Have you ever taken or considered taking sleeping pills? While many people suffer from insomnia and other sleep disturbances, the use of sleeping pills has risen dramatically in the past few years. Many people think they are harmless and find themselves dependent on them. Sleeping medications are intended for short term usage and are often used in combination with behavioral changes. Sleeping pills can also have side effects to be aware of as they can be serious and harmful.
Facts about Sleeping Pills
Prescription sleeping pills such as Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata are sedative hypnotics, a type of drug that includes benzodiazepines and barbiturates. These drugs are used to induce or maintain sleep. Experts say that sleeping pills are not habit forming however, individuals can develop psychological dependencies on them. Like all medications, sleeping pills have a range of side effects to be aware of including:
- Burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty keeping balance
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Gas
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Impairment the next day
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Unusual dreams
- Weakness
More Facts to Consider
If you take sleeping pills over a long period of time, your body can build up a tolerance towards them. This means that higher dosages are required to achieve the same results and more pills are entering your body.
It's best not to use sleeping pills more then 7-10 days or a dependency could develop. When taking sleeping pills, only use them as directed and monitor yourself carefully.
Staying Healthy
It's important to make safe and smart decisions. If you decide to use sleeping medications, then follow your doctors orders. If symptoms or changes occur in your body, then contact your doctor immediately.
