Benefits And Effects Of Sleep Aids

Sleep aids are commonly used as a temporary solution for sleeplessness. They are designed to help you feel drowsy enough to fall asleep.

* OTC Sleep Aids - (over-the-counter)

* Prescription

* Natural Aids

Insomnia affects many people and is becoming more common each year. Around 30 percent of Americans report being affected by chronic insomnia, and everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes.

Insomnia doesn't only mean staying awake all night. It's possible to suffer from insomnia and still get some sleep. Simply put, insomnia means that you can't sleep well enough or long enough to ensure that you are rested when you wake up in the morning.

Many people experience occasional insomnia, but if it continues for more than a month, it may be a sign of a serious medical problem. Sleep deprivation can be very frustrating to endure. It has been linked to several factors including stress, chronic pain, some illnesses and medication side effects. Sleep disorders can also occur because of emotions that we have failed to fully process, like anxiety, anger or sadness.

Prescription sleeping pills are more potent, and specifically target the brain chemistry that causes you to fall asleep.

Unfortunately, this type of otc drugstore sleep medication is strictly off limits for pregnant women. Prescription sleeping drugs can be especially risky for seniors and people who have trouble breathing, because they tend to suppress the breathing control centers of the brain. They are not completely safe for anyone, and are recommended only for short-term treatment while you wait for stress reduction strategies and lifestyle changes to become more effective.

If you find yourself dealing with Sleep Deprivation for more than a month, don't assume you can take over-the-counter or prescription sleep medication indefinitely. Sleeping drugs aren't designed for long-term use.

On the other hand, natural sleep aids are often associated with herbal supplements and can be taken for long periods of time. In fact, they may become more effective with continued use.

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