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Sleeping Pills

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KEY POINTS

  • Sleeping pills are medicines that can help you fall asleep. They can also help you stay asleep if you wake up often during the night.
  • Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
  • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.

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What are sleeping pills used for?

Sleeping pills are medicines that can help you fall asleep. They can also help you stay asleep longer if you wake up often during the night, or both.

Getting enough sleep is important for both your mental and physical health. Behavior changes, including improving your bedtime routine and other lifestyle changes, are the first step in improving your sleep issues. If you have problems sleeping well, try improving your bedtime routine:

  • Avoid caffeine late in the day. For some people, this means no caffeine after noontime.
  • Go to bed at or near the same time each day.
  • Avoid daytime naps.
  • Wind down and relax before bedtime by reading (not in your bedroom) or having a warm bath.

Also, try to exercise each day. Avoid using electronic devices during the few hours before bedtime.

If you are still having trouble sleeping, using sleeping pills for a short period with advice from your healthcare provider may help you get back into a good sleep routine.

How do they work?

There are different types of sleeping pills that work different ways. Some require a prescription from a healthcare provider, and some may be bought without a prescription.

Talk to your provider about the risks of taking sleep medicine. These medicines can make it hard to stay alert during the day. This could slow your reactions if you are driving or operating machinery and could cause an accident or injury. The medicines may also affect your coordination and increase your risk for a fall.

The medicines may not be safe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult. Ask your healthcare provider about these risks. Never take someone else’s sleeping pills.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

  • If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare provider. The right treatment depends on the reason you are having trouble.
  • Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
  • Never take a sleeping pill unless you are planning to get at least 8 hours sleep.
  • Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
  • Do not take sleeping pills if you have been drinking alcohol. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of some sleeping pills. Do not use alcohol as a sedative to help you sleep.
  • Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
  • Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Some medicines are habit-forming. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-06-09
Last reviewed: 2016-06-08
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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