Everyone has the occasional bout of insomnia, and if you have to be up early the next morning, it can be tempting to reach for a pill bottle for a little help getting some shut-eye. While using sleeping pills once in a while usually won't cause problems, with long-term use they can interfere with healthy sleep. Here are some tips to keep your sleep safe.
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Herbal Supplements and Medications
Many people who have trouble sleeping turn to herbal remedies or Melatonin supplements, believing them to be safer than drugs. Many times they are. Chamomile and Valerian, for example, often help people rest without the hangover effect or other side effects that sleep medications often cause. However, just because something comes from a plant doesn't make it safe. Talk to your doctor or use a reputable website such as the multidrug interaction checker to ensure your supplements won't interact with your other medications, and buy only from a reputable supplier.
Over the Counter Sleep Aids
Over the counter sleep aids usually contain antihistamines, often the same ones that are in major allergy medications. These drugs produce a feeling of sleepiness, are inexpensive, and may be the right choice if you only use them occasionally and aren't on any other medications. However, if you use them often, you will quickly develop a tolerance and the drug will simply stop working. Like all medications, they can interact with other drugs, so make sure to read the warnings and take them only as directed.
Prescription Sleep Aids
If you have serious problems sleeping, your doctor may want to try prescription sleep aids, since the risk of going without sleep often outweighs the risk of sleeping pill side effects. If your doctor wants to put you on prescription sleep aids, make sure he or she knows all the other medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, as these can also interact with medications. Also, if you feel like you're ready to return to healthy sleep without drugs, ask your doctor if you need to taper off your prescription sleeping pills. Stopping prescription sleep medication too suddenly can cause severe side effects. Sometimes, stopping too quickly even causes dangerous reactions that require immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts On Safe Use of Sleeping Pills
If you choose to use a sleep aid, do so carefully. Take them as directed, check for potential interactions, and follow your doctor's instructions.
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