Millions of people around the world suffer from some form sleeping disorder. Insomnia is a type of sleeping disorder in which the affected individual has trouble getting to sleep at night. Lack of sleep compromises your immune system. Various studies have linked sleep deprivation with a number diseases such as diabetes, influenza, heart disorders and many others. That’s why it’s essential that people seek medical help for the treatment of insomnia.
Sleeping tablets are usually prescribed as a short-term treatment option for the disorder. Although the tablets do not address the underlying cause, they do help in providing relief from the symptoms of the condition. The best sleeping tablets work at a physiological level to induce sleep at night.
Types of Sleeping Tablets
Sleeping medication helps people suffering from recurrent insomnia to get a good night’s sleep. There are different types of sleeping tablets available on the market. All of the tablets work in a similar way by suppressing brain activity during the night. The active ingredients help you to relax and allow you to fall asleep.
Before buying sleeping tablets to treat insomnia, you must research thoroughly and learn about the different types of sleeping tablets. Common types of sleeping tablets include the following:
1. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have been used for a long time to treat insomnia. The sleeping tablets work by affecting a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA receptors inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses, which helps you to relax. Examples of Benzodiazepine medication include Xanax, Valium, and Halcion.
2. Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that provides relief from the symptoms of insomnia. The medication is also prescribed for treating the symptoms of allergies. Diphenhydramine sleeping tablets are usually used for the treatment of mild insomnia. The medication is of limited or no use to individuals suffering from severe cases of insomnia. Tylenol PM, Nytol, and Excedrin PM are some common types of sleeping medication.
3. Sleep Cycle Modifiers
Medication such as Ramelteon are known as sleep cycle modifiers, which are available with a prescription. The drug belongs to a group known as central nervous system depressants. This drug affects the area of the brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates how alert or tired a person feels. The active ingredient of the medication binds to the receptors in the hypothalamus which induces sleep.
Final Remarks!
Sleeping medication is a great short-term solution for insomnia. Individuals suffering from sleeping disorders should consult their medical physician to address the underlying cause. In some cases, the condition can be treated by making slight changes to your sleeping habits like going to bed early or sleeping with the lights off.