Sleeping Pills

What are sleeping pills?

As the name suggests, sleeping pills can help you get some sleep. If you have a sleep disorder like insomnia, you may take these medications to help you fall asleep. Sleeping tablets can also help you stay asleep if you’re prone to waking up in the middle of the night. Sleeping pills go by many names, including:

• Hypnotics.
• Sedatives.
• Sleep aids.
• Sleep medicines.
• Tranquilizers.

Who might need sleeping pills?

An estimated 1 in 7 people in the U.S. have long-term insomnia. Sleep difficulties become more common as you age. Approximately 1 in 3 people age 65 and older take some type of sleep medicine.

What are the types of sleeping pills?

Some people take natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements to help them sleep. Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces that promotes sleep. Valerian is an herb that supposedly aids relaxation and sleep. Sleeping tablets

Although OTC tablets aids and supplements are easily accessible, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking them. Drugs in over-the-counter sleep aids (including supplements) can interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse.

Prescription sleeping pills

Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones. You need a prescription from a healthcare provider to get these pills. Providers don’t typically recommend using prescription sleeping pills long term because they’re not a cure for insomnia and there’s a risk of dependence and addiction. They may help in some cases, but providers will usually only prescribe them for short-term relief. Sleeping Pills

Types of prescription sleeping tablets include:

• Antidepressants.
• Barbiturates.
• Benzodiazepines (benzos).
• Z-drugs, like zolpidem (Ambien®) and eszopiclone (Lunesta®).