Insomnia is one of the most frequent complaints made to primary care for either medical or psychological reasons. Additionally, several methods of treating this issue have been created because getting enough sleep is essential for one’s general health. Sleeping pills and psychotherapy are the most widely used and successful treatments for insomnia.

This article will examine often prescribed sleep aids that can assist in overcoming the difficulties associated with sleep maintenance insomnia and other forms of the disorder.

Note: Only medical professionals with the necessary training can suggest the best course of action for your condition. The list of sleep aids below is meant to be informative only; your healthcare professional will choose the best course of action based on your unique requirements.

Are Prescription Sleep Aids Effective?

If you have trouble falling asleep on a regular basis, there’s a problem. It can just be the result of drinking excessive amounts of coffee, but it might also be a sign of a psychological or physical problem. Regardless of the cause, sleep aids can be administered to address it. However, some of the considerations listed below should be taken into account.

To begin with, sleeping pills are a temporary fix. Short-term use is usually beneficial for temporary situations, such as time zone changes or recuperation following medical procedures. Even though the effects are immediate, you may need to make other adjustments to your sleeping patterns to get long-lasting effects.

Second, sleeping pills have the potential to become addictive, which will eventually make insomnia worse. Your doctor might advise using sleeping drugs just “as needed” to reduce tolerance and reliance, particularly if you are receiving long-term therapy.

When Are Prescription Sleep Aids Issued?

People who suffer from persistent sleep problems, most often insomnia, that significantly impair their ability to function on a daily basis are frequently advised to use a therapeutic sleep aid. Before prescribing medication or in addition to it, medical practitioners often commonly recommend behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, colloquially known as “sleep hygiene.” The use of pharmaceuticals may be explored if non-pharmacological approaches are unsuccessful.

In addition, underlying medical or psychological conditions like anxiety or depression, which may need medicine to manage, can contribute to sleep issues. Furthermore, the short-term use of sleep aids to treat transient sleep problems may also be prompted by acute medical illnesses or short-term stresses.

The kind of sleep disruption, the patient’s medical history, and potential side effects are all factors in the medication selection process. It is crucial to assess the risk-benefit ratio while accounting for potential side effects, dependence issues, and rebound insomnia.

Frequent follow-up appointments are also necessary for the effective pharmaceutical treatment of sleep disorders. Together, the patient and healthcare professional may address any questions or concerns that may arise, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and track the effectiveness of the treatment.

Kinds of Drugs Suggested for Sleep Disorder

In general, there are several types of medications used to treat insomnia. The type of medication you require depends on your symptoms and medical history.

The types of drugs used to treat insomnia are listed below.

Benzodiazepines

These drugs affect the central nervous system to encourage relaxation and sleep by amplifying the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Despite their effectiveness, they are often only advised for short periods of time because of the possibility of dependence↗.

Sedative-hypnotics that are not benzodiazepines (Z medications)

These drugs work similarly to benzodiazepines; however, they frequently act for shorter periods of time. They are therefore more suited for those who have difficulty falling asleep. They do, however, also run the danger of becoming dependent.

Agonists for Melatonin Receptors

The melatonin hormone, which regulates the cycle of alertness and sleep, works similarly to these drugs. Although their dependency rates are frequently thought to be lower, their effects might not show up right away.

Receptor Antagonists for Orexin

These drugs work to promote wakefulness by blocking the activation of orexin receptors. By inhibiting orexin, they help to induce and maintain sleep.

Sedating Effects of Antidepressants

Taking a sedative antidepressant↗ might be a sensible choice for those who suffer from depression and sleeplessness. Sedation may be beneficial for depressed individuals who also suffer from insomnia because antidepressants have the capacity to relax the nervous system and promote sleep. Their impact on histamine receptors and neurotransmitters may be the cause of the sedative effects.

Mirtazapine and trazodone are two antidepressants that aid in falling asleep and improving sleep quality in general. However, mirtazapine may not be effective to cure depression since its sedative effects are more pronounced at lower dosages (15 mg and below).

Although patients should be mindful of potential adverse effects, trazodone can be useful for treating both depression and sleeplessness. These include weariness during the day, a paradoxical phenomenon seen in teenagers, a slower pace of recovery from depression, and dry mouth, which can disrupt sleep. Over time, its soothing effects usually wear off.

List of the Top 10 Sleep Aids

Since not all forms of insomnia can be resolved without medicine, we’ll look at some of the best prescription sleeping aids available. Physicians frequently suggest sleep aids from the following list of medications:

1. One tricyclic antidepressant is doxepin (Silenor). It is frequently used as a prescription sleep aid at lower dosages. Its primary purpose is to inhibit the brain’s histamine receptors, which cause drowsiness and encourage restful sleep all night long. People who have trouble falling asleep are frequently administered Silenor↗.
2. Eszopiclone (Lunesta): Known by the trade name Lunesta, Eszopiclone↗ is a hypnotic sedative that aids in falling and staying asleep. Through its interaction with the central nervous system, it can increase the duration and quality of sleep. In addition to sleeplessness, Lunesta may also be used for other issues under a doctor’s care.
3. Estazolam: A common sleep aid, estazolam is a kind of short-acting benzodiazepine. It helps people fall and stay asleep by calming the nervous system by altering the chemistry of the brain. However, due to the potential for addiction, estazolam is usually only advised for short-term usage.
4. Lemborexant (Dayvigo): A prescription sleeping aid that belongs to the orexin antagonist class, Lemborexant↗ was created especially to treat the symptoms of insomnia. It is possible to take it alone or in combination with other drugs.
5. Ramelteon (Rozerem): Rozerem↗  is a member of the class of CNS depressants, which aid to induce and maintain sleep by slowing down nervous system activity. By influencing melatonin receptors, it aids in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
6. Suvorexant (Belsomra): Belsomra↗, a medication of the orexin antagonist family, may be useful for adults who struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. It functions by blocking certain neurotransmitters that are involved in awakening. Belsomra is not recommended for usage by anybody under the age of eighteen, although it is thought to be a helpful sleeping aid for adults.
7. Zaleplon (Sonata): Sonata↗ is a sedative-hypnotic medication that relieves insomnia by attaching itself to GABA receptors in the brain. Due to its rapid action, it is typically administered just before bed. For people who wake up frequently in the middle of the night or early in the morning, it might not be effective enough.
8. Zolpidem (Ambien): Zolpidem is a medication designed to help patients fall asleep more quickly and reduce the likelihood of waking up throughout the night. It starts to have an impact rapidly. It can only be obtained with a prescription and is often given for short periods of time—up to four weeks, on average.
9. Triazolam (Halcion): This benzodiazepine reduces the frequency of nighttime awakenings, hence promoting better sleep. Due to its relatively short duration of impact, it is frequently recommended for short treatment durations, usually lasting one to two weeks.
10. Temazepam (Restoril): Restoril↗ is a short-term treatment option for those who struggle to fall asleep. It often takes one to two hours to get going. It soothes the central nervous system and belongs to the benzodiazepine class.

Do Sleeping Pills Pose a Risk? Typical Side Effects

Long-term usage of prescription drugs for sleep problems may result in adverse consequences. Individuals may suffer from sleepiness, disorientation, lightheadedness, and problems with balance. These side effects may last throughout the day and, in certain situations, may impair your capacity to carry out regular tasks.

That does not, however, imply that sleeping pills are harmful. Adverse effects can be considerably reduced if you take your sleeping tablets as prescribed by the practitioner.

Strong sleeping drugs frequently cause the following negative effects:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Issues with the stomach
• Weakness in the muscles

For whom is it inappropriate to take sleep aids?

Other sleep problems can be treated with prescription sleep aids, but other people should use them carefully or not at all. It’s important to keep in mind that talking to a healthcare professional regarding medication use is always a good idea.

Medication for sleep aids may need to be avoided or used cautiously by the following people:

• Expectant or nursing mothers: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should see a physician before taking sleep aids due to potential safety risks.
• Drug abuse history: Individuals who have abused drugs or alcohol in the past may be more likely to develop a habit and should be closely monitored when taking sleep aids.
• Elderly population: Side effects, confusion, and falls may be more likely to occur in the elderly due to the effects of sleep aids.
• Additional medical conditions: Patients with respiratory problems, myasthenia gravis, liver or renal damage, or other medical disorders should take sleep aids with caution. When considering insomnia therapy, let your doctor know about your medical history and any underlying issues.
• Using other drugs: To avoid any interactions that might result in adverse effects or diminished efficacy, patients should inform their doctor if they take any additional medications.
• Allergic reactions: People should avoid using some sleep aids if they have previously had an allergic response to any of its constituents.
• Sleepwalking history: People who have a history of sleepwalking or other sleep-related problems should use caution while taking certain sleep aids connected to these activities.

Safety Factors to Take Into Account When Using Sleep Aids

It’s crucial to use caution when using sleeping drugs to reduce any potential risks.

Your sleep medicine therapy can be less stressful if you take these safety precautions:

• Seek medical advice and let your doctor know about any additional prescription drugs or medical issues you may have.
• Just take the medication as directed.
• Only take sleep aids for the entire recommended amount of time.
• Steer clear of alcohol when using sleep aids because it can exacerbate their sedative effects and interact with them, leading to serious side effects.
• Learn about the possible adverse effects of certain prescription drugs.
• Arrange for routine check-ups with your physician.
• To prevent any issues, talk to your doctor before considering stopping the sleep aids.

The bottom line

For many people, the best way to enhance their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is to use sleep aids. However, before using a sleep aid, you should speak with your healthcare physician.

FAQs