Common Medications
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The average human spends one-third of their life sleeping. Sleep is an important part of the daily routine and is as essential as air, food, and water. Getting enough sleep at the right time plays a critical role in maintaining good health, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Sleep is essential for several brain functions, including communication between neurons (nerve cells). Research has found that sleep is like housekeeping – it is the time the body removes toxins that build up during the waking hours. Besides the brain, sleep affects nearly every organ system in the body, including vital organs like the heart and lungs. Poor sleep can lead to myriad health problems, ranging from depressed mood, weight gain, and low sex drive to reduced immunity, heart disease, and stroke.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. Infants, young children, and adolescents need more sleep to support their growth and development. Newborn babies can sleep as much as 14-17 hours a day. Older adults above the age of 65 need around 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene, i.e., to have a daily routine and bedroom environment that promotes uninterrupted, restful sleep. However, prescription sleeping pills or OTC sleep aids may help when travel, stress, or other factors cause sleep disruption. If you have insomnia (trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep) and it has been going on for more than a few days, you should get checked out by a healthcare professional. Sometimes, the underlying cause of insomnia is a treatable medical condition. Treating the medical condition is a more effective approach to managing insomnia than long-term treatment with sleep aids.
Sleep Aid Medications
Some of the medications that are used as sleep aids are described below:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is used to relieve symptoms of allergy and also to treat insomnia because it causes drowsiness. When used for insomnia, it is taken 30 minutes before planned bedtime. The effects last 4-6 hours. The risk of developing a dependence on this medication is low.
Sedative-hypnotics like zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) bind to specific receptors called GABA receptors in the brain to cause sedation and muscle relaxation. The effects of these drugs last 6-8 hours. There is a low to medium risk of dependence.
Melatonin receptor agonists like ramelteon (Rozerem) stimulate melatonin receptors in the brain that control the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is a natural substance that is needed in the brain for sleep. The effects of these medications last 4-6 hours. The risk of dependence is low.
Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), and alprazolam (Xanax) are powerful sleep aids. They work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. The duration of effects of these medications varies and can be anything from 4 to 12 hours. The risk of dependence on benzodiazepines is high and they should be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Tricyclic antidepressants like doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin), amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and trazodone (Desyrel) produce sedating effects by binding to multiple receptors in the brain. The duration of effects of these medications for insomnia is not well studied. The risk of developing a dependence on tricyclic antidepressants is low.
Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids
Some sleep medications like diphenhydramine (Aleve PM, Benadryl), doxylamine (Unisom sleep tabs), melatonin, and valerian are widely available over-the-counter (OTC). It is worth remembering, however, that while these medications can help on an occasional sleepless night, they are not a long-term solution for the treatment of insomnia. An additional caveat is that tolerance can develop to the sedative effects of OTC sleep aids, meaning the longer you take them, the less effective they become at helping you sleep. Also, OTC sleep aids can have side effects, such as daytime sleepiness or grogginess (hangover effect), which can affect your functioning at work and your ability to drive safely.
Common Side Effects of Sleep Aids
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation as side effects. They can cause difficulty urinating and confusion in older individuals.
Potential side effects of sedative-hypnotics include confusion, memory difficulties, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, and hallucinations.
Melatonin receptor agonists can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, nausea, and tiredness.
Side effects of benzodiazepines include dizziness, memory problems, confusion, slurred speech, unsteadiness (especially in older individuals), and muscle weakness.
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, weight changes, constipation, dry mouth, low blood pressure on standing, hives, and rash.
Common Questions
What precautions should I take while using over-the-counter sleep aids?
It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor before using an OTC sleep aid. Some of these medications can interact with other medications or affect underlying health conditions. OTC sleep aids should be used as a short-term or temporary solution for insomnia. Generally speaking, their use is not recommended for more than 2 weeks. Do not mix sleep aids and alcohol as the two can have a sedative effect. When taking over-the-counter sleep aids, do not drive or perform other activities that require alertness for safety.
How can I practice good sleep habits?
Having a set schedule helps your brain and body get accustomed to a routine and allows you to get a full night of restful sleep. A fixed wake-up time every day, even on weekends, is useful in maintaining a rhythm of consistent sleep. Following a nightly pre-bedtime routine reinforces to the brain that it is bedtime. It is a good idea to allow yourself 30 minutes to wind down before going to bed with soft music, relaxation exercises, light stretching, and dimmed lights. Unplugging from devices and screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime can reduce mental stimulation and promote sleep.
Can I get a discount on sleeping pills and other sleep aids with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including sleep aids—as long as they are OTC medications or you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-sleep
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep
3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
4. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/in-depth/sleeping-pills/art-20043959
6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html#
Common Sleep Aid Health Medications
Sleep Aid
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.
The average human spends one-third of their life sleeping. Sleep is an important part of the daily routine and is as essential as air, food, and water. Getting enough sleep at the right time plays a critical role in maintaining good health, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Sleep is essential for several brain functions, including communication between neurons (nerve cells). Research has found that sleep is like housekeeping – it is the time the body removes toxins that build up during the waking hours. Besides the brain, sleep affects nearly every organ system in the body, including vital organs like the heart and lungs. Poor sleep can lead to myriad health problems, ranging from depressed mood, weight gain, and low sex drive to reduced immunity, heart disease, and stroke.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. Infants, young children, and adolescents need more sleep to support their growth and development. Newborn babies can sleep as much as 14-17 hours a day. Older adults above the age of 65 need around 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene, i.e., to have a daily routine and bedroom environment that promotes uninterrupted, restful sleep. However, prescription sleeping pills or OTC sleep aids may help when travel, stress, or other factors cause sleep disruption. If you have insomnia (trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep) and it has been going on for more than a few days, you should get checked out by a healthcare professional. Sometimes, the underlying cause of insomnia is a treatable medical condition. Treating the medical condition is a more effective approach to managing insomnia than long-term treatment with sleep aids.
Sleep Aid Medications
Some of the medications that are used as sleep aids are described below:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is used to relieve symptoms of allergy and also to treat insomnia because it causes drowsiness. When used for insomnia, it is taken 30 minutes before planned bedtime. The effects last 4-6 hours. The risk of developing a dependence on this medication is low.
Sedative-hypnotics like zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) bind to specific receptors called GABA receptors in the brain to cause sedation and muscle relaxation. The effects of these drugs last 6-8 hours. There is a low to medium risk of dependence.
Melatonin receptor agonists like ramelteon (Rozerem) stimulate melatonin receptors in the brain that control the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is a natural substance that is needed in the brain for sleep. The effects of these medications last 4-6 hours. The risk of dependence is low.
Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), and alprazolam (Xanax) are powerful sleep aids. They work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. The duration of effects of these medications varies and can be anything from 4 to 12 hours. The risk of dependence on benzodiazepines is high and they should be used under a doctor’s supervision.
Tricyclic antidepressants like doxepin (Sinequan, Adapin), amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and trazodone (Desyrel) produce sedating effects by binding to multiple receptors in the brain. The duration of effects of these medications for insomnia is not well studied. The risk of developing a dependence on tricyclic antidepressants is low.
Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids
Some sleep medications like diphenhydramine (Aleve PM, Benadryl), doxylamine (Unisom sleep tabs), melatonin, and valerian are widely available over-the-counter (OTC). It is worth remembering, however, that while these medications can help on an occasional sleepless night, they are not a long-term solution for the treatment of insomnia. An additional caveat is that tolerance can develop to the sedative effects of OTC sleep aids, meaning the longer you take them, the less effective they become at helping you sleep. Also, OTC sleep aids can have side effects, such as daytime sleepiness or grogginess (hangover effect), which can affect your functioning at work and your ability to drive safely.
Common Side Effects of Sleep Aids
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation as side effects. They can cause difficulty urinating and confusion in older individuals.
Potential side effects of sedative-hypnotics include confusion, memory difficulties, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling, and hallucinations.
Melatonin receptor agonists can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, nausea, and tiredness.
Side effects of benzodiazepines include dizziness, memory problems, confusion, slurred speech, unsteadiness (especially in older individuals), and muscle weakness.
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, weight changes, constipation, dry mouth, low blood pressure on standing, hives, and rash.
Common Questions
What precautions should I take while using over-the-counter sleep aids?
It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor before using an OTC sleep aid. Some of these medications can interact with other medications or affect underlying health conditions. OTC sleep aids should be used as a short-term or temporary solution for insomnia. Generally speaking, their use is not recommended for more than 2 weeks. Do not mix sleep aids and alcohol as the two can have a sedative effect. When taking over-the-counter sleep aids, do not drive or perform other activities that require alertness for safety.
How can I practice good sleep habits?
Having a set schedule helps your brain and body get accustomed to a routine and allows you to get a full night of restful sleep. A fixed wake-up time every day, even on weekends, is useful in maintaining a rhythm of consistent sleep. Following a nightly pre-bedtime routine reinforces to the brain that it is bedtime. It is a good idea to allow yourself 30 minutes to wind down before going to bed with soft music, relaxation exercises, light stretching, and dimmed lights. Unplugging from devices and screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime can reduce mental stimulation and promote sleep.
Can I get a discount on sleeping pills and other sleep aids with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including sleep aids—as long as they are OTC medications or you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-sleep
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep
3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
4. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/in-depth/sleeping-pills/art-20043959
6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html#
Common Sleep Aid Health Medications
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