Insomnia and Sleeping Medications: essential for sound sleep
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Posted On :
Aug-07-2011
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Article Word Count :
588
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They have a hypnotic effect on the body and generally work to promote or protect sleep by shielding the brain from distractions (noise, worries, pain, etc.) that could disrupt rest during the night.
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Insomnia refers to an inability to fall asleep or remain asleep, and often leads to feelings of tiredness, fatigue, and a lack of energy the following day. Roughly 48% of Americans report experiencing insomnia at least occasionally, with 22% suffering from insomnia almost every night.
About two-thirds of all visits to a doctor for a sleep related complaint result in the prescription of a sleep aid. Discussed below are some of the more common sleep aids that are prescribed. Please remember that this material is for information purposes only; if you have questions about any sleeping medication regarding side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking, talk to your physician or pharmacist.
Benzodiazepines
Among prescriptions given to patients for insomnia, 75% are for drugs called benzodiazepines, which have been around for a while (since the 1970s) and are usually cheaper than newer drugs. They have a hypnotic effect on the body and generally work to promote or protect sleep by shielding the brain from distractions (noise, worries, pain, etc.) that could disrupt rest during the night. Benzodiazepines are recommended only for short-term use (under careful supervision of a physician) due to risks for tolerance and developing dependence. Since they have a very sedating effect on the body, patients with sleep apnea or general difficulty breathing (asthma, hypoventilation) should be particularly careful. Aside from drowsiness, another common side effect of these drugs is headaches. Other side effects vary depending on the specific medication and often range from lightheadedness or dizziness to blurriness of vision and low blood pressure. Some of the more commonly known benzodiazepines used for treating insomnia are Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Halcion, and Klonopin (although it’s more often used for treating Restless Legs).
Non-Benzodiazepines
Compared to benzodiazepines, the group of drugs called non-benzodiazepines have a shorter half-life and produce fewer side effects. Since they don’t act as strongly on the body’s systems during the night, they are not associated with the “hangover” feeling that is common to benzodiazepines. Risks for addiction, withdrawal symptoms, or development of tolerance is significantly lower. Nausea, dizziness, and headaches are side effects commonly associated with these drugs. Some of the more common non-benzodiazepines used today are Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta.
Melatonin Receptor Agonists
Melatonin is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and plays a significant role in regulating the body’s sleep and wake periods. Rozerem (Ramelteon) is a drug that has been developed to mimic the role that melatonin plays in the body as a means to treat insomnia. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for long-term use. Studies have found no evidence of abuse, dependence, or withdrawal risks associated with it. Possible side effects from using Rozerem include sleepiness, dizziness and fatigue, a worsening of depression, or suicidal ideation.
Antidepressants
Depending on a patient’s medical history and current medications, antidepressants taken in low doses can be helpful in treating insomnia. If insomnia is likely being caused by depression or anxiety, antidepressants can be particularly effective. They are non-addictive with no risk of physical dependence or tolerance. Side effects can include weight fluctuations, constipation, dizziness, headaches, and prolonged drowsiness—however, these vary widely since there are different classes of drugs that make up the group known as antidepressants. Some commonly prescribed antidepressants are Desyrel (Trazodone), Elavil (Amitriptyline), Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, and Cymbalta.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Insomnia and Sleeping Medications: essential for sound sleep_71849.aspx
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Author Resource :
For those patients that are not able to tolerate a CPAP machine the Sleep Dentist can offer a dental device or oral appliance that may help to improve their sleep apnea.
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Keywords :
Sleep Apnea, Sleep hygiene, Sleep information, Sleep education, Sleep disorders, Insomnia,
Category :
Health and Fitness
:
Alternative Medicine
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