The Dangers of Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills have become quite popular as a way to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Today, they are prescribed frequently by physicians as a solution to a good nights rest. But what about the long-term side affects of these drugs? For the occasional user it may not be a health threat but for the chronic user there are several things to think about before popping the next Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem, or Sonata. The following is a list of reasons why you should limit or abstain from the use of sleeping pills.
1. Sleeping pills are highly addictive very much in the way barbiturates are.
2. They create a dependency much like alcohol and lower inhibitions like pain and fear.
3. Sleeping pills can cause asphyxiation.
4. They can create a long-term chemical dependency.
5. They can affect short tem memory over time and reduce brain cell activity and cognitive thinking.
6. They can create a hangover affect the following day and impair memory, judgment, and consciousness.
7. Can cause sleep driving, anaphylaxis, facial swelling and unnecessary eating in your sleep.
8. When mixed with other prescription drugs, supplements, or alcohol they can be a deadly concoction without warning.
Many people are becoming aware of the dangers of sleeping pills and how life threatening they are. It is actually wise not to use them if you suffer from insomnia because the side effects alone are worse than the lack of sleep itself. With more and more warnings being put out by the FDA on the use of these popular pills people are beginning to look elsewhere for a better nights sleep.
The use of alternative sleep aids or lifestyle changes can assist in a good nights rest without becoming chemically dependant on a substance. Some healthier choices to opt for are melatonin, calcium and magnesium, or sleep formulas that contain calming herbs. Making certain lifestyle changes to reduce stress such as exercising, taking hot baths, getting massages, reading, listening to calming music, taking regular naps, and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption can greatly impact the way you sleep at night.
If lack of sleep persists, talk to a physician who can offer alternative options. Sometimes sleeping issues can arise during various stages of life in response to stress, hormone changes, or hectic schedules. If you simply take the time to recognize this problem and make it a priority to fix, then you can achieve adequate rest.
Tags: dangers of sleeping pills, insomnia, Lack of sleep, natural sleep aids, Natural sleep methods, quality sleep, Sleep Disorders, sleep formulas, Sleeping Habits