Share This
We live in a fix-it age where quick fixes are all the rage. As long as there’s been commercialism, people have been drawn to everything from diets to hair tonics that promise to make us feel better and feel better about ourselves. Some work. Some don’t. And then there are the products that work, but at a price.
To users of pharmaceuticals, that price is the side effect.
If you’re an insomniac or occasionally have difficulty sleeping, it’s tempting to reach for the sleeping pills. Why? Because sleep is a critical bodily need. Deprive the body of sleep, and it begins to break down. In some ways, sleeping pills are medical miracle. They work, and they work fast. But many people don’t realize that your mattress can have a huge impact on your sleep, you may want to check out some mattress reviews and think about buying a new mattress. But, although sleeping pills are effective and can be used as a replacement for a CPAP machine, they also have their set of disadvantages, including side effects that range from mild to serious risks to one’s health.
These side affects include:
- Burning sensations
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness
- Head aches
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Stomach issues
- Weakness
On the dark side of the spectrum, there are the risks generally associated with overuse or overdose, including unwanted behaviors, such as parasomnia, which involves walking around, calling people, or even driving while in a sleep state. If alcohol or other substance or medication has been consumed, taking a sleeping pill could be fatal.
There is also the risk of an allergic reaction, which can lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Nausea
- Pounding heartbeat
- Swelling in the face
- Vomiting
But even careful, experts at Help Me Stop say that intermittent use of sleeping pills over time can lead to an addiction where the user can’t sleep without them. This renders the person not only more vulnerable to the side affects mentioned, but with casual use often comes a sense that breaking certain rules (like not having a drink) is okay. This “I know what I can handle” mentality often leads to the last mistake a person will ever make.
Should you steer clear of sleeping medication altogether? Not necessarily. But never take one—even when it’s herbal or over-the-counter—without first consulting with a doctor. And don’t forget, there are always other, safer non-medicinal methods to try first, including meditation, a warm bath, and SleepRate!
Join them on Facebook.com/SleepRate or follow @SleepRate on Twitter to stay in the know on all things sleep.