Sleeping pills are not the answer

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Sleeping pills are not the answer

Many people often solve the problem by taking sleeping pills. However, if taken incorrectly, it can have both short-term and long-term negative effects. Dr. Natcharin Pipopthasanee, a psychiatrist at BMHH – Bangkok Mental Health Hospital, revealed that currently, there are many groups of drugs used to help people sleep. The most commonly used drugs are in the Benzodiazepine group, which works by depressing the brain to help relieve anxiety and help people sleep more easily.

Although this group of drugs is very useful, if the patient uses the drug incorrectly or uses a high dose for a long time, it may cause addiction to sleeping pills. This can be observed from the need to use a higher dose in order to fall asleep, which is known as drug resistance. In addition, using sleeping pills in this group for a long time may make it harder to sleep if the drug is not use.

Short term

  • Drowsy, tired
  • Headache
  • squeamish
  • Confused, dazed
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slow decision making increases the risk of accidents and falls.
  • Indigestion, gas in the stomach, colic, stomach bloating

Long term

Affects brain function, changes sleep structure, leading to addiction to sleeping pills, drug resistance, and other side effects, including:

  • May increase the risk of depression
  • Dementia, especially in the elderly
  • Sexual dysfunction

In addition, overdosing on sleeping pills can cause respiratory depression during sleep, which can lead to death.

However, those who use sleeping pills should not stop taking sleeping pills suddenly or cold turkey, because it may cause more severe insomnia than before taking the drug (Rebound insomnia) and will cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, tremors or circulatory problems. Therefore, the dosage must be reduced only as advised by the doctor.

Treatment of sleeping pill addiction should seek advice from a doctor. Because increasing or decreasing the dosage of sleeping pills must be under the supervision of the treating doctor. Because adjusting the dosage of sleeping pills depends on individual factors, such as stress, daily behavior, and the type and size of medication used. The doctor will reduce the dosage of medication in conjunction with psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a psychotherapy by talking to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist to help patients adjust their sleeping behavior and cope with the stress that occurs.

Can’t sleep? What should I do?

For self-treatment of insomnia without using sleeping pills, you can do it in the following ways:

  • Go to bed on time, adjust your irregular sleeping habits, do not nap during the day, and do not pressure yourself to sleep because it may cause anxiety.
  • Avoid drinking stimulating beverages after lunch, such as tea, coffee, and smoking, as these can make it difficult to fall asleep.
  • Exercise regularly because it helps us sleep better. However, you should avoid heavy exercise before bedtime because it makes your body more alert, ทางเข้า ufabet https://ufabet999.app making it harder to fall asleep.
  • Avoid using communication devices and gadgets at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
  • You should go to bed when you feel sleepy. If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up, do something relaxing, and then go back to bed.
  • For dinner, you should eat foods that help you sleep easily, such as plain milk, chicken, eggs, fish, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and nuts. You should avoid a heavy meal at least 2 hours before bedtime.
  • Do activities that help you relax before bed, such as taking a warm bath, meditating, lighting an aromatherapy candle, listening to relaxing music, or reading a soft book.