If you struggle with chronic sleep disorders, you would likely try just about anything to improve your quality of sleep, but what about prescription medication? After years of false information and negative press, the term sleeping pills has become synonymous with wealthy middle-aged women, and not because that is a demographic that suffers from sleep disorders more than the average person. The stigma surrounding prescription sleeping medication is understandable but also largely unfounded.
Prescription sleeping pills are a highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from sleep disorders. These medications are designed to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve the overall quality of their sleep. However, prescription sleeping pills have their fair share of downsides, such as additive qualities and side effects. Sleeping pills are not unlike any other kind of medication in that there are both benefits and costs associated with sleeping pills that individuals should consider before starting treatment.
Common Sleep Disorders Treated With Sleeping Pills
There are several common sleep disorders that can be treated with prescription sleeping pills including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Prescription sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines can help individuals with insomnia fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sleeping pills are typically only prescribed after a patient has tried alternative treatment options such as dietary and lifestyle changes. You may also be prescribed melatonin but it is typically not as effective.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The most common treatment plan for sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine at night. Though prescription sleeping pills are not typically used to treat sleep apnea, they may be used to improve sleep quality in individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Restless leg syndrome is another very common sleep disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that can cause an irresistible urge to move them, particularly at night. Prescription sleeping pills like dopamine agonists can help reduce the symptoms of RLS and improve sleep quality.
It is important to note that prescription sleeping pills are not right for everyone and should only be used under the guidance of an experienced and licensed sleep medicine specialist. Individuals should also be aware of the potential side effects and risks of dependency and addiction associated with these medications before they commit to a potentially long-term treatment plan. If other forms of treatment have failed in the past, sleeping pills might be a good choice for you. Make sure to ask your sleep doctor about it at your next appointment.
Benefits of Prescription Sleeping Pills
The primary benefit of prescription sleeping pills is that they can help patients suffering from sleep disorders get a good night’s sleep. For people with chronic sleep disorders like insomnia, this can be life-changing. Regularly using sleeping pills allows individuals to experience improved concentration, better mood, and reduce; fatigue throughout the day. In some cases, sleeping pills can also improve physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, or muscle tension that can result from poor sleep.
Prescription sleeping pills are also effective in the short term. If an individual is dealing with a temporary sleep disturbance like jet lag or a stressful event, they can take a sleeping pill for a few nights to get back on track. This can help prevent the negative consequences of sleep deprivation, such as reduced productivity and increased risk of accidents. It is not recommended that individuals who only suffer from occasional
Prescription sleeping pills are also easy to use. Compared to many other sleep disorder treatment options, taking medicine once a day is a walk in the park. They come in traditional pill form as well as chewable and dissolvable tablets and are taken once a day, typically before bedtime, making them convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
Risks Associated with Using Sleeping Pills
The most significant cost of prescription sleeping pills is their potential for side effects. Common side effects of these medications include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and daytime drowsiness. Some people may also experience more severe side effects like sleepwalking, sleep eating, or even hallucinations. In rare cases, prescription sleeping pills can also cause allergic reactions or even worsen sleep disorders.
Another downside of prescription sleeping pills is the potential for dependency or addiction. Individuals who use sleeping pills regularly may develop a tolerance to the medication, requiring higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence on the medication, making it difficult to stop taking it without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. While this is a possibility with many other medications, sleeping pills do have a higher-than-average dependency rate. If you find yourself still struggling to get to sleep while using sleeping pills, talk to your doctor about alternatives to increasing your dosage such as adding in another, less addictive prescription such as melatonin to supplement your building tolerance.
Factors to Consider
Deciding whether or not you feel comfortable trying out a new medication is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. When making such an important decision, patients should consider several factors such as the severity and duration of their sleep disorder, their overall health, and their lifestyle.
For individuals with mild to moderate sleep disorders, prescription sleeping pills may not be necessary. Lifestyle changes like avoiding caffeine and alcohol, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga may be enough to improve their sleep quality.
In addition to medication, individuals with sleep disorders should prioritize healthy sleep habits. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities like using electronic devices before bed.
For individuals with more severe or chronic sleep disorders, prescription sleeping pills may be necessary to achieve a full, restful night’s sleep. That being said, if you are considering adding sleeping pills to your nightly routine, you should consult a trained sleep disorder specialist every step of the way to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for their needs. You should talk through any and all potential side effects, risks of dependency and addiction., and alternative treatment plans and decide what choice is going to be the best for you and your health.
Sleeping Pill Alternatives
If you are worried about the effects that taking sleeping pills might have on your body, a more holistic approach might be in order. There are several more natural alternatives to prescription sleeping pills that individuals can try to improve their sleep quality.
What works for one patient may not work for the next so it is important to note that these alternative treatments might not work for everyone. Holistic medicine is typically a subtle way of treating sleep disorders that may not be the right solution for patients with severe or chronic sleep disorders. It is important to work with a trained sleep medicine specialist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and concerns while staying in your comfort zone. Some popular alternative treatment options include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talk therapy that can help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their sleep problems. This approach can help individuals develop healthy sleep habits, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall mental health.
Exercise
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of sleep disorders. Regular exercise can also greatly improve your overall health and treat secondary sleep disorders without even realizing it. It is important, however, to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as the endorphins released during a workout can actually make it harder to fall asleep.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation exercises like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. Many experts recommend at least half an hour of relaxation exercises every night before bed.
Herbal remedies
Certain herbs like valerian root, chamomile, and lavender have been shown to have a calming effect and promote relaxation, which can improve sleep quality. Many patients use essential oils and diffusers at night to help promote a healthier sleep environment. That being said, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies, especially if you regularly take any other medications as they can interact with other medicines and cause side effects and reactions.
Lifestyle changes
Making changes to your lifestyle can also improve your sleep quality. This can include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities like using electronic devices before bed.
How Can A Sleep Medicine Specialist Help You?
The most effective way to treat extreme sleep deprivation symptoms or the sleep disorders that may be the cause of these issues is to see a sleep medicine specialist. Sleep medicine specialists can help you find the root of your problem and treat it in the most healthy way for your body and your lifestyle.
At Gingras Sleep Medicine in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Gingras will take a thorough history to determine the cause of your sleep deprivation. She may order a sleep study if she suspects an underlying sleep disorder. Sleep studies are very effective tools used to evaluate how your body functions while you sleep. This test measures your heart rate, oxygen level, breathing, brain waves, and body movements. It is helpful for identifying a variety of sleep problems and has helped millions of people get back on track to healthier sleep patterns.
To book your appointment with Dr. Gingras today, visit us online or give our office a call today at (704) 944-0562!