Older people are more sensitive to the central nervous system-depressing effects and also to constipation. These powerful medicines are best reserved for judicious use in pain relief, given the severe hazards of dependence and overdose. Codeine (in Panadeine, Panadeine Forte or Nurofen Plus), tramadol, tapentadol, morphine or oxycodone will make us sleepy, but they’re not recommended to treat insomnia. AnalgesicsĪny opioid-containing medicine, all now requiring a prescription, will induce drowsiness (depending on the dose) because they also depress our central nervous system. All side-effects are worse in older people.īy contrast, over-the-counter antihistamines commonly used to treat hay fever (such as brand names Telfast, Zyrtec and Claratyne) are non-sedating, and therefore not likely to make you drowsy. These medicines have side effects including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, confusion, dizziness and urinary retention in men with prostrate problems. Dependence on these medications to sleep is a hazard. Common examples include diphenhydramine (brand name Unisom Sleep Gels), doxylamine (brand name Restavit) and promethazine (branded Phenergan).Įspecially in those with allergies such as hay fever disturbing their sleep, these may be a reasonable short-term option. These are available over the counter from pharmacies. Older antihistamine medicines, now known as sedating antihistamines, induce drowsiness through their central nervous system-depressing properties. Medications for sleep can’t be used long term. These prescription-only medicines also enhance the actions of GABA to depress brain activity and have the same hazards related to excessive sedation and dependence.īizarre behaviours and symptoms, for example hallucinations and sleep-walking that can be dangerous, are more likely than with benzodiazepines. Zopiclone (brand names Imovane and Imrest) and zolpidem (brand name Stilnox) are similar in their pharmacology and effects to the benzodiazepines. Health Check: how to soothe yourself to sleep That’s because they have a faster onset and short duration of effect so as to avoid a “hangover” the next day. Temazepam (brand names Normison, Temaze, Temtabs) and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) are reasonable choices from the many benzodiazepines available. Side effects include a “dulling” of cognitive function, memory impairment and the increased risk for accidents, especially unsteadiness and falls in older people.īenzodiazepines should only be used for two to four weeks, or intermittently, and only in addition to good sleep hygiene (that is, practising the measures listed in the first paragraph). Essentially, a gradual reduction in dose is needed with support and counselling to assist with the temporary increase in insomnia and perhaps anxiety. Ceasing these medicines needs to be managed by your doctor. Stopping suddenly after long-term use can be dangerous, with violent withdrawal reactions possible, including epileptic seizures. The duration of “ withdrawal” is related to the length of time these are taken. It can be very hard to stop taking benzodiazepines as insomnia and often anxiety returns. Importantly, the effectiveness for inducing sleep wears off after a few weeks. Weekly Dose: Valium, the 'safer choice' that led to dependence and addiction Unfortunately, far too many people are dependent. Physiological and psychological dependence on the drug can develop after only a few days in some people, or weeks in most. This can be very dangerous, and when combined can lead to respiratory failure, coma and even death. Rarely, some people experience the opposite and become over-excited and more anxious.Īs benzodiazepines depress brain function (they depress the central nervous system), their effects add to other central nervous system depressants including alcohol, sedating antihistamines and opioid analgesics such as oxycodone ( Endone). Their effects, which include some muscle relaxing properties, are achieved by enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter operating throughout the brain. They are the most commonly prescribed sleeping pills. Effects of acute sleepdeprivation resulting from night shift work on young doctors.Benzodiazepines are drugs such as Valium, also used to treat anxiety. Effects of nappingon sleepiness and sleep-related performance deficitsin night-shift workers: A systematic review. Efficacy of bright light and sleep/darknessscheduling in alleviating circadian maladaptation to night work. Caffeine for the sustainment of mental taskperformance: Formulations for military operations.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
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