Sleep Aids

SLEEP AIDS: MIXED BLESSINGS FOR FOLKS WITH INSOMNIA

OVERVIEW: Sleeping pills, or sleep aids as they are often called, are a mixed blessing. If you are having trouble getting to sleep, or staying asleep, and you go to see a doctor about it, there is a good chance of coming home with a prescription for a sleep aid. Sleeping pills are one of the most frequently prescribed of all types of medications. In some situations, sleep aids can be a real blessing. They work best in temporary cases of insomnia, such as jet lag or stress over losing a loved one. Over a long haul, however, sleep aids can backfire by causing a physical or psychological dependence.

TYPES OF SLEEP AIDS: Sleep aids can be divided into prescription sleeping pills, over the counter pills, and natural sleep aids. Prescription sleeping pills fall into the categories of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. The non-benzodiazepines are newer medicines that work like the older benzodiazepines except they tend to have fewer side effects. Over the counter sleep aids generally are made up of an antihisatamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Combination products, like Tylenol PM, are basically just a pain killer (acetominiphen) with an antihisamine like diphenhydramine added.

NATURAL SLEEP AIDS: Traditionally, herb teas like chamomile and catnip have been used to promote relaxation in the evening so people can get to sleep. A newcomer in the natural arsenal of sleep aids is Melatonin. This is a hormone that the body makes itself which promotes sleep, among other things. It has been found to be somewhat safe and effective when used by some people, but there are some other people who should not use it. These include pregnant or nursing women, people with cancer, and people with autoimmune diseases. In addition, if you are on other medications, chances are your doctor will discourage its use.

SAFETY: Natural sleep aids might seem safer at first glance than either OTC or prescription sleep aids, but there are cautions for the use of any type of sleep aid. Researchers are beginning to urge government officials to put stronger warnings on prescription sleeping pills. This is because these pills sometimes promote dangerous "parasomnias," like sleep-walking and driving. Over the counter pills, like prescription sleep aids, can cause some unpleasant side effects, too, such as daytime sleepiness and a reduction of mental clarity. Natural remedies, such as herbs teas, are usually pretty safe, but some can cause allergic reactions. Probably the safest insomnia remedy is warm milk, which actually contains substances like the amino acid, l-tryptophan, which helps people get to sleep.

SUMMARY: Sleep aids, whether prescription, over the counter, or natural, can help a person get some sleep from time to time, but they should not be used night after night for a long time. The body will grow accustomed to them so that they cease to do much good, but the patient still feels a psychological need for them. In some cases, an actual physical addiction develops. It is better to try to treat the reason for the insomnia than to plan on treating insomnia with sleep aids for weeks on end.