If you notice side effects or if you have any other concerns, talk to your doctor as soon as possible so they can help you safely stop the medication. Some sleep medications can cause rebound insomnia if they are stopped too suddenly. It may take a few nights before you start to see improvements to your sleep, so don’t change your dose without first talking to your doctor. What To Do if You Have Problems With Your Sleeping Pills Keep in mind that some sleeping pills will take longer to kick in if taken with food. Sleep aids should be taken right before bedtime, as taking them too early in the evening may interfere with evening activities. This also applies to cases where you might need to wake up during the night, such as if you are caring for a dependent person.
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For people who have trouble falling asleep but sleep soundly once they are asleep, it may be more appropriate to use a shorter-acting sleep aid.Įxperts advise against taking sleeping pills before driving or doing other activities that require your full attention.
Taking a pill when you need to wake up before this time may cause next-day grogginess. Most sleep aids are designed to be effective during four or eight hours. Avoid starting treatment right before an important event, in case the medication causes unexpected side effects. Once your doctor chooses a sleep aid, you should read the pamphlet carefully, follow your doctor’s instructions on dosage and timing, and ask any relevant questions. If you have a sleep disorder that can be treated with a specific type of sleep aid, your doctor will also take this into account. Experts recommend taking the lowest dose possible to reduce potential side effects. Your doctor will choose a short-acting or long-acting sleep aid based on what is more appropriate for your situation. You should also confirm that you are not allergic to any ingredients in the sleep aid.ĭifferent sleep aids may help you fall asleep faster, reduce nighttime awakenings, or sleep for longer. Before prescribing a specific sleeping pill, your doctor will take note of existing mental or physical health concerns and ensure that the sleep aid will not interact with any medications, recreational drugs, or herbal remedies you are currently taking.
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A thorough discussion with a healthcare professional can help you decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. Even over-the-counter sleep aids and herbal supplements carry potential risks. You should always talk to your doctor before starting a new kind of medication. What Precautions Are Important When Taking Sleep Medications for the First Time? Conducting a sleep study or other tests can shed light on these problems, which may need to be treated along with the insomnia itself. Many sleep problems are actually due to an undiagnosed sleep disorder or medical condition. That said, for some people, a short-term course of pharmaceutical sleep aids may help in developing these healthy behaviors and learning to manage insomnia. They can also teach you sleep hygiene habits that can lead to long-lasting benefits for sleep. Your health provider can help you work through stress, anxiety, or other emotions that may be affecting your sleep. Because they can be addictive and they often come with side effects, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend using other techniques before turning to pharmaceutical sleep aids.Ĭognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the preferred first line of treatment.
Sleep medications are only one part of an overall treatment plan for insomnia. What Should You Take Into Consideration Before Taking a Sleep Medication? By working with a doctor and understanding the risks associated with sleep medications, you can minimize your chances of unwanted side effects. Unfortunately, studies have found that many people develop unsafe habits regarding sleep aids.
Used properly, they can be a helpful way of drifting off on nights when sleep is difficult. Sleep medications are one of the most common treatments for insomnia.
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