Sleep Aids

Misperceptions about sleep aids—both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter)—seem to persist. Some prescription sleep aids have been proven to be highly effective and safe, while some other sleep aids such as melatonin and natural remedies have gained popularity without adequate data to support their safety or effectiveness.

A 2008 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reported that 12% of Americans surveyed use a sleep aid to help them sleep at least a few times a week. In considering sleep aids, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider, to understand your options, to be aware of potential side effects, and to know what questions to ask.

Questions to ask about sleep aids

You should discuss any sleep aid that you are planning to take (whether prescription or nonprescription) with your healthcare provider. Here are some questions about sleep aids you may wish to ask at your next visit:

Will this medicine help my particular sleep problems?

It is important to understand the nature of your insomnia. For example, do you have trouble getting to sleep? Or is your main problem not being able to stay asleep? Some medicines may be most effective in helping you fall asleep initially, while others may be better for helping you stay asleep, or enabling you to wake up feeling refreshed. (Help track your sleep patterns and identify problems with a sleep diary .)

Will I feel drowsy the day after taking this medicine?

Some medications remain in the bloodstream longer than others. This can potentially make you drowsy even after you start your day.

Could this medicine interact with medicines I'm taking for other conditions?

Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications you take. Be sure to include nonprescription medicines as well, such as cold medicines, pain relievers, and drugs for indigestion.

How long can I take this medication?

Before taking any sleep aid, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about the duration and frequency of its use. Prescription sleep aids are usually taken for less than 2 weeks at a time, but some can be taken for as long as your healthcare provider recommends. He or she may recommend that you use a prescription sleep aid for more than ten days after reassessing your particular sleep problems.

Am I at risk for becoming addicted to this medicine?

Studies show that, when taken as prescribed, many sleep aids can safely and effectively treat insomnia with no evidence of tolerance or dose escalation. However, most sleep aids have some risk of dependence. People with a history of addiction, or alcohol and drug abuse, are at an increased risk of habituation and dependence from sleep aids. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any previous dependence problems.

Common sleep aid side effects and precautions

In general, the most common side effects of sleep medicines include dizziness, lightheadedness, daytime drowsiness, diarrhea, and difficulty with coordination.

Here are some ways to ensure your treatment is as safe and successful as possible:

• Use sleep aids only as directed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how, when, and for how long to use the medicine.
• Never use alcohol while taking any sleep aid.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines, including those you can buy without a prescription.
• If you experience any unusual behavior changes or thought patterns after starting on a sleep aid, contact your healthcare provider.
• When you first start taking any sleep aid, use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving a car or operating machinery. See whether the medicine has any effect on you the next day.

Next: Prescription Sleep Aids