Risks And Side Effects Of Sleeping Pills

Although many of them are available over the counter, the truth is that sleeping pills should always be prescribed by a specialist who will evaluate our specific case

In a world society stressed, burdened and plagued by insomnia, it seems normal that sleeping pills are in vogue.

Few people understand the negative effects generated by the use and abuse of this type of medicine. The use of sleeping pills has risks and counterproductive consequences for those who consume them.

Depression and high blood pressure

There is research that suggests that sleeping pills, in addition to creating addiction, can lead to depression and high blood pressure in users.

Among the side effects that sleeping pills produce are the following:

• Confusion or drowsiness
• Lack of balance
• Addiction or dependency
• Memory problems
• Lack of concentration

Seniors should be careful with sleeping pills

We can all suffer from the side effects of sleeping pills, but seniors should be especially careful when using them.

Some conditions, such as dizziness or drowsiness, may have a greater impact on this population, since they have greater risks of falling and dangerous increases in blood pressure.

In addition, from the age of 65 the human body gradually begins to lose the ability to tolerate these drugs. An older body breaks down and discards these medicines more slowly. For this reason, the effect of sleeping pills may last longer than expected.

Sleeping pills are addicting

Many of the medications used to restore sleep have an addictive effect on patients.

Added to this, its regular use helps the body create tolerance and this generates, in turn, the need to opt for stronger doses.

In some cases, insomniacs end up depending on these products in order to achieve normal levels of sleep and rest. We are talking about an unnatural situation that cannot leave anything good in the quality of life.

Therefore, it should be used sporadically, with the sole purpose of calming specific crises. It is obvious that its purpose is not to supply the natural sleep process permanently.

Beware of traffic accidents

Alcohol and illegal drug abuse is not the only cause of road accidents. In fact, many of the unfortunate incidents that occur on public roads have been found to be caused by taking insomnia drugs.

The problem is in the states of drowsiness that extend beyond the night period. There are those who may even experience blurred vision and this causes difficulties in correctly measuring the distances between cars.

Driving is an activity that requires the active participation of all the senses in an optimal state. There are cases of drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel and with the vehicle in full gear.

Risk of premature death

According to a compilation of studies carried out in 2016,  the use of sedative pills could be related to cases of premature death.

The comparative study established that the risk increases with a higher number of doses.

The patients who were investigated used drugs such as temazepam, eszopiclon and zaleplon. Barbiturates and antihistamines that cause drowsiness were also considered in this study.

In addition, research also warns that its use could promote the development of some types of cancer.

Caution with sleeping pills

Likewise, it is claimed that some formulas can cause severe depression and anxiety states. Each organism is different and not all people react in the same way when given certain medicines.

The most worrying thing is that there is an over-the-counter drug market available to anyone.

It is very important to visit a healthcare professional who performs the rigorous tests. This will dictate an individualized diagnosis of the patient and will prescribe a prescription with the appropriate doses and medications.