Sleep Medication Treatment & Diagnostics in Chunni Ganj, Kanpur
Sleep Medication
Sleep medicines are meant to help a person fall asleep. People who suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia or parasomnia (walking or eating in sleep), or waking up in the middle of the night often feel tired and overworked during the day due to an incomplete sleep cycle. Sleeping pills help them get the much-needed rest.
Sleeping pills are also known as sedatives, hypnotics, sleep aids, etc. The different types of sleeping medications work differently. While some may cause drowsiness, others slow down the working of the area of the brain that keeps you alert.
Sleeping pills are recommended as a good short-term solution for sleep-related problems one may experience.
Types of Sleeping Pills
The range of sleeping pills includes over-the-counter (OTC) and supplements as well as prescription drugs and their different types.
- Over-the-counter medication
OTCs can be bought by an adult at a drugstore in Kanpur. These often contain antihistamines, a drug that is mainly meant to treat allergies but can also make you drowsy and help you sleep.
Some people prefer taking supplements like melatonin or valerian to help them fall asleep. These are easily available in Kanpur without the need for a prescription like over-the-counter medications.
Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone that regulates the sleep cycle by letting our body know that it is time to sleep. Its production is based upon whether it is light or dark outside.
Valerian is a herb that is supposed to aid relaxation and sleep.
- Prescription drugs
Medications of this kind are stronger than OTCs, hence, require a prescription from your doctor.
Types of prescription drugs include Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs like Zolpidem, Zopiclone, etc.
How do sleep medications help?
Taking any type of sleeping pills can help achieve better sleep for anybody who experiences issues like:
- Jet lag
- Insomnia
- Coping with changes in work shifts
- Abnormal sleep cycle due to old age
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
Benefits
Sleeping pills can help one achieve a better sleep cycle with proper hours of sleep leading to a fresh feeling during the day. One can get rid of the feelings of tiredness, confusion, sleepiness, irritation, etc. if the person achieves a good night’s sleep.
By bringing back a scheduled sleep pattern, health issues related to incomplete sleep can also be solved.
Side Effects or Potential Risks
Sleeping medications like antihistamines and hypnotics can leave people feeling tired or dizzy and facing balance problems during the following day. Memory problems can also be observed in older adults. These effects can negatively impact your ability to drive, work, or complete daily tasks.
Other side effects observed in persons taking OTCs, supplements, or prescription drugs include:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Other digestive problems like gas
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Heartburn
Certain risks that can come up with the consumption of prescription drugs include parasomnia or sleepwalking which may further lead to dangerous behaviours being exhibited while being asleep. Substance abuse can also become an issue caused due to the addictive nature of benzodiazepines.
When to see a doctor?
Immediately contact your doctor in case you are taking any type of sleep medication and observe signs or symptoms that include:
- Confusion and issues with memory
- Chronic and persistent fatigue
- Parasomnia
- Problems concentrating or performing daily activities
- Severely upset stomach
Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur
Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment
Taking any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding would affect the baby as well. Thus, before taking any kind of sleeping pills, discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider.
The best suitable medication is decided according to the cause of sleep-related issues as well as your sleeping patterns. Although discuss it with your doctor for the best advice before taking any strong medication.
It has been found in a study that people who take sleeping pills can sleep faster than ones who do not take any such medication. The difference was about 22 minutes.
Taking sleeping pills for a longer period can increase the chances of one facing dangerous health hazards like cancer, decrease in blood pressure, heart and breathing rate. Sleeping aids like benzodiazepines can also lead to substance abuse if taken for a long continuous period.