Drugs and Treatments: The Dynamics of Sleep Aid Medications -

The Dynamics of Sleep Aid Medications

Drugs and Treatments:

It seems like twenty four hours a day is no longer enough to squeeze in all the activities that need to be done without sacrificing one's time for sleep. The sad reality is that more and more people are getting less sleep than ever due to the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle brought about by modern technology. Advertisements continue to bombard us with promises of a restful sleep from various over-the-counter and prescription sleep aid medications to provide that much needed sleep.
Experts define sleep as a dynamic process during which the brain is very active. It is definitely necessary to achieve a restful sleep for an individual to function in a healthy and normal way. The ability to sleep and to wake up are influenced by various chemical changes in the brain and in the blood. There are certain foods and medicines that alter the balance of these chemicals which also affect how well we sleep. Examples of these are caffeine which can cause insomnia or lack of sleep, and antidepressants which can cause a loss of REM or rapid eye movement in sleep. Smoking and alcohol can also greatly contribute in a loss of deep sleep. Both REM and deep sleep are essential parts of the normal sleep cycle.
While sleeping pills provide immense benefit to those who have a hard time getting a good night's sleep, cases of abuse and unpleasant side effects brought about by sleep aid medications continue to accelerate. It is always important to seek medical advice before taking any medication.
Sleep aid medications work on the brain to induce drowsiness. While there are medicines that are specially designed to promote sleep, other drugs may cause sedation as a side effect. The following are some of the most commonly used over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids available:
Diphenhydramine - an over-the-counter medicine usually prescribed for allergy symptoms. Due to its drowsiness side effect, it is often used as a sleep aid medication. While diphenhydramine helps those with mild and infrequent insomnia, it is not as effective when it comes to persistent insomnia. Although most popular over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine. It can also cause unwanted sleepiness in the morning, difficulty urinating, confusion, or delirium.
People over 65 should avoid taking diphenhydramine because of its side effects. On the other hand, younger people are advised not to take diphenhydramine for more than two weeks so as not to develop drug tolerance.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a prescription sleep aid medications which include Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate extended release), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon). These sleeping pills work on the GABA receptors in the brain, which help control our level of alertness or relaxation.
GABA medications are very selective in their action, targeting only a certain type of GABA receptor that is believed to be more dedicated to promoting sleep. They are also easily metabolized, less addictive than benzodiazepines, and side effects are usually mild.
Sleep aid medications may be an essential part of a successful sleep program. However, nothing beats having a healthy lifestyle in achieving a restful journey to dreamland.

Monch Bravante is a writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.Want receive Updates regarding our Products,Promos and Freebies visit Free NewsletterSubcribe us at our Weekly Newsletter and you will receive updates Online Drug Store