The Dangers Of Sleep Medications

Sleep Medications like, Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta are commonly prescribed by doctors as a treatment for insomnia. Insomnia is a feeling of sleepiness combined with an inability to go to sleep. Though the sleep loss caused by insomnia can be problematic and even dangerous, sleep medications also have their risks. This includes a risk of forming an addiction to sleeping pills.

These drugs help you sleep by trying to correct a chemical imbalance in your brain that may be keeping you from sleeping. These drugs are fast acting sometimes taking effect in only a few minuets. Ambien and Lunesta are best if taken when you can get a full 8 hour sleep. Sonata's effects wear off more quickly, so it can be used even if you only have a few hours. 

Before you take and of these sleep medications their are a few things you should know. First, you should never take these drugs with alcohol or any other drugs without asking your doctor first. These drugs commonly dampen or increase the effectiveness of the drugs in unpredictable ways. second, you should also allow yourself at least 8 hours of sleep before you attempt to operate heavy machinery. This is to allow the drug to fully leave your system before you do something that could hurt yourself or others.

There is also a risk that with extended use, you could form an addiction to sleeping pills. Though not as common as prescription pain medications, forming a dependency on sleep medications can happen if you use them for an extended period of time. Eventually, you may become unable to sleep without them and start experiencing painful side effects if you don't use them for a night like headaches or confusion. Overdosing on sleeping pills can also lead to problems including, organ failure, coma, and death.

Sleep is important. Without it you would slowly loose your ability to function. lack of sleep can cause tiredness, an inability to focus, headaches, and even hallucinations if you go too long without sleep. But remember, the sleep pills can be dangerous too so beware.