What Should You Know About Sleeping Pill Prescriptions?

 According to the American Sleep Association, as many as 70 million American adults suffer from some type of sleep disorder. And more than a third of Americans don't get enough sleep regularly, whether or not they have a diagnosed sleep disorder.

It's a big problem. In the short term, insufficient sleep impairs judgment, mood, learning and memory, and can increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death. Insert the sleeping pills.

Here we at Youssef Pain Management answer your most pressing questions about over-the-counter and sleeping pill prescription aids.

What is the role of sleeping pills?

Sleeping tablets are extremely important, but before you start using them for more sleep, consult a sleep specialist and get a full evaluation. It's important to determine why you don't sleep (or sleep well) and whether your problem will respond to medication. But sleeping pills are only a short-term solution (meaning six to 12 months). They are not meant to be used for the long term.

How do people resolve long-term insomnia?

The best way to deal with sleep problems is with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or CBTI. With this form of therapy, trained professionals teach you how to promote sleep and cope with insomnia issues, and the tools they provide can help you improve the quality of your sleep. According to out sleeping pill prescription at Youssef Pain Management, the therapy can also help reduce the anxiety associated with not sleeping.

What can you do if you're sleep deprived but don't have a sleep disorder?

Instead of taking sleeping pills, people who are sleep deprived should try getting more sleep and increasing the time they spend in bed. This can include daytime naps if that fits your life and helps you meet your sleep needs.

The key to improving your sleep is practicing what is known as good sleep hygiene, opting for non opioid pain treatment, including these habits:

• Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. 

• Exercise regularly and stop exercising several hours before bedtime.

• Finish eating at least two to three hours before bedtime.

• Create a restful sleep environment by reducing noise, light, and temperature extremes with earplugs, blinds, an electric blanket, or an air conditioner.

• Avoid alcohol just before bedtime.

• Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m.

• Turn off electronic devices two hours before bedtime and practice a nighttime relaxation routine. 

How do you know if sleeping pills are right for you?

You should only take sleeping pills under the supervision of a sleep specialist. It is important to realize that sleeping pills currently on the market do not induce a natural state of sleep. Instead, they put you to sleep. The two states are very different. In fact, research suggests that the electrical signature of sleep while taking ketamine therapy for depression & other medication is not the same as a normal night's sleep.

If you are still having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and if the problem persists for more than a few weeks, see your doctor. Getting calm enough will not only improve your physical and mental performance, but can add years to your life. For more info on sleeping pill prescription, visit us at Youssef Pain Management.