Sleeping Pills: Types, Side Effects & Treatment

Tossing and turning in bed or staring at the clock is no way to spend your nights. An estimated one in seven people in the UK have chronic insomnia. Often, lifestyle and behavioral changes are all you need for improved slumber. However, in many cases counter or prescription sleeping pills are necessary to get the recommended amount of sleep. Severe sleep deprivation can make life unbearable and counterproductive.

If you want to learn more about the effectiveness and different types of sleeping pills that are available over the counter and by prescriptions, then this article is for you!

How Do Sleeping Pills Work?

If you are struggling at night to get to sleep due to insomnia caused by anxiety, menopause, or stress then sleeping pills provide a mild sedative to calm your mind and induce a feeling of sleepiness so you can fall asleep fast and stay asleep all night.

How Effective Are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills are effective in helping people fall asleep faster. However, it depends on the strength of the sleeping pill, some are stronger than others. Each will induce different levels of drowsiness. Sleeping pills are best used short-term for maximum effectiveness.

If you are taking sleeping pills frequently over a long period of time, it’s possible that you can develop a tolerance to them and then they become slightly less effective.

 Over The Counter (OTC) Sleeping Pills

Most OTC sleeping pills are antihistamines that generally cause drowsiness such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Unisom (Doxylamine).

Natural supplements such as Melatonin and Valerian Root can also help to treat insomnia. Your body naturally produces Melatonin to promote sleep and Valerian Root is an herb that aids sleep and relaxation.

 Prescription Sleeping Pills

Doctor-prescribed sleeping pill medicine is stronger than over-the-counter medication. There are many types of prescription sleeping pills available. For example, using Phenergan for sleep (sleeping tablets 10mg) is one of the most effective sleeping pills on the market.

Types of prescription sleeping pills include:

  • Phenergan 10mg Tablets
  • Antidepressants
  •  
  • Z-drugs (Ambien® and Lunesta®).

With most sleeping pills, the advantage is that you get a good night’s sleep. But some medications can make you feel drowsy the following day which can affect your ability to complete daily tasks such as working, driving, going to school, etc. In this case, taking a lower dosage is better so you can have a good sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and alert.

 Potential Risks of Taking Sleeping Pills

When taking sleep aid pills every night, your body can begin to depend on them. So, when you stop the medicine, your insomnia may come back worse than before. You should also consult your healthcare provider about how to safely stop taking them.

Never mix sleep aids with other sedatives or alcohol as this could lead to an overdose.

 Other Ways to Guarantee a Good Sleep

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective tool for curing insomnia and improving sleep. Behavioral and lifestyle changes often improve sleep without the need for medications.

You may want to:

  • Avoid eating large meals or drinking alcohol before bed.
  • Reduce intake of caffeine (coffee, soda, and chocolate), especially before bedtime.
  • Quit smoking
  • Relax with meditation, a good book, or soothing music before bed.
  • Turn off your mobile and other devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
  • Do at least 30 minutes of exercise or activity daily.
  • Turn your bedroom into a dark, quiet, and cool sanctuary.
  • Use sleep-inducing essential oils on your pillow and sheets to create the mood for sleep.
  • Take a warm shower before bed

Online4Pharmacy has sleeping pills available in our online Pharmacy that can be delivered right to your front door