Understanding sleep aids: types, uses, and safety
Understanding the nuances of sleep aid medications is crucial for those seeking relief from insomnia and related sleep disturbances. These medications work by facilitating relaxation and promoting sleep, and their use requires informed medical supervision from your doctor.
With potential side effects and interactions with other medications, it’s vital to consult your doctor. This guide aims to provide insight into sleep aid medications, helping you to have well-informed conversations with your doctor concerning your sleep health.
1. How do sleep aid medications work?
Sleep aid medications are designed to assist in transitioning from wakefulness to sleep. They achieve this by targeting specific areas in the brain responsible for arousal and relaxation. By reducing neural activity, these medications help to calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.[1]
It’s crucial to recognise, however, that sleep aids are a temporary solution. They are effective in providing short-term relief, but they do not address the root causes of insomnia, such as stress, lifestyle habits, or underlying health conditions. For a long-term solution, it’s advisable to explore additional treatments and lifestyle adjustments alongside the use of sleep aids.
2. How do you take sleep aid medications?
The correct use of sleep aid medications varies depending on the type. Common over-the-counter sleep aids often contain antihistamines,[2] which enhance the brain’s natural sleep mechanisms. Natural options, like melatonin or valerian root, are also commonly used as they can help you relax and sleep without being too strong.[3]
However, consulting a doctor before beginning any sleep aid treatment is essential. They can guide you on how long you should use them and how to stop safely when it’s time.
3. Who can take sleep aid medications?
Sleep aids can be beneficial for individuals experiencing sleep difficulties, such as insomnia. This category includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter options, and dietary supplements. Their use should be approached cautiously and under the supervision of a doctor.
Sleep aids can also be helpful for older adults with chronic health conditions, individuals with disrupted circadian rhythms, or those experiencing temporary sleep issues due to stress.
However, potential risks are associated with these medications. Special caution is advised for older adults, children, and pregnant individuals.
4. Side effects of sleep aid medications
While sleep aids can be effective for sleep disturbances, awareness of their potential side effects is important.
These effects vary based on medication type and individual response. Common side effects include drowsiness, oversleeping, nightmares, and daytime sleepiness. Nausea, dry mouth, and focus or memory impairment may also occur.[4]
If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, consult your doctor immediately. They can offer advice on dosage adjustments, alternative medications, or strategies for safely discontinuing the medication.
5. Sleep aid medications and other medications
When you’re thinking about using sleep aid medications along with other medicines you’re already taking, it’s really important to be careful. This is because sleep aids can sometimes react with other medications, which might make side effects worse or make either medicine work less effectively.
Before you start any sleep aids, it’s a smart idea to talk with your doctor. This is especially important if you have other health issues or are on different medications.
6. Medicines you should not use with sleep aid medications
When taking sleep aid medications, other sedatives and alcohol should be avoided. Some sleep aids can cause complex behaviours during sleep, such as eating, talking, or even driving.[5] The risk of these occurrences increases if you combine different types of sleep aids or consume alcohol while taking them.
Given the variety of sleep aids and the potential for interactions, obtaining a comprehensive list of substances to avoid from your doctor is essential. They can offer tailored advice based on the specific sleep aid you’re using and any other medications you may be taking.
7. How to order sleep aid medications through Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we specialise in making the management of your prescriptions, including insomnia medication and sleep aids, both effortless and supportive. Begin by downloading our user-friendly app or using this website to explore a range of sleep aids, like suvorexant.
Easily upload your eScript for sleep tablets or any other medication you need – it’s that simple! Plus, why not add any over-the-counter items, including sleep aids or paediatric sleep medication, to your order? We understand the needs of everyone, from seniors requiring sleep aid to those seeking sleep aid for shift work.
Simply place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2.00 p.m., but may vary in some locations), and you’ll receive your medications before the end of the day. Every order, whether it’s for Belsomra (suvorexant) or Dayvigo (lemborexant), is carefully filled by a partner pharmacy in your local community, ensuring expertise and reliability.
Trust Chemist2U for a convenient, caring pharmacy experience, offering insomnia relief medication and more.
Have your medication home delivered with Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/safe-use-of-sleeping-pills
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181172/
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Roehrs/publication/228358857_Over-the-Counter_Sleep_Aid_Medications_and_Insomnia/links/0912f50ef0016312a3000000/Over-the-Counter-Sleep-Aid-Medications-and-Insomnia.pdf
