Sleeping pills : health risks

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Extract from the article: Sleeping pills do not reproduce natural sleep. Most of them reduce the amount of deep sleep, considered the most restorative.

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More than 4 million people worldwide take hypnotic drugs (sleeping pills) to help them sleep better. In Togolese society today, many people have recourse to these sleeping pills, most of which are street drugs. But should they be taken for long periods?

Sleeping pills do not reproduce natural sleep. Most of them reduce the amount of deep sleep, considered the most restorative. They will therefore improve the quantity and duration of sleep, but not its quality.

 

When to take sleeping pills 

It's important to maintain good sleep hygiene. Medication should be taken when necessary. Sleeping pills are appropriate for acute insomnia. These are adjustment insomnia after, for example, a life event such as bereavement, illness or moving house. In the case of chronic insomnia, they have their place, in certain situations. Hypnotics are also useful in cases of severe psychological distress.  They are also useful when you work shifted hours. They should only be taken under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor.

Risks associated with sleeping pills

Long-term use of sleeping pills is not a miracle cure for insomnia. What's more, when taken frequently and over long periods, the body and mind become accustomed to the drug and develop a tolerance to it. This can lead to falls and fractures, especially in the elderly.

It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor or specialist when insomnia becomes chronic.

Source : Topsanté