When to Use a Sleep Medication

When to Use a Sleep Medication

Sleep medication is a type of treatment used to combat insomnia, or difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is an issue that many adults struggle with and it can significantly disrupt their daily lives.

Sleep medication must be prescribed by a medical professional and undergoes an extensive review process before approval. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are also available without a prescription, though they do not receive the same level of medical scrutiny as prescribed drugs.

Medication is only part of a comprehensive treatment plan for insomnia, and your provider can help identify what’s causing the issue and use behavioral strategies like stress management or exercise as well as dietary supplements to address it. Medications may be included in this regimen or used instead in patients who don’t respond to other treatments.

Benzodiazepines, melatonin receptor agonists and antidepressants are the three medications most frequently prescribed to treat insomnia. These depressants reduce brain activity to promote sleepiness but may have side effects like grogginess in the morning.

Nonbenzodiazepines and hypnotics are also prescribed to treat insomnia. They work by stimulating certain areas of the brain, but may have fewer side effects than benzodiazepines do.

Most people who take prescription or over-the-counter sleeping drugs should only use them for short periods, depending on their health condition and how the drug affects them. Excess use can lead to physical tolerance, making the drug less effective and potentially hazardous over time; additionally, long-term usage may cause dependency – meaning you feel compelled to keep taking the drug even if it’s no longer helping.