Comparing Prescription Sleep Aids
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to good health and wellness. Getting enough sleep helps our bodies to heal, make memories, regulate hormones, and manage stress. Unfortunately, for many, getting to sleep can be a difficult task. There are a multitude of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat insomnia. Understanding how these medications work and the potential side effects can help to make an informed decision when treating insomnia.
Prescription sleep aid medications can be divided into two categories: non-benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines. Non-benzodiazepines, such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Rozerem, work by promoting melatonin chemical receptors in the brain and help to induce relaxation and sleep. These medications typically do not cause a “hangover” feeling in the morning and have less potential for abuse. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Halcion, and Restoril, work by slowing down activity in the brain and body, increasing drowsiness and lulling the user into sleep. These medications carry a greater potential for abuse and addiction.
Having a conversation with a physician regarding sleep patterns and medications can help one make an informed decision when determining which medication is the best choice for their individual needs. It is important to consider side effects, risks, and potential for addiction or abuse when choosing a prescription sleep aid.
Non-Benzodiazepines
Non-benzodiazepines are a class of prescription sleeping medications that help to induce relaxation in the user, helping them to get to sleep quickly and remain asleep. These medications focus on promoting melatonin receptors, the natural hormone which helps us to fall asleep. Common medications in this class include Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem, and Intermezzo.
These medications are generally considered to be safer than benzodiazepines. They tend to move through the body quickly, meaning they are unlikely to cause a ‘hangover’ the next day. They also tend to have less risk of abuse or addiction potential. Common side effects of these medications can include dizziness, excitement, restlessness, and headaches.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are another class of sleep-aid medications commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. These work by slowing down the central nervous system to a relaxing level, allowing the user to quickly fall asleep. Common medications in this class are Valium, Halcion, Restoril, and Dalmane.
While benzodiazepines are effective in quickly inducing sleep, they can cause more significant ‘hangover’ effects the morning after and have a greater potential for abuse or addiction. Other potential side effects can include memory loss, behavior or mood changes, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment.
Prescription benzodiazepines are highly regulated and require monthly refills. Regular check-ins with physicians are an important part of the use of these medications.
Making an informed decision
- Consider individual risk factors and side effects
- Non-benzodiazepines may have less risk of dependence
- Benzodiazepines may have a greater potential for abuse
- Have regular discussions with a physician regarding usage
When considering which sleep medications are best for individual needs, it is important to consider risk factors, side effects, addiction/abuse potential, and regularly discuss usage with a physician. Knowing the differences between non-benzodiazepines and benzodiazepines can help individuals make an informed decision when selecting an appropriate sleep aid medication.