Can't sleep? Should we know exactly what sleeping pills are?

There's nothing more annoying than tossing and turning at the clock when you go to bed at night, right? Insomnia is a real pain for both the mind and the body. At times like these, some people think, "It would be better if I took a sleeping pill." But do we really know what these sleeping pills are, how good or bad they are? Today, we'll talk about this in detail.

Simply put, what are these sleeping pills?

As the name suggests, sleeping pills are a type of medication that helps you fall asleep. If you have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia , these medications can help you fall asleep faster. They can also help someone who wakes up frequently in the middle of the night stay asleep. Sleeping pills are also known by several other names.

• Hypnotics
• Sedatives
• Sleep aids
• Sleep medications
• Tranquilizers

Whatever you call them, their primary function is to control your brain activity, calm your body, and help you fall asleep.

What are the main types of sleeping pills?

Sleeping pills can be divided into three main types. It is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any of these types.

How does this medicine work inside the body?

Not all sleeping pills work the same way.

• OTC pills: Antihistamines in this product work by blocking a chemical (histamine) in our body that helps keep us awake. This makes us sleepy.
• Natural Supplements: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our body's sleep and wake cycles. Taking melatonin externally can help regulate that cycle.
• Prescription drugs: Drugs like benzodiazepines stimulate a chemical called GABA in the brain, which relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety, and induces sleep. Z-drugs directly slow down brain activity.

What are the side effects and risks of sleeping pills?

Sleeping pills are not without risks. There are several things to be aware of when using them.

Commonly seen side effects

Many people feel a "hangover" the day after taking sleeping pills. That means,

• Feeling sleepy all day.
• A state of being unclear , having difficulty thinking.
• Dizziness and a feeling of loss of balance.

This can interfere with daily activities such as driving, going to work, and going to school.

In addition, things like this may also happen:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Increased snoring and worsening of sleep apnea

What happens if you use it for a long time?

If you start using sleeping pills every night, your body will get used to them. This means that you may not be able to sleep without them. Then, if you try to stop taking them, your insomnia may get worse. This is called rebound insomnia .

Also, never take sleeping pills with alcohol or other sedatives. Doing so can lead to an overdose and even death.

Special risks of prescription pills

Some over-the-counter sleeping pills, especially Z-drugs , can cause a condition called parasomnia , which is when you do dangerous things while you're asleep.

Imagine, you take a pill at night and go to sleep. When you wake up in the morning, there may be leftovers in the kitchen, or you may have talked to someone, or you may have driven a car. But you don't remember any of this. Although it may seem like you're awake to someone, your brain is completely asleep. This is a very dangerous situation.

Who should be especially careful?

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers: Any medication you take can affect your baby. So don't take any sleeping pills or natural supplements without first consulting your doctor.
• Young children: Some parents give their children over-the-counter sleep aids. These are not approved for use in children. There is a high risk of a child overdosing on the medication. Therefore, do not give anything without first consulting a pediatrician .
• Elderly (over 65 years): As you get older, this medicine stays in your body longer. This can cause confusion, memory problems, and loss of balance. This can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
• Heart patients and cancer patients: Insomnia is common with these conditions. However, doctors often recommend trying lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) before prescribing sleeping pills.

Are there no ways to sleep well without sleeping pills?

There really is. Doing these things is much safer and more effective in the long run than resorting to medication. This is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) . Talk to your doctor about this.

In addition, follow these practices:

• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before going to bed.
• Reduce your consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, some soft drinks) throughout the day and especially in the evening.
• If you smoke, stop.
• Listen to calming music, read a book, or meditate before going to bed.
• Stop using your phone, tablet, or TV at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
• Stay physically active during the day. Exercise.
• Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends .
• Make your bedroom a dark, quiet, and cool place.

When should you see a doctor?

If you are already using sleeping pills and you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

• If you feel persistent fatigue.
• If you have confusion or memory problems.
• If you do strange things in your sleep (Parasomnia behaviors).
• If you have difficulty concentrating on tasks like driving.
• If you have severe stomach discomfort.

In case of overdose, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.