Sleeping pills are a type of medicine that used for short-term treatment of sleep problems or disorders. It is important to remember, this drug can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription.If used without the supervision or advice of a doctor, sleeping pills can cause various side effects which is dangerous.
When you experience sleep disturbances or insomnia, do not rush to take sleeping pills. The reason is, the problem of insomnia can be overcome in many other, safer ways, for example by doing sleep hygiene, yoga, relaxation and regular exercise.
You don't need sleeping pills if the sleep disorder is successfully treated with the above methods. However, if you still have trouble sleeping, you can consult a doctor for treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills to treat your insomnia. In addition, the doctor will also look for the cause of the sleep problem you are suffering from and overcome it.
Rules for taking sleeping pills
Sleeping pills consist of various types and each has its own benefits and side effects. There are sleeping pills that work by making you sleep longer and some that make you sleepy, making it easier to sleep.
Sleeping drugs in the benzodiazepine group are called nervous system tranquilizers in the brain and can slow down the nervous system. Meanwhile, non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills had fewer side effects.
To be able to find the right sleeping pills, you must consult a doctor. Before prescribing sleeping pills, the doctor will first conduct an examination to determine what is causing the sleep disorder you are experiencing. One method of examination that doctors can do is: sleep study.
If the sleep disturbance you are experiencing is caused by poor sleep patterns and lifestyle, the doctor will advise you to change your sleep pattern, for example sleeping at regular hours and avoiding the habit of staying up late.
However, if your sleep disturbance is severe enough, your doctor can prescribe sleeping pills. These drugs are generally only recommended for short-term use to avoid drug addiction.
Types of Sleeping Medicine
The following are some types of sleeping pills that your doctor can prescribe to treat your sleep problems:
| Medicine name | Easy sleep | Makes sleep longer | Can cause dependence |
| Alprazolam | √ | √ | |
Lorazepam | √ | √ | |
| Diazepam | √ | √ | |
| Zolpidem | √ | √ | |
| Temazepam | √ | √ | √ |
| estazolam | √ | √ | √ |
| Zolpidem extended release | √ | √ | √ |
In addition to the drugs above, doctors can also treat insomnia due to depression by giving antidepressant drugs, such as amitriptyline, mirtazapine, or trazodone.
Side Effects of Sleeping Drugs
Like other drugs, sleeping pills also have side effects. Some of the side effects of taking sleeping pills are:
- Difficult to concentrate and easy to forget
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain
- Changes in mood (mood) or behavior
- Changes in libido
- A tingling or tingling sensation in the legs, arms, hands
- Digestive problems, such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or difficult bowel movements
- Disorders of body movement, such as body shaking (tremors) or impaired body coordination
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Dry mouth or throat
- Weak
- Chest palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Sometimes sleeping pills can also cause allergic reactions. Although rare, allergies that occur can be severe enough to cause an anaphylactic reaction. Meanwhile, long-term use of sleeping pills or without a doctor's supervision can lead to dependence.
In certain cases, side effects of sleeping pills can cause a person to experience parasomnia. Parasomia is a condition when a person performs certain behaviors unconsciously while sleeping, such as walking, eating, or opening doors. People who have parasomnias can also have nightmares.
Tips for Safe Taking Sleeping Drugs
Sleeping pills can be dangerous if taken by people who have a history of drug abuse or other medical conditions, such as asthma, liver disease, and kidney disorders. This medicine also needs to be used with caution in pregnant or lactating women and the elderly.
If you do need to take sleeping pills, there are several things to consider, including:
1. Consult a doctor
As discussed earlier, before taking sleeping pills, it's a good idea to check with your doctor first. The doctor will evaluate the cause of the sleep disorder you are suffering from, and if necessary, the doctor will prescribe sleeping pills that are suitable for your health condition.
2. Consume at the right time
Sleeping pills are recommended to be taken 15 minutes before bedtime. If there are still activities that you want to do, you should not take this drug first. Sleeping pills can make you drowsy or have difficulty concentrating so that it will harm you while on the move.
3. Consumption according to dosage
When prescribed sleeping pills, make sure you understand what the side effects are and follow the dosage for sleeping pills as directed by your doctor. If there is still information that is not understood, ask the doctor who prescribed the drug.
Some types of sleeping pills are only intended for short-term consumption, for example around 7-10 days. Avoid taking sleeping pills for more than the recommended time or stopping them without the doctor's knowledge.
4. Consumption according to the rules
In addition to the dose, there are rules for taking sleeping pills that must also be considered. You are not advised to consume alcohol together with sleeping pills because it can cause drug interactions. This can cause sleeping pills to not work properly or cause drug poisoning.
In addition to alcohol, you are also not advised to consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking sleeping pills. To be on the safe side, remember to always take sleeping pills with water and ask your doctor about what foods and drinks need to be avoided when taking sleeping pills.
Insomnia is a very common complaint and it is not always necessary to take sleeping pills to treat it. The use of new sleeping pills is needed after the doctor evaluates the type of sleep disorder you are experiencing and determines the cause.
If after taking sleeping pills you experience side effects in the form of short-term memory loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, itching and rash on the skin, swelling in the body, or find it difficult to stop using sleeping pills, you should immediately consult a doctor.