

Risks and Benefits of Sleeping Pills

The potential benefits of sleep medications include enhanced sleep duration, improved ability to sleep through the night, and establishing a more consistent sleep schedule. Better sleep can alleviate daytime sleepiness and assist in resetting sleep patterns to encourage healthier habits.

On the contrary, there are potential downsides to taking sleep aids, which can vary depending on the specific medication and individual reactions. Some of the risks associated with sleep aids involve:

• Habit Formation: Long-term use may lead to dependence, causing worsening sleep problems or withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation.
• Decreased Effectiveness: Tolerance can develop, reducing the medication’s efficacy and potentially exacerbating side effects if the dosage is increased.
• Excessive Grogginess: Sleepiness induced by these aids may impair thinking and balance, posing an increased risk of nighttime falls, especially among older adults and individuals with conditions such as dementia.
• Next-Day Drowsiness: Residual effects, such as trouble concentrating or groggy, can persist upon waking, affecting up to 80% of individuals using sleep aids.
• Complex Sleep Behaviors: Sleep aids like Ambien have been linked with events where individuals who drive or work are not fully awake.
• Risk of Car Accidents: Studies also reveal that people who use sleep aids have reduced alertness and impaired judgment, which can lead to harmful or worse accidents than if those people were behind the wheel.
• Disturbed Sleep Quality: Many sleep aids affect time in bed and the five stages of normal sleep, ultimately producing quality changes. For example, some sedatives are going to raise the probability of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Interactions with Other Drugs: Alone, sleep aids affect the central nervous system and result in interactions that either increase or decrease their effects.
• Other Side Effects: Sleep aids might present various side effects, including a higher risk of death associated with secondary risks like depression, cancer, infections, or accidents.
• Mislabeled Supplements: Dietary supplements may inaccurately list dosages, and the FDA has reported instances of tainted sleep aids containing detectable levels of other drugs. This issue extends beyond sleep aids and affects other supplements as well.

Who Should and Should Not Use Sleeping Pills?

Using these pills under the expert guidance of a medical professional who knows the appropriate dosages and advises on the timing of consumption is most likely to yield effective results.

For adults who are presumably healthy, short-term use of sleeping pills often has little side effect, though its impact largely depends on the type of sleep aid.

However, specific groups of individuals should typically avoid taking sleeping pills without consulting a doctor due to an increased risk of side effects:

• People with mobility issues: Elderly individuals, mainly, are more prone to accidents and falls due to excessive grogginess caused by sleep aids.
• Pregnant women: Several sleep medications can have adverse effects on pregnant women or their unborn babies.
• Children: Sleep medications designed for adults might not be suitable or safe for children, requiring lower or specific dosages.
• Individuals with existing health conditions: The potential effects of drugs and supplements on physical or mental health warrant caution for those with underlying health issues.

Top 5 Tips to Ensure Safe Use of Sleep Medications

Regardless of the type of sleep medication, there are several precautions for safe usage.

Step 1: Consult a doctor about your sleep issues and identify which sleep aid offers the most benefits with minimal drawbacks. Understanding the underlying problem, including factors like depression, anxiety, health conditions, or medications causing sleep disturbances, is crucial.

Step 2: Recognize that these drugs are typically not meant for prolonged use. The aim is short-term assistance while fostering healthy sleep habits for long-term benefits.

Step 3: Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist whether the dosage suits your needs. For instance, the FDA has recommended lower doses for some sleep medications, especially for women, to mitigate next-day drowsiness.

Step 4: Adhere strictly to the prescribed instructions for taking your sleep medication. Follow the correct dosage and timing to maximize its effectiveness and minimize morning grogginess.

Step 5: Monitor for potential adverse effects while taking the medication and promptly discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor. Look out for signs such as daytime drowsiness, instability, changes in mood or breathing during sleep, withdrawal symptoms, or unexplained health changes.

Popular Alternative Treatments for Sleep Issues

Aside from sleeping pills, healthcare providers may propose various methods to address insomnia:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Therapy: This therapy involves exposure to a bright light box, akin to natural sunlight, which helps regulate melatonin levels and readjust the sleep-wake cycle.
2. Orofacial Therapy: Exercises targeting the mouth and tongue muscles are used to strengthen them. Healthcare providers might recommend orofacial therapy as a remedy for sleep apnea.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Often considered an initial step in treating chronic insomnia, CBT focuses on resetting attitudes toward sleep and insomnia. This therapy assists in relaxation and maintaining sleep. Some evidence suggests that CBT and lifestyle adjustments are more effective in treating long-term insomnia than prescription medications. Spending a few sessions with a therapist can equip individuals with applicable techniques for an extended period.

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