Prescription Sleep Aids

Prescription sleep aids are known as hypnotics and they fall into one of several classes. In determining which sleep aids may be right for you, your healthcare provider will take into account such factors as your medical history, your insomnia symptoms, other medications you are taking, and the way the medicine works in the body. Although most prescription sleep aids do have some risk of dependency, a common misperception is that most people will become dependent on their use. On the contrary, studies show that abuse is low and largely limited to individuals involved with multi-drug use or a history of addiction.

Types of prescription sleep aids

Melatonin Receptor Agonists
This newer class of sleep medication affects the same area of the brain as melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep). It works with receptors in your brain that are believed to regulate the body's circadian rhythm.

Non-benzodiazepines
This is the among the newest classes of sleep aids. These types of medicines have a short half-life, which means they are eliminated from the body quickly. Because of this, they are less likely to cause daytime sleepiness. They are also "selective," which means they target specific receptors that are thought to be associated with sleep.

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are among the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. Many benzodiazepines were originally formulated to treat anxiety. This class of medications is often prescribed for sleep problems or anxiety and includes both long-acting medicines (which can linger in the body and potentially cause daytime drowsiness) and short-acting medicines (which do not stay in the bloodstream as long).

Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not FDA approved to treat insomnia. However, doctors will sometimes prescribe them to help with sleep problems.

Barbiturates
These sedatives are rarely prescribed anymore for insomnia, due to the risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose.

Prescription Sleep Aid Precautions

• Only take a prescription sleep aid when you're ready to go to bed and when you have enough time to commit to a full night's sleep. Trying to accomplish other tasks while under the influence of a prescription sleep aid may lead to dangerous situations.
• Do not drink alcohol and take a prescription sleep aid. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of sleep aids and may cause you to feel dizzy or faint.
• Always take your prescription sleep aid as prescribed by your doctor. Changing the dose or frequency of your prescription sleep aid may cause complications.

Next: Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids