Pills for sleep
Your doctor may recommend sleeping pills if you're having a lot of trouble falling asleep. Typically, you take them for a brief period of time. This is because there may be adverse consequences from sleeping pills.
Consult your physician if you believe you need sleeping pills.
Sleeping pills come in a variety of forms and operate in various ways.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines slow down bodily processes and have sedative effects. They function by enhancing the effects of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a brain neurotransmitter. Gaba contributes to our sense of relaxation and sleepiness.
Short-term benefits from benzodiazepines are possible, but if you take them constantly for more than a few months, the effects may wear off. You see, your brain becomes used to them.
Some benzodiazepines include:
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Temazepam
Non-benzodiazepines
Because of their distinct chemical makeup, they function differently from benzodiazepines. However, they do cause the brain's GABA levels to rise, which will soothe and drowse you.
Non-benzodiazepine examples include
- Zolpidem (stilnoct)
- Zopiclone (zimovane).
It is not recommended to use either benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepines (Zopisign 7.5mg) for more than a few days or weeks at a time without first seeing your doctor.
Melatonin
Our bodies naturally produce the hormone melatonin 10mg uk, which aids in regulating our sleep patterns. Naturally occurring melatonin levels in the body decline with age.
A pill form of melatonin, commonly referred to as circadin, is available. Melatonin is a sleep aid that you may take. For those over 55, doctors recommend this as a temporary fix for sleep issues.