Research studies and statistics have shown that there is a high number of people suffering from sleeping disorders. Results of these studies have been published in the media to create more awareness with the public. According to the Daily Mirror, “About a third of the population are suffering from insomnia which is affecting their health”. It is further reported, “Around 30% of the people living in UK in 2011 were found to be suffering from severe sleep deprivation”.
These estimations were the result of a survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation. The survey was considered the biggest one ever conducted regarding sleeping habits of the English people.
Is There Any Way To Deal With This Problem?
As they say, when there is a will, there is a way; people who really want to sleep have found various ways to deal with sleeping disorders. Taking sleeping tablets is one of them.
Sleeping tablets are available in large varieties to cater to varying conditions of people suffering from insomnia and associated health issues. Here we present some useful information on the different types of sleeping tablets available in the market.
• Over-The-Counter Sleeping Tablets
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are those which can easily be bought from a pharmacy or an online store without the need to show a doctor’s prescription. Majority of OTC tablets are Antihistamines; mainly used to treat various kinds of allergies. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, as a side-effect, which people with sleeping problems use to their advantage.
However, the effectiveness of antihistamines is not yet established because they do not treat the root problem and only provide temporary solutions.
• Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine is a group of medication which is mainly used to treat conditions of anxiety, stress and thus, sleeping troubles.
• Z Drugs
Z Drugs, also known as non- benzodiazepines, are a new class of sedative hypnotics which are probably the best sleeping tablets available. This is because they are reported to be equally effective as benzodiazepines, but with lesser side-effects.
• Melatonin
Melatonin, in reality, is a hormone which naturally occurs in the human body and helps regulate the circadian rhythms and many other body functions.
It is considered the best sleeping tablets for senior people as it helps their bodies in adjusting their sleep cycle, in most natural possible way.
Melatonin tablets are also used in some countries to alleviate sleep problems caused by jet lag. However, Melatonin’s usage for this purpose is not yet officially approved in United Kingdom.
It is highly advisable to consult a doctor before consuming any of these medications. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society reported that about 51% of people take sleeping tablets or alternative medication without first consulting a doctor.
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