Dangers of Sleeping Pills

Many people have difficulty sleeping. It’s a terrible issue to deal with – being unable to get to sleep or stay asleep, tossing and turning all night, then being exhausted and grumpy during the day. To help with this, people take sleeping pills to help them get to sleep more easily or stay asleep longer.  The problem is that the regular and/or long-term use of these drugs can be addictive. Sleeping pills also have many negative side effects.
Sleeping pills can lure a person into addiction without their even knowing it. Many people do not realize how hard it may be to stop using sleeping pills once they’ve started or understand how long term use can negatively affect them mentally and physically.  These sedatives may be helpful under certain circumstances, but only for a very short amount of time.  If you’re having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, work with your physician to address the underlying cause of your sleeplessness, not treat it with the regular use of a sleep aid.
Common side effects of prescription sleeping pills such as Lunesta, Sonata, Ambien, Rozerem, and Halcion may include:
•    Constipation
•    Diarrhea
•    Dizziness
•    Depression
•    Moodiness
•    Gas
•    Headache
•    Weakness
•    Unusual dreams
•    Balance difficulties
•    Worsening insomnia

These are just a few of the many side effects of sleeping pills.  Those who take sleep aids often overlook symptoms because they seem mild or they believe they are not related to taking sleep pills.  Side effects can become serious because many sleep aids are both physically and psychologically addictive.

Perhaps the worst and least expected side effect of longer-term sleeping pill use, outside of addiction, is worsening insomnia.  Dr. Cosmo Hallstrom, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Great Britain, explains:

‘Rebound insomnia is like having a double dose of insomnia. The body – which couldn’t sleep in the first place – adapts to needing a sleeping pill to sleep; and when it is then taken away, the insomnia is compounded.’
‘And once you are a long-term user, you will stay on [sleeping pills] indefinitely, because they are so difficult to give up. There are people who have been on sleeping pills for 10 to 20 years.’
It is estimated in Britain that a million individuals are regular or long-term users of sleeping pills. In America between a third and half of adults have sleep problems or insomnia.
Most people should not be prescribed pharmaceutical sleep aids as there are many helpful, non-habit-forming, alternative methods of promoting a good night’s sleep. The best way not to become addicted to pharmaceutical sleep aids is not to start using them. However, if you are using sleeping pills regularly, you should seek a physician’s assistance in tapering off. You will likely experience some “rebound insomnia,” so look into holistic sleep aid practices and find the underlying causes of your sleeplessness, so that you can fall and stay asleep without assistance.

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/understanding-the-side-effects-of-sleeping-pills
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1311782/The-nightmare-giving-sleeping-pills-One-woman-reveals-addiction-battle.html

When you recognize harmful patterns and seek treatment, you can increase your chances of leading a healthier life. Cliffside Malibu is here to support you in your search for an alcohol-free life. We believe you deserve to have a private, comfortable and luxurious environment as you navigate your journey to a sober life. Our center allows you to explore your mental health needs, creates a treatment plan that is unique to you and allows you to discover beneficial coping skills. To learn more about alcohol treatment at Cliffside Malibu, call (855) 403-5641.