Do sleeping tablets have positive effects on health?

What are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills are medications that help treat insomnia by inducing relaxation and drowsiness. While they can be effective, they may also have side effects. Sleeping pills can be beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders like insomnia, as they can assist in falling asleep and staying asleep.

How Do Sleeping Pills Work?

Sleeping pills work by blocking histamine, a compound in the body. They have a strong mechanism of action and are commonly used to treat chronic insomnia. These medications affect the GABA receptors in the brain, resulting in a calming drowsiness that promotes sleep. Additionally, they directly impact the body’s circadian rhythm, also known as the natural body clock, by acting on the hypothalamus.

How to Safely Use Sleeping Pills?

It is important to use sleeping pills safely to minimize risks. These medications should be taken before a full night of sleep to reduce the likelihood of excessive grogginess the following day. Incorrect usage or use by high-risk individuals can be dangerous. For instance, older adults over the age of 65 are more sensitive to side effects from benzodiazepines, which can impair mobility, cognition, and driving skills, as well as increase the risk of falls. If you are older, your physician may prescribe a lower dose or recommend a drug with a shorter half-life to mitigate these risks.

How Long Do Sleeping Pills Stay In Your System?

The duration of action for sleeping pills varies depending on the specific medication. For example, Ambien® (which contains zolpidem) typically takes effect within 30 minutes and reaches its full strength 1-2.5 hours later. Low doses of sleeping pills can be detected in urine for 24-48 hours and in the bloodstream for 6-20 hours. Higher doses may remain detectable for longer periods, with up to 72 hours in urine and 48 hours in the blood.

What are the Potential Risks of Sleeping Pills?

Prolonged use of sleeping pills can lead to dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the medication. When individuals stop taking sleeping pills, their insomnia may return even worse than before, a side effect known as rebound insomnia. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider on how to safely discontinue the use of these medications if taken for an extended period. Mixing sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol should be avoided, as it can increase the risk of addiction and substance abuse. Doctors typically prescribe sleeping pills for short-term use to minimize these risks.

Warning of Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills can potentially increase the risk of abnormal sleeping behaviors such as sleepwalking. Combining sleeping pills with alcohol can intensify the sedating effect, as both substances depress the central nervous system, slowing down heart rate and respiratory function, which can make breathing more difficult.

Commonly Prescribed Sleeping Pills

There are various types of sleeping pills that may be prescribed based on an individual’s condition:

• Benzodiazepines: These medications have a long-lasting effect and can be highly addictive.
• Zolpidem: This medication helps individuals fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
• Suvorexant: This pill blocks the hormone responsible for promoting wakefulness and is beneficial for individuals with insomnia.
• Lemborexant: It works by suppressing a part of the central nervous system, but it may cause daytime sleepiness.
• Antidepressants: In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to individuals with insomnia, depression, or anxiety, as they can help improve sleep quality even at lower doses.