SLEEP INSOMNIA

Sleep Insomnia

Nearly a third of all individuals in the U.S. experience sleep insomnia. So you aren’t alone if you have problems going to sleep or staying asleep.

If you have tried insomnia therapies, including lifestyle modifications and cognitive behavioral therapy, without much improvement, you might be contemplating sleep medicine. However, there are some key factors to remember before you start taking medication for insomnia. First, these drugs pose major hazards. Second, it’s preferable to take them just for brief periods. There is also no clear evidence that sleep medicines benefit long-term health.

With these limitations in mind, let’s dig into the many prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical choices available to aid with sleep.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is when you have problems sleeping more than three days a week. This might suggest you have problems falling asleep. But it might also mean you have difficulties remaining asleep or you wake up too early and can’t get back to sleep.

What causes Insomnia?

Drugs, physical disorders, or mental health concerns, including sadness or anxiety, could cause insomnia. Other times, there is no apparent reason why a person can’t sleep.

Depending on your insomnia type, your healthcare physician may suggest one or more sleep drugs. Some of these drugs are better at helping you fall asleep, while others are better at helping you stay asleep. So let your provider know which is more troublesome for you.

Which drugs are best for Insomnia?

Most insomnia drugs are better at helping you fall asleep rather than allowing you to remain asleep. Various choices are available, as mentioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

We are suggesting Ambien as a treatment of sleep insomnia. Most physicians will have you return to their clinic a few weeks after taking one of these drugs to determine if your sleep has improved. They may also ask whether you suffer any adverse effects and how often you must take the prescription.

When should I use these medications?

Take your prescribed prescription immediately before you intend to go to bed. Many people experience the benefits within an hour after their intake.

A “hangover” effect from any of these drugs is conceivable the following day. You could feel sleepy or tired or have a headache. This is especially true if you wake up before the anesthetic completely wears off. It helps if you have a 7- to 8-hour window to sleep after taking your prescription to lessen this risk. One exception is Intermezzo, which you can take if you sleep for 4 hours or more.

Risks with prescribed sleep medicines

As with any medicine, those used to aid with insomnia come with hazards. Although it’s up to you and your provider to address your unique risks, here are a few things you should know.