Sleeping pills are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. In fact, about 12 million products are unloaded in the UK every year. A recent sleep study in the UK found that 12% of patients with chronic sleep problems are currently taking prescription sleeping pills. Long-term adverse health effects People are increasingly looking for alternative sleeping pills to improve their sleep deprivation. These pills can certainly help people fall asleep, but they may not work in the long run. British and international guidelines recommend that prescription drugs should only be used for a short period of time (a few weeks) or temporarily. It is not recommended for patients with chronic sleep problems that last for months or years. ”Sometimes people get medicines for different purposes, but they cause drowsiness, which makes them suitable as sleeping pills. Antidepressants (for patients with depression) or antihistamines (for allergic reactions).

Antihistamines act on neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain called “histamines” that can increase alertness. , A group of antihistamines called “first-generation antihistamines”, by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, make some people drowsy.

Conversely, if it is believed that lack of sleep is caused by depression, or, conversely, caused by the sedative effects of various antidepressants, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Despite the effects of depression, these drugs can still help you fall asleep. Serotonin, histamine or melatonin. This is called “unauthorized prescription” and some doctors prefer this drug because they can prescribe it for a long time. These drugs include drugs known as benzodiazepines, which were originally developed to treat anxiety disorders (usually ending with the suffix “-epam” (e.temazepam)), and similar groups of drugs (usually beginning with the letters ” At the beginning of Z”, e.zopiclone). Even if they act on the same receptors in the brain, they are slightly addictive. These receptors in the brain are called GABA receptors and respond to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is involved in inhibiting arousal and promoting sleep.

Interestingly, there are recent scientific reports that show that some patients with insomnia have lower levels of GABA in their brains compared to those with normal sleep.