What You Should Know Before Popping that Sleeping Pill

Everyone knows what it's like to lie awake in bed, tossing and turning in hopes of achieving that perfect position which will induce sleep. Perhaps you've counted the proverbial "sheep" (or whatever else suits your fancy.) But images of the day's events, and all sorts of other nuisances crowd your brain until you realize that two hours have passed, and you haven't caught a wink yet.

Enter the stage, Over The Counter Sleep Aid. You've watched the news, and have read the tabloids enough to recall the few celebrities who have met their fate via lethal cocktails of prescription (and non-prescription) medications. There is a stigma attached to sleeping pills. But what exactly are the dangers of over-the-counter sleep aids? Are they habit forming? Are they dangerous? Here are few things you should understand before popping that pill…

1. The cause of your insomnia may be treatable without medication. In other words, before considering taking an over the counter remedy, first examine your sleep patterns. Are you going to bed too late (or too early?). Are you stressed, or ill? Keep in mind that there are tons of psychological factors which actually cause insomnia. Try working through those first.

2. How do sleeping pills work? Most prescription sleeping pills contain a drug called benzodiazepine which is a substance that depresses the central nervous system. Over the counter remedies are basically antihistamines, which typically causes the desired drowsiness. Per the Food and Drug Administration, non prescription sleep aids may only contain ONE of three approved "hypnotic" ingredients (diphenhydramine and doxylamine.)

3. Watch out for… It's important to know that taking over the counter sleep aids, such as Unisom or Tylenol-Sleep, on a regular and ongoing basis could potentially become highly addictive. As a matter of fact, the more doses you take on a consistent basis, the more you might find you'll need to take in order to achieve the same [sleep inducing] effects. However, it's been advised by doctors to gradually reduce the dosage of the sleep aid, rather than ceasing use completely. An abrupt cessation of dosages might cause an instanteous bout of insomnia or anxiety.

4. Other Hazards… In addition to the risk of addiction, there are some other potential risk factors to consider before popping that bedtime sedative. First of all, the use of sleep aids by the elderly can pose some problems. For instance, taking these medications can aggravate an impaired memory. It can also reduce alertness, which is sometimes already an issue for older persons.

Furthermore, while some people may be able to handle their alcohol intake, and their sleep aid use separately, the combination of the two can prove to be very dangerous. Practically all over the counter sleep remedies advise against the consumption of alcohol while taking the medication. T his is because alcohol severely intensifies the effects of the drugs found in sleeping aids. There have been cases where this combination of consumption was cited as the cause of fatal automobile accidents.

Another thing to consider is that sleep inducing medication can sometimes work too well, meaning that daytime drowsiness may occur when used. And in some instances, it can also cause blurred vision, dizziness, or even dry mouth.

5. Try natural sleep remedies instead. Believe it or not, there are ways that you can get a good night's sleep without having to be concerned about addicting side effects. Melatonin, which is the natural substance secreted by the pineal gland, can be administered to the sleep-challenged as a supplement. Melatonin helps to regulate the body's innate sleep cycles. Because the amount of melatonin produced lessens as people grow older, it's sometimes prescribed to help people achieve their natural sleep rhythms. Though melatonin has been proven to help some people in their quest for rest, it is classified as a dietary supplement instead of a drug. Therefore, its results are considered purely experimental.

Valerian root has also been used to help promote sleep. Known for treating disorders of the nervous system, it has the ability to calm the entire body. This root, has also been used to treat tension headaches, sore muscles, and arthritis-all of which can keep a person from getting a good night's rest.

Chamomile is an herb most commonly used to soothe an upset stomach, and to treat irritation from chest colds. What it also has been known to do is provide minor relief from insomnia. Since chamomile is a somewhat gentle herb, it is much less harmful to children with sleep problems than other substances. It is best when consumed as a warm tea which calms an irritated digestive system, and helps facilitate sleep.

Many over the counter remedies are perfectly harmless when taken in moderation. The occasional OTC sleeping pill will typically do the trick for an isolated incident of restlessness. However, because of the many different chemicals contained within them, it's imperative that you examine all possible side effects prior to taking a sleeping aid. While sleeping pill prescriptions are much more addictive than over the counter drugs, it must be stressed that even a mild OTC sedative can trigger overuse if the insomnia is severe. It's best to try and locate the source of the sleeplessness, and deal with the root of the problem rather than over-medicating. There are plenty of natural remedies which can provide the same effects as an over the counter drug. It would be wise, however, to first examine one's eating and sleeping habits. You'd be surprised how a simple lifestyle change can be the catalyst for overall improved good health.