Is it safe to take sleeping pills? Docs weigh in the pros and cons

Insomnia patients have a rapidly growing population and only 2 percent feel the need to discuss it with physicians, which shows that proper medical attention is a serious need for good sleep. Less sleep increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Dr. Subhash Chandra, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi explains, “Insomnia is a very common disorder where the incidence varies between 10-30% of the population. Due to the high levels of stress in the population, insomnia is on the rise. It happens for various reasons, some physical, some emotional and sometimes without any reason. Physical problems such as pain, insanity, liver dysfunction, shortness of breath at night, increased urination at night can all cause sleep disturbances. Mental problems such as increased anxiety, work stress or family problems and depression can also cause sleep problems. The cause of insomnia may vary from person to person. ”

Who is given sleeping pills?


While sleeping pills may seem like the perfect cure for poor sleep, how do we know they won’t cause toxic reliability and side effects? Dr. Sandeep Nair, Senior Director and HOD, Chest and Respiratory Diseases, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, thinks that sleeping pills should be avoided as much as possible. “But only those who have had medical treatment or surgery or trauma are in excruciating pain, they may occasionally prescribe.”

Dr. Chandra added, “Patients with recent stress can be treated with sleeping pills for a few days due to anxiety and sleep disturbances. These medications are only given with caution to patients with significant respiratory failure and who are at high risk of chronic sleep deprivation due to sleeping pills and if absolutely necessary; Patients such as liver dysfunction, kidney function, intracranial problems, etc.

Extensive use of sleeping pills


Sharing some of the irregularities associated with sleeping pill use, Dr. Chandra shares how patients use sleeping pills outside of the prescribed time. “Patients eventually share their sleeping pills with other people. Excessive use of these tablets outside the prescribed dose is another bad behavior. In addition, recreational use and addiction can lead to other forms of abuse. ”

Dr Nair added, “Since these drugs cause some relaxation and painkillers, many patients start claiming it. These are highly prescribed due to the peer pressure of the patient. Unfortunately many times the underlying disease is ignored and left untreated. These can lead to poor health and dependence on patients. ”

Docs warns those who share sleeping pill prescriptions


Before concluding the discussion, Dr. Nair added, “I think it is a crime to encourage anyone to take this pill. These can be harmful medications and side effects such as drowsiness, headache, constipation or diarrhea, nervous abnormalities, muscle weakness, libido loss and many more. ”

People should never share sleeping pills prescribed for sleep problems because there are different types of sleeping pills that have different effects and side effects profile and what medications for one person may be harmful to another depending on their pre-existing medical condition, renal function. , Lever function and other parameters. Drug-drug interactions may also exist. Therefore, it is always important to consult a doctor before taking sleeping pills to know which tablets are safest for you.

The answer to the general question

1. Are sleeping pills harmful?
   Sleeping pills, like other medicines, can have significant side effects if used incorrectly and should therefore be used only in the dosage and duration prescribed by a registered physician.
2. Is sleeping pills addictive?
   Yes, sleeping pills are addictive if used for more than 2 weeks to a month. So long-term sleeping pills are not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.