Sleep Aids

Many people suffer from a variety of sleep disorders that cause loss of sleep. Those disorders can lead to general health problems, loss of quality of life, decreased productivity, and safety problems. A wide variety of sleep aids are available to help treat sleep disorders.

Medications Used as Sleep Aids

A variety of medications are used as sleep aids. It is estimated that 25% of all Americans take some form of medication every year as a sleep aid. Some medications are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require prescriptions. There are also a variety of dietary supplements that are advertised as sleep aids, although dietary supplements are not recognized as medications.

Some prescription medications that promote sleep are referred to as hypnotics. These drugs are recognized as very effective and reliable in improving sleep, but are not recommended for long-term use. They should not be used when alcohol is consumed. Some problems associated with these drugs include:

• Falls can occur when people wake during the night—an especially significant issue for the elderly
• Those taking long-acting sleep medications being susceptible to car accidents—this problem most commonly occurs during the first week of drug use
• Cessation of drug use should be gradual—suddenly stopping can cause sleep problems to recur.

When depression is associated with the sleep disorder, antidepressant drugs may be prescribed. However, care needs to be exercised in prescribing antidepressants because some of those drugs actually cause insomnia. Anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed if the sleep disorder is related to anxiety.

OTC sleep aid drugs typically contain antihistamines. Antihistamines are usually used in OTC cold remedies, but can have a calming effect that induces sleep. Pain relievers are also commonly used in OTC sleep aids. As with prescription drugs, people need to be careful about the dosages they use and should avoid consumption of alcohol.

Other Sleep Aids

There are a variety of non-medicinal sleep aids. These include:

• Specially designed beds and pillows


• CD recordings designed to induce sleep


• Aromatherapy devices


• Relaxation devices.

Changing Behavior

In many cases, the best sleep aid consists of making behavioral changes that effect sleep. Even when sleep aid drugs are used, it is important to look at the possibility of positive behavioral changes.

One basic approach is to limit the time spent in bed, while strengthening the link between sleep and bed. The idea is to view going to bed as a time to sleep, and not as a time to read or watch TV. Other behavioral ideas include:

• Avoid taking naps


• Exercise regularly, but not immediately before going to bed


• Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day


• Develop a calming ritual before bedtime, such as listening to soothing music


• Avoid caffeine and nicotine


• Avoid alcohol, which can disrupt sleep


• Do not eat or drink too much just before bedtime.

When to See a Health Care Provider

A health care provider should be consulted whenever a sleep disorder has become chronic, or is causing serious problems in a person's daily life. There are health care providers specializing in sleep disorders who can determine if there are underlying health problems, prescribe prescription drugs, and recommend behavioral changes.

By Charles Hair