Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: Risks & Long-Term Use

Americans experience a lot of sleepless nights. An unprecedented 50-70 million Americans have sleep problems according to estimates. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and the CDC says that more than one-third of the country regularly gets less than the recommended amount of rest. With so many people struggling to get enough sleep, sleeping pills have become increasingly popular.

Prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids are meant to be used occasionally, but people are depending on them more and more for nightly relaxation. OTC sleep aids, which often contain antihistamines or melatonin, are generally considered safe for short-term use but can have side effects and are not recommended for chronic insomnia. Medical experts are concerned with this trend because of the negative long-term health effects of these drugs.

Understanding Sleeping Pills

What are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills, also known as sleep aids or sleep medications, are substances designed to help individuals fall asleep or stay asleep. These medications can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over-the-counter (OTC). Sleeping pills work by altering the brain’s chemistry, making it easier to drift off or maintain sleep throughout the night. However, it’s crucial to use these medications responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and interact with other medications.

Long-Term Use of Prescription Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are drugs categorized as sedative-hypnotics, which include various types of prescription sleep medications. The most commonly prescribed medications are Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta. These powerful drugs are intended for short-term treatment of insomnia and other sleep disturbances and should be used in small doses. A patient’s need for prescription sleep aid should be re-evaluated after just 10-28 days. This is clearly stated in the drug information provided to patients by the pharmaceutical company.

Relying on prescription sleep medications for longer periods of time or in higher doses increases the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects. Some of the health issues associated with these medications include:

• Headaches,
• Dizziness and lightheadedness,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Sleep walking,
• Hallucinations,
• Impaired motor skills and lack of coordination,
• Daytime drowsiness, and
• Depression.

Additionally, drugs like Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta have been connected to an increased risk for falls, injuries, and car accidents. Some research has also shown a significantly higher diagnosis of cancer for patients regularly taking sleeping pills. According to the FDA, sleep aids can have dangerous effects by decreasing blood pressure, the heart, and breathing rate if taken together with other prescription medications.

Types of Prescription Sleeping Pills

There are several types of prescription sleeping pills, each with its own mechanism of action and potential risks:

• Benzodiazepines: Medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. While effective, they can be habit-forming and carry a high risk of dependence.
• Non-benzodiazepines: Drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) are specifically designed to treat insomnia. They generally have a lower risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines.
• Melatonin receptor agonists: Medications like ramelteon (Rozerem) mimic the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
• Orexin receptor antagonists: Drugs such as suvorexant (Belsomra) work by blocking the action of orexin, a hormone that promotes wakefulness, thereby aiding sleep.

Understanding the different types of prescription sleeping pills can help you and your healthcare provider choose the most appropriate treatment for your sleep issues.

The Risk of Dependency & Addiction

The Journal of the American Medical Association has found that more than 68% of patients prescribed sleeping pills take them for longer periods than advised. They also found that many were taking larger quantities than the prescribed dosage. This trend is a problem because these controlled substances are habit forming. There is a high risk of becoming dependent on sleeping pills. There is also a danger of becoming psychologically dependent on taking a pill to help you relax and fall asleep.

Most people do not understand that they have formed an addiction to the medication until they try to stop taking it. Rebound insomnia is a significant side effect that can occur when stopping sleeping pills, making insomnia symptoms worse than initially. Here are the warning signs of a dependence on these types of drugs:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taken,
• Being unsuccessful at stopping,
• Anxiety when the medication is not available,
• Requesting refills from multiple doctors, and
• Frequent memory loss.

If you think you may be struggling with a drug dependency or are concerned about a loved one, please seek professional help. You can find more information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Related article: Opioid Use May Increase the Risk of Sleep Disorders.

Long-Term Use of Over-the-Counter Medications

Medical professionals are also concerned about the number of Americans who rely on over-the-counter drugs to help them sleep. Medications, like Benadryl and Tylenol PM containing diphenhydramine, may seem harmless but can have a strong effect on the body. These drugs decrease brain function making it difficult to stay alert.

Non-prescription these types of medications can affect learning and memory in the long term and can be especially dangerous for seniors. For example, research by the Journal of the American Medical Association has found a strong link in regular use of these drugs and dementia. Additionally, sleep eating is a complex sleep-related behavior associated with the use of sedative-hypnotic medications, where individuals may eat without recollection.

Watch this video to learn more about the safety concerns related to over-the-counter sleep aids.

Learn more about the 10 Effects of Long-Term Sleep Deprivation and Proven Tips to Fall Asleep Faster.

Why Aren’t You Sleeping? Trouble Sleeping Explained

Sleeping pills are not a valid long-term treatment for insomnia or other sleep disorders. They can have serious side effects for your health, but they also do not solve the problem. Regular reliance on medications can actually keep someone from being properly diagnosed.

To successfully address the issue, it is first necessary to identify the underlying sleep disorder with the help of sleep testing. There are drug-free, long-lasting therapy options available for people struggling with ongoing sleep deprivation. For example, cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for stress-related problems and insomnia.

Alternatives to Sleeping Pills

Relaxation Techniques

For those experiencing trouble sleeping or insomnia, relaxation techniques can be a valuable alternative to sleeping pills. These methods can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep naturally. Some effective relaxation techniques include:

• Deep breathing exercises: Practicing deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, making it easier to fall asleep.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups, which can help release physical tension and promote relaxation.
• Mindfulness meditation: Engaging in mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress, creating a more conducive environment for sleep.
• Yoga: Combining physical movement with deep breathing and relaxation techniques, yoga can improve overall relaxation and sleep quality.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals change negative thoughts and behaviors related to sleep, leading to improved sleep patterns.

These relaxation techniques can be used alone or in combination with other sleep-promoting strategies, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime. By incorporating these methods into your routine, you can improve your sleep quality without relying on sleeping pills.

If you are having problems falling asleep or getting enough rest during the night, talk to your physician about a clinical sleep evaluation. Do not become a victim of long-term sleep deprivation. Contact Sleep Health Solutions to schedule a consultation today.