Wake up to tips on sleeping pills

New Delhi, Aug. 23: Insomnia or sleep disturbance is the most common of all sleep disorders. Insomnia is the difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person can sleep in.

According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated that around 30 per cent of the total general population complains about sleep disruption and over 10 per cent have been associated with symptoms of daytime functional impairment consistently, with the diagnosis of insomnia.

Treatment of insomnia depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying cause. Sleep medications are not the first line of treatment, and various other methods such as behavioural therapy or sleep hygiene must be tried first. Sleeping pills have a potential to make a person dependent on it when he/ she takes those pills for a prolonged period.

Dr Mohammed Shakeel of Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, said the risks of various prescriptions for sleeping pills can differ.

Depending on the type, sleeping pills with prescription might include the following side effects:

Frustration, fatigue, low energy, difficulty in concentrating, mood disturbances.

Severe headache. Gastrointestinal problems, ( e. g. diarrhea and nausea)

Persistent ( due to consuming drugs that may help you stay asleep).

Allergic reaction to certain things.

Behavioural changes in sleep ( e. g. driving or eating when you're not fully awake).

Remember, never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. Alcohol might increase the sedative effects of the pills, making you feel faint or confused. If combined, it can lead to decelerated breathing or unresponsiveness. Also, alcohol can actually cause insomnia.