Sleeping Pills: Risks And Side Effects To Know

Although many are readily available on supermarket and pharmacy shelves, sleeping pills should always be prescribed by a specialist who evaluates our specific case.
Sleeping pills: risks and side effects to know

In a globally stressed, overwhelmed and insomniacal society, sleeping pills seem to be in vogue.

The World Health Organization (WHO) looks at the statistics in amazement, yet few people understand the negative effects of the use and abuse of these drugs .

Taking sleeping pills has counterproductive risks and consequences.

Depression and arterial hypertension

Some time ago the famous American institute Mayo Clinic warned the world population about the side effects of sleeping pills.

In an official statement, the institution said these products can cause depression and high blood pressure.

Even more surprising is the claim that it could cause chronic pain. Dizziness, uncontrolled sleepiness and lightheadedness are further negative consequences to which we expose ourselves.

For all these reasons, the medical organization advises those suffering from any illness related to insomnia to undergo comprehensive medical checks.

Attention during the third age

Sleeping pills and senior citizens

We can all suffer from the side effects of sleeping pills, but seniors  need to be especially careful when using them.

Some effects, such as dizziness or sleepiness, may have greater repercussions in this segment of the population.

Older adults who take sleeping pills are putting themselves at greater risk of falling and dangerous increases in blood pressure.

In addition, starting from the age of 65 the human body gradually begins to lose the ability to tolerate these drugs. An older organism decomposes and disposes of these medicines more slowly. Because of this, the effect of sleeping pills may last longer than expected.

Sleeping pills are addictive

Many of the drugs used to catch up on sleep are addictive. In addition, their regular intake causes tolerance in the body, in turn generating the need to opt for stronger formulas or doses.

In some cases, insomniacs end up depending on these products to achieve normal sleep and rest levels. This is an unnatural and quite positive situation.

The  sleeping pills should be taken sporadically, with the sole purpose of calming specific crises. They do not have to permanently replace the natural sleep process.

Beware of road accidents

The abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs is not the only cause of road accidents. In fact, it has been revealed that many of the accidents that occur on the roads are caused by the ingestion of drugs to combat insomnia.

This is due to the states of sleepiness that extend beyond the night period. Some people may also suffer from blurred vision resulting in difficulty in correctly assessing the distances between cars.

Driving is an activity that requires the active participation of all the senses in an optimal state.

Risk of premature death

According to a series of studies carried out in 2016, the consumption of sedative pills could be related to cases of premature death. The comparative study established that the risk increases with increasing doses.

The cases that were analyzed involved drugs such as temazepam, eszopiclon, zaleplon, barbiturates and antihistamines that produce drowsiness.

Research finally warns that sleeping pills could promote the development of certain types of cancer.

Beware of sleeping pills

Sleeping pills

The composition of some of these drugs can cause depression and severe anxiety. Each organism is different and not all people react the same to the administration of certain drugs.

Most worrying is the ease with which anyone can purchase a wide variety of drugs of this type.

It is very important to contact a professional to carry out all the necessary tests. This will allow you to make an individualized diagnosis for each patient and provide a prescription with the appropriate doses and medications.

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