Hypnotics: Risks And Side Effects

In today’s stressful and hectic society, where one of the most common problems is insomnia, any type of sleeping medication is becoming more and more popular . In fact, their widespread availability and use mean that we can already talk about fashion.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has for some time been openly stating that it was surprised by the results of its statistics.

Nevertheless, still few people understand the negative effects of the use and abuse of these health-hazardous products of the pharmaceutical industry, such as  sleeping pills .

In our article today, we’re going to take a closer look at this burning issue. Regardless of whether you use sleeping pills regularly or not, you should always bear in mind that taking them is risky and associated with numerous negative side effects.

Therefore, you should limit their use to an absolute minimum, and preferably not at all.

Depression and high blood pressure caused by sleeping pills

Some time ago, the well-known and respected Mayo Clinic published alarming reports. They were addressed to people all over the world and concerned the harmful effects of consuming sleeping pills.

Through an officially published statement, the institution stated unequivocally that these products can lead to the development of depression and high blood pressure.

Even more surprising was the fact that specialists working for the institution also found that this type of medical solution can cause chronic pain of all kinds in some patients.

Dizziness and uncontrolled drowsiness as well as confusion and disorientation are other negative consequences of the use of these drugs.

For these reasons, this medical institution recommended that a thorough check-up of patients suffering from certain diseases related to insomnia be carried out. We can expect the results of these studies at any moment, so it is worth keeping this information in mind so as not to overlook them.

Elderly patients, beware of sleep medications

Some symptoms, such as dizziness or sleepiness, may be much more intense in this age group.

Elderly people who use these drugs regularly have a significantly increased risk of falling. They may also suffer from a dangerous increase in blood pressure. And in their case, it can be a threat not only to health, but above all to life.

In addition, from the age of 65, the human body gradually loses its ability to tolerate these products. The body of elderly people breaks down sleeping drugs into active substances much more slowly and processes them even more slowly for later excretion.

For this reason, the effects of the pills on sleep in such people may last much longer than expected.

Also read: Insomnia: Stop It With Homemade Juices

Hypnotics are addictive in most cases

The vast majority of freely marketed sleep medications are addictive to those who use them. In addition, their regular consumption increases tolerance to the drug, which in turn causes the need to take higher and higher doses.

In some cases, normal, typical insomnia turns into a disease that becomes dependent on these products. In other words, a sick person will not be able to fall asleep until they take the right dose of the drug.

This is, of course, a completely unnatural situation that poses a serious threat to patients.

Therefore, sleeping pills should be used as little as possible. Ideally only occasionally and temporarily for the sole purpose of getting help during specific sleep emergencies.

Watch out for the potential dangers of car accidents and other injuries

Alcohol abuse and illegal drug use are not the only causes of car accidents. In fact, it was discovered that many of the mishaps that happened on public roads were caused by sleeping pills.

The problem is, the sleepiness doesn’t go away when it should. Some people may even suffer from the side effects of blurred vision throughout the day.

Of course, such a condition makes driving a car much more difficult. For example, it may impair the ability to accurately determine the distance between cars on the road.

Driving a car is an activity that requires the active participation of all your senses in optimal condition. Unfortunately, there are cases of drivers who fell asleep at the wheel for unexplained reasons. Surely many of these reasons have their origins in the form of sleeping pills.

Risk of premature death

According to studies conducted in 2016, the use of sedatives and sleep medications may be associated with an increased risk of premature death. A comparative study found that the risk was increased with higher doses of the drugs.

The subjects in the study were taking drugs such as temazepam, eszopiclone and zaleplon. This study also looked at barbiturates and popular antihistamines (antiallergic drugs) that make you sleepy.

In addition, the results of this study also released a warning stating that the use of sleep medications may stimulate the development of certain cancers.

In general, be very careful with sleeping pills

In addition, some of the chemicals in sleep medications can cause severe depression and anxiety.

Every person and body are different and react differently, which means that not all people react the same way to certain sleeping pills.

The most disturbing aspect, however, is that there is a whole range of over-the-counter medications available to all of us.

Moreover, the ubiquitous ads bombard us from all sides with false promises about the convenience of use, the absence of side effects and many other advantages of the presented drugs.

It is therefore very important to contact a health professional, doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to carry out rigorous examinations and provide you with an appropriate diagnosis.

These tests will verify your health as a patient. They will also allow you to choose the most optimal sleeping pills and their doses for your specific case.