Is Sleep Medication Right For You? What You Need To Know

Health & Medical Blog

If you have issues going to sleep or staying asleep, you should seek medical treatment. Quality sleep is necessary for good physical and mental health. A doctor can help you understand why you are not sleeping well and provide some treatment options. One of those treatment options is sleep medication. Before you decide to take a regimen of sleeping medication, you need to know more about how they work and if they would be a good option for you. Consider the following:

How Does Your Doctor Decide Which Medication Is Best for You?

There are several forms of sleep medication. Your doctor will need to discuss your condition and your health history to determine which medication will work for you. The doctor will ask you questions about your current sleeping patterns, such as how often you wake at night, how many hours you sleep, and the like. Tests will be run to make sure you do not have a medical condition that is causing your inability to sleep. Your doctor will discuss different medications with you and how they are taken. Your doctor may have you try several different medications to find the right one for you.

What Are the Side Effects of Sleep Medication?

Sleep medication affects everyone differently, and many will come with side effects. You may experience dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, memory issues, and prolonged drowsiness. You could even have an allergic reaction. It is crucial to keep your doctor up to date on any side effects you may experience. You may need an adjustment in your medication dosage or a completely different medication.

Is Sleeping Medication Safe?

Prescription sleep medication is generally safe, but there are some things you need to be mindful of. Those who are of advanced age, pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take sleeping medication. Senior citizens who take sleep medication could be more likely to fall at night when they are drowsier and their balance is off.

Those with kidney disease, heart problems, seizure conditions, or kidney disease are also not advised to take sleep medication. These conditions often require prescription medication that can interfere with sleeping medication.

There is also a concern about dependency on the medication. Anyone who has a problem with addiction may cause harm if they take too much sleep medication.

Sleeping medication can be very beneficial, but it is not for everyone. If you are interested in sleep medicine, work closely with your doctor to ensure you remain in good health while getting quality sleep.

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27 May 2022

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