Sleep Medications
If you have a sleep disorder such as insomnia, your doctor may recommend or prescribe a medication that can help. Generally sleep medications fall into one of three categories: over the counter sleep medications, benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. These classes of medications enhance your body's natural tranquilizer.
Over the Counter Sleep Medications
Available without a prescription, over the counter sleep medications provide temporary relief for mild or occasional sleeplessness. Most over the counter sleep medications contain antihistamines. Antihistamines are a common ingredient in allergy medications, but are also used in OTC sleeping pills because they cause drowsiness. These meds are safe, but generally only work on a short-term basis, as tolerance to their sedative effects develops quickly. Some non-prescription sleep medications include:
- Nytol
- Sominex
- Sleep-Eze
- Compoz
- Sleepinal
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines usually have hypnotic and sedative properties that can help you fall asleep faster, increase your sleep time, reduce nocturnal waking and improve the quality of your sleep. Some of these types of sleep medications include:
- Estazolam (brand name ProSom)
- Flurazepam (brand name Dalmane)
- Quazepam (brand name Doral)
- Temazepam (brand name Restoril)
- Triazolam (brand name Halcion)
Non-benzodiazepines
Non-benzodiazepines are a newer class of sleep medications. The main difference between non-benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines is that the former targets only those areas of the brain that affect sleep. Benzodiazepines affect other areas of the brain, including those areas you need when you are awake. Non-benzodiazepines appear to be safer and have a lower risk of dependence than benzodiazepines.
Some examples of sleep medications that fall into the non-benzodiazepine category include:
- Zolpidem (brand name Ambien)
- Zaleplon (brand name Sonata)
- Eszopiclone (brand name Lunesta)
Both non- benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine are not recommended for pregnant women or for people who have insomnia related to sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. These sleep medications, with the exception of Lunesta, are not recommended or approved for long term use.
If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have a sleep disorder consult with your doctor or visit a sleep center for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.
