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What is it?

Medications can be used to reduce some sleep-related problems. Each medication targets a specific part of the brain. It is the brain that controls when your body sleeps and when it is awake. This is a complex process that also involves your heart, lungs and muscles.

A medication can provide much needed relief for someone with a severe sleep problem. This can promote good health and an overall sense of well being. But there is also a level of risk involved with the use of any medication. Many people will have some side effects.

Keep in mind that the same drug can affect people in different ways. A medication that helps someone else may not work for you. Your doctor can determine if a medication is the best treatment for your sleep problem. Never take a medication without the approval of your doctor.

Who gets it?

Sleeping pills are the most common sleep-related medication. They are used to treat insomnia. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also wake up too early or feel unrefreshed after sleeping.

Instead of having trouble falling asleep, some people fall asleep too easily. They have an excessive level of sleepiness when they need to be awake. Stimulants can increase your alertness and concentration. They often are used by people who have hypersomnia or narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy also may take another medication if they have the related symptom of cataplexy.

People who are unable to get enough sleep may also use stimulants when they need to be alert. This is often the case in people who have shift work disorder.

Excessive sleepiness is also a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment with CPAP, an oral appliance or surgery may control the problem and eliminate the sleepiness. If the sleepiness is not resolved, then a stimulant may be combined with one of the other treatments.

People with a movement disorder such as restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movements may require treatment with medication. Your sleep can be disrupted severely by each of these disorders.

Some parasomnias such as REM sleep behavior disorder and confusional arousals can be disturbing and dangerous. Medications may be used to treat them. Sleep related eating disorder is another parasomnia that responds well to treatment with medication.

Taking additional melatonin may help some people who have a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Examples include jet lag disorder and advanced sleep phase disorder. Melatonin is a natural hormone that appears to play a role in helping the body maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle.

Medications are used most often when you have a severe case of a sleep disorder. The potential side effects often outweigh the benefits of using a medication for a mild sleep disorder. Other treatment methods may be better for you if your symptoms are fairly mild.

Possible side effects?

Every medication has the potential to cause some side effects. These are often very mild. Examples include dizziness and an upset stomach. But side effects also can be much more severe. You should discuss this issue in detail with your doctor.

Find out about the side effects that are common with your medication. You should also find out if any risks are involved. Your doctor can help you compare the potential risks and benefits of using the drug. Women who are pregnant or nursing a baby should find out if they have special risks.

Detailed information comes with your medication. It describes all the possible side effects. Read this information carefully before using the medication. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.

Many medications can cause dependence when you take them for a long time. You may have strong side effects if you suddenly stop using the drug. Your body also may develop a tolerance to the medication. This means that you need to take higher doses of the drug for it to remain effective.

Serious side effects are more likely to occur when you do not take the medication properly. Follow the instructions that come with your prescription. Take only the amount of medication that your doctor prescribes. You should also take it only as often as he or she instructs you.

Your instructions will also tell you the time of day when you should take the medication. Many sleeping pills must be taken just before you go to bed. Make sure you know if you should take the medication with or without food. Most sleeping pills should be taken on an empty stomach.

Your doctor should also keep track of your treatment progress while you are taking a drug. Keep him or her informed of any other medications that you take. You must be careful when taking more than one medication at a time. Some drugs can cause severe problems when they interact with other drugs.

Read the AASM Statement on the Use of Sleep Medications for more helpful information.

Reviewed by David A. Kristo, MD
Updated August 3, 2006