Sleeping pills help induce or maintain sleep.
A sleeping pill is a substance that causes sleep : the desire to sleep. The term, which can be used as a noun or an adjective, comes from the Latin word somnĭfer .
Induce or maintain sleep
Sleeping pills can induce or maintain sleep . These are psychotropic drugs (they produce an effect on the central nervous system , temporarily modifying its functions) and hypnotics (they make you sleepy) whose consumption must be indicated by a doctor or pharmacist, as appropriate.
Various reasons can cause a person to have problems falling or staying asleep. A specialist has to determine what the specific reason is in the individual and, based on that diagnosis, may suggest the use of sleeping pills.
In any case, prolonged use of sleeping pills can cause tolerance (they lose effectiveness as the body gets used to it). Furthermore, when the subject stops taking it, a withdrawal syndrome may appear and even lead to the sudden reappearance of insomnia .
To minimize risks and side effects, it is important not to mix sleeping pills with certain substances (such as alcohol ) and not to exceed the suggested doses. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that sleeping pills cause drowsiness and sedation, so care must be taken if you carry out activities after using them.
Natural alternatives
Doctors recommend physical exercise during the day, minimizing stress , avoiding caffeine, and respecting a regular bedtime as methods to combat insomnia. Prescribing sleeping pills is an additional alternative that requires patient responsibility and professional monitoring of the treatment so that complications do not arise.
Needless to say, living beings do not naturally need any pharmacological supplement to fall asleep, nor for the proper functioning of any of our organs. We come prepared to lead a balanced life, but to do so we must respect our diet and our physical exercise , something that is especially difficult today. In any case, we must highlight the importance of trying these methods before resorting to sleeping pills.
In short, beyond the existence of over-the-counter sleeping pills , it is always advisable to consult with a doctor before making a decision to modify sleep patterns with drugs .
Over-the-counter options
As we mentioned above, not all sleeping pills should be prescribed by a doctor. Below, therefore, we will see some of the options that we can find in pharmacies and buy without any restrictions. Let's start with diphenhydramine , a sedating antihistamine; Although it provides the effects it promises, drowsiness can extend throughout the day, which can be detrimental to daily tasks and extremely dangerous when moving on public roads. It can also cause urinary retention, constipation, blurred vision, and lack of saliva production.
Valerian is a natural sleeping aid with no side effects.
Another of the most common over-the-counter sleep aids is doxylamine succinate . It is the same type as the previous one and also shares most of its side effects, so we should take it with caution. Melatonin , on the other hand, is a hormone that serves to regulate the sleep cycle. According to some specialists, it is suitable for those who take too long to fall asleep. Its side effects include drowsiness throughout the day and headaches.
For those who enjoy the natural benefits of plants to enhance their health, valerian is one of the most notable. In this framework, it can be consumed to fall asleep more easily. There is no unanimity in scientific opinion regarding its effectiveness , but at least it has no side effects, something that makes it apparently harmless as a sleeping pill.