Sleep medication is often used by
individuals suffering from insomnia, or sleep deprivation. It is available
over-the-counter, or by prescription for a stronger version. The main focus of
this research will focus on prescription sleep aids, also known as hypnotics.
The most
popular prescription sleep aids include Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta
(eszopiclone), Rozerem (ramelteon), and Sonata (zaleplon) (Katz, 2012). These
sleep medications are often used to help one get to sleep (Katz, 2012). Ambien
is the most commonly used sleep medication (Katz, 2012). Each urges the user to
take the medication only if able to get seven to eight hours of sleep (Katz,
2012).
These
drugs, such as Ambien, work by targeting the activity of GABA receptors in the
brain (Peters, 2011). These receptors inhibit the activity in the brain that
keeps you awake at night, therefore allowing you to fall asleep quickly (Peters,
2011).
However,
these sleep medications have been known to come with many side effects. For
example, Ambien has been associated with driving, eating, and even making phone
calls which one later has no memory of (“Ambien,” 2012). In addition, Ambien
has been associated with daytime drowsiness, headache, muscle pain, and impairment
of thinking and reactions (“Ambien,” 2012). Other drugs such as Lunesta have
shown similar side effects.
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While
these side effects are severe, those who have insomnia and other sleep-related
issues often believe the benefits outweigh the side effects. These drugs help
individuals who suffer from insomnia greatly, allowing them to finally get
rest.
Unfortunately,
prescription sleeping pills come with a large risk of dependency. Sleeping
pills are one of the most commonly used prescription medications (Alcohol Rehab,
2011). If used correctly, the risk for addiction is low, but if used
incorrectly, it is easy for addiction to begin (Alcohol Rehab, 2011).
Individuals can become dependent on sleep medication, and therefore begin
taking it even when it is not bedtime (Alcohol Rehab, 2011).
It seems
as though it would be relatively easy to become addicted to sleep medication.
For those who are prescribed it in the first place, it is because they need
help falling asleep. Therefore, it is easy for them to continue to use their
prescription, simply because it is the easy solution.
However,
I recently read a study where relaxation techniques were used to attempt to
wean individuals from prescription sleep medication use (Lichstein et al.,
1999). It was found that these relaxation techniques were effective, reducing
sleep medication use by up to 80% (Lichstein, 1999). Relaxation techniques are
a relatively simple way to combat sleep medication addiction. While there are
withdrawal symptoms, these relaxation techniques prove to be a simple, yet effective
way to fight this type of addiction.
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Alcohol Rehab. (2011). Sleeping pill addiction. Retrieved from http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/sleeping-pill-addiction/
Ambien. (2012, January 7). Retrieved from
http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
Katz, M. (2012, August 02). Drugs to treat insomnia. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-medications
Lichstein, K. L., Peterson, B. A., Riedel,
B. W., Means, M. K., Epperson, M. T., & Aguillard, R. N. (1999). Relaxation
to assist sleep medication withdrawal.Behavior modification, 23(3), 379-402. doi: 10.1177/0145445599233003
Peters, B. (2011, March 28). Insomnia treatment option. Retrieved from
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/od/sleepdisorderstreatment/a/Ambien.htm
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It is interesting that sleep medications have so many negative side effects. It is also compelling that individuals still take these medications even though they are aware of the consequences. This proves how desperately people want to fall asleep. Since I do not have trouble falling asleep, I have difficulty relating to this concept but I know how frustrating it is for my dad when he cannot fall asleep. He takes pills every night which leads to an addiction, although I do not think he would admit to it. Like caffeine or other drugs , it seems that the body becomes dependent on sleeping pills in order to fall asleep once they have been taken for an extended amount of time. The relaxation techniques seem like an appeasing alternative to sleep medications because they are not harming the body or creating an addiction. The are other strategies as well such as, not looking at bright objects like a phone before sleep and don't lie in your bed except when sleeping. It seems if the individuals who have trouble falling asleep only took the medication on extreme measures and tried the other relaxation techniques the rest of the time, the dependence of sleeping pills would decrease.
ReplyDeleteSarah-
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting reading your blog this week. It surprises me that a substance originally created to help people has become a substance that has begun to harm people. I never thought of sleeping pills as an addictive substance but I know understand how it can turn into one. I have never used a sleep aid other than Tylenol PM so I am not familiar with the side effects or feeling of taking a sleeping pill, but I can imagine some people use them to escape the burdens of everyday life and just sleep their troubles away. Since this substance has become an addiction for people in our society, I think doctors should take extra precaution when prescribing this medication to patients and warn them of the addictive effects the drug could have on them as well as explaining how to safely take the drug.
Good post Sarah! Lots of good information about the drug and the positive and negative effects. Wondering if you came across any information about what happens legally (if anything) when people are caught abusing or selling this drug outside of the prescription?
ReplyDelete