Sleeping Pills:
A sleeping pill, otherwise referred to as a sedative-hypnotic, is a medication designed to induce or facilitate sleep. They are most commonly prescribed to individuals diagnosed with insomnia and other forms of sleep disorders. Such drugs come in different forms and types, each having specific uses, benefits, and drawbacks.
1. Sleeping Pills: Generic Names
There are many sleeping pills, some of which are prescription, while others can be obtained from the pharmacist without a prescription. Some of the most commonly prescribed sleeping pills include:
Zolpidem (Ambien): For brief-time treatment of insomnia.
Eszopiclone (Lunesta): First line in the treatment of chronic insomnia.
Temazepam (Restoril): This is one of the few benzodiazepines used for sleep problems that last for a short period of time.
Zaleplon (Sonata): To help people fall asleep
Ramelteon (Rozerem): A melatonin receptor agonist that helps patients fall asleep.
Doxepin (Silenor): Also prescribed for individuals who have difficulty sleeping.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): An OTC antihistamine, sometimes prescribed for very mild insomnia.
These drugs are categorized into different classes based on their chemical makeup as well as the type of action they produce, which we will outline below
2. Formulation and Composition
Sleeping pills come in different forms: tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions. They are said to work selectively on neurotransmitter-associated events in the human brain. Active ingredients usually function by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA. It is a neurotransmitter that reduces the speed of activity in the brain, or rather, has a ‘calming’ and even ‘sedating effect.’ This is just one example:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., temazepam) enhance the action of GABA, thereby slowing down all activity in the brain and causing sleep.
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g., Zolpidem, Eszopiclone) These tend to have a lower potential for dependency.
Melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., Ramelteon) They act like the body’s own hormone, melatonin.
The vast majority are intended for short-course use, since longer-course use can lead to tolerance, dependence, or other adverse effects.
3. Classification of sleeping pills
Generally, sleeping pills can be broadly grouped into three categories:
Prescription sleeping pills
These are more potent drugs, prescribed by a physician; they have been created to treat severe to moderate insomnia or sleep disorders; some of the drugs fall in the following categories:
Benzodiazepines: These encompass the drug Temazepam that is normally used to treat short-term insomniac conditions but is known to have dependency properties.
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics: This class is covered by various drugs, including Zolpidem and Eszopiclone, that seem to have fewer side effects than benzodiazepines while still being highly effective.
Melatonin receptor agonists: These drugs, such as Ramelteon, are typically prescribed when patients persist in their demands for falling asleep.
Over the Counter (OTC) sleeping pills
The vast majority of OTC sleeping pills are antihistamines that cause drowsiness as a side effect. Some other OTC sleep aids include:
a. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): an antihistamine that commonly causes drowsiness.
b. Doxylamine (Unisom): also an antihistamine, but with sedative properties.
c. Herbal and Natural Sleep Aids
Some patients prefer herbal or natural sleeping pills, such as melatonin supplements or valerian root. Such medications are available over the counter and are less potent than prescription medication.
4. Applications of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills are administered for the primary management of insomnia and other sleep diseases, including:
New-onset sleep insomnia: It is a condition in which one is unable to fall asleep.
Sleep maintenance insomnia: It is a condition that one fails to stay asleep most of the night.
Chronic insomnia: It is associated with permanent inability to sleep due to stress and chronic medical conditions.
Beside the cure of insomnia, sleeping pills can be prescribed to patients with a sleep disorder due to jet lag, anxiety, and other transitory conditions, including acute stress.
5. Advantages of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can have a lot of advantages regarding relief for the patient who suffers from serious or long-term failure to sleep. Among the most prominent ones include:
Fast sleep onset: Most of the sleeping pills send most patients to sleep more rapidly.
Improved sleep efficiency: Most of the prescription drugs, like Eszopiclone, improve sleep quality and time.
Temporary fix: People with temporary sleep disorders can find instant and speedy relief through pills.
Reduces anxiety: There are various sleeping pills—benzodiazepines—that reduce anxiety; this will improve sleep efficiency.
6. Disadvantages and Risks of Sleep Pills
Though sleeping pills have their merits, several risks and disadvantages abound with their use, especially when improperly used or over a long time. These include dependency and addiction.
Some types of sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, tend to cause physical dependence or addiction if used for a long time. Gradually, the body becomes accustomed to the drug, and there is an enhanced need to administer a higher dosage of the drug than initially applied for the same effect.
side effects
The common side effects include dizziness, headache, daytime drowsiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Regarding the prescription drugs, some of the moderate side effects are:
Memory lapses: Some of the users report memory lapses or forgetfulness.
Coordination: Certain sleeping pills may impair motor skills, increasing the chances of falls and accidents.
Next-day grogginess: It is usually common with longer-acting sleeping pills, which may cause impaired alertness during the next day.
Risk of Overdose
An overdose of sleeping pills, especially when mixed with alcohol or other sedative drugs, is life-threatening. Overdose symptoms may include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, and unresponsiveness.
Rebound Insomnia
Rebound insomnia often develops after the use of sleeping pills is discontinued for a long period. This means that sleep problems will resurface, and this time it may even be worse than before taking the treatment.
7. Alternatives to sleeping pills
According to the dangers of sleeping pills, most doctors suggest alternative treatments be considered whenever possible instead of merely prescribing a medicine. Somewhat effective alternatives include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I):
This is an approach aimed at promoting mindful sleep practices and eliminating thought patterns and habits leading to insomnia.
For example, establishing a regular bedtime and what works for the individual, such as having an activity to calm before sleep and avoiding caffeine in the evening, improves the quality of sleep. Other techniques, for instance, mindfulness and meditation with deep breathing exercises, are believed to promote reductions in stress and anxiety that will also improve sleep.
Conclusion
While sleeping pills were good at managing short-term sleep problems, they are not risk-free. Hence, understanding the different types, uses, advantages, and disadvantages of these medications will forever help an individual make informed decisions. Everyone seeking sleeping pills should consult a health care provider for further assistance in exploring all options for dealing with treatment together with minimizing risks.
