Is a sleep aid right for you?
It is possible that you and your healthcare professional may decide that a sleep aid could be right
for you. Sleep aids can be very effective in treating sleep problems, but because
our bodies may react differently to different medications, no one sleep aid works
perfectly for everyone.
Here is a quick overview of three types of sleep aids:
Prescription (Rx) sleep aids
There are several classes of prescription sleep aids. Your healthcare professional will decide which
is best for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and any other medications
you are taking. Here are some of the classes of prescription sleep aids:
- Melatonin Receptor Agonists
This newer class of sleep medication affects the same area of the brain as melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep). It works with receptors in your brain that are believed to regulate the body’s
circadian rhythm.
- Non-benzodiazepines
This is among the newest classes of sleep medicines. Because they are eliminated from the
body quickly, they are less likely to cause daytime sleepiness. Unlike the older
class of prescription sleep aids, they are "selective," which means they target
specific receptors in the brain that are thought to be associated with sleep. AMBIEN
CR is in this class of medicines.
- Benzodiazepines
A class of medications often prescribed for sleep problems and anxiety. This class includes
both long-acting medicines (which can linger in the body and potentially cause daytime
drowsiness) and short-acting medicines (which do not stay in the bloodstream as
long).
- Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not FDA approved to treat insomnia. However,
healthcare professionals will sometimes prescribe them to help with sleep problems.
All prescription medicines pose a risk of side effects, so healthcare professionals generally don't
recommend taking them for long periods. Instead, they recommend using a sleep aid
with other sleep therapy to teach your body to fall asleep on its own.
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids
Over-the-counter
sleep aids are medications you can generally get at a grocery or drug store,
and do not require a prescription. Most are effective because they contain
antihistamines,
for example diphenhydramine and doxylamine,
which are often found in cold medicines. While these medicines may help you fall
asleep, the antihistamines in them may leave you feeling drowsy the next day. It is recommended that you talk
with your healthcare professional or pharmacist before using these medicines.
Natural sleep aids
Natural sleep aids are often associated with herbal supplements. You can get these
sleep aids without a prescription just like over-the-counter treatments. However,
many of these dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA and they may not have
been tested for safety and effectiveness.
The two most popular herbal supplements marketed to treat insomnia are
Melatonin
and Valerian. Melatonin is something our bodies create naturally so there's some
debate whether adding more to our systems is useful as a sleep aid.
Valerian
may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, but recent government studies of the
efficacy of this natural sleep aid were inconclusive
It is important that you talk with your healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplement.
Next: Sleep Tips
