Is it safe to take sleeping pills? Docs weigh in the pros and cons – Times of India

There is a fast growing population of insomniacs and only 2 per cent feel the need to discuss it with physicians, which shows that there is a dire need for proper medical attention towards good sleep. Poor sleep can increase risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Subhash Chandra, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi explains, “Insomnia is a very common disorder where incidence varies between 10-30 % of the population. Due to high levels of stress experienced in the population, insomnia is on the rise. It happens due to various reasons, some physical, some mental and at times without any reason. Physical problems like pain, disorientation, liver dysfunction, breathlessness at night, increased urination at night can all lead to sleep disturbance. Mental issues like increased anxiety, stress related to work or family issues and depression can also lead to sleep problems. The cause of insomnia can vary from person to person.”

Who are prescribed sleeping pills?


While sleeping pills may seem like the perfect cure for poor sleep, how do we know that they will not lead to toxic dependability and side effects? Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Senior Director & HOD, Chest & Respiratory Diseases, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi feels that sleeping pills should be avoided as much as possible. “But only those who have got medical ailment or surgery or trauma having unbearable pain, one may prescribe occasionally.”

Dr Chandra adds, “Patients with recent stress causing anxiety and sleep disturbance can be treated for a few days with sleeping pills. Patients with significant breathing disabilities and those likely to be more at risk of prolonged sedation from sleeping pills are given these medications only with caution and if absolutely necessary; for example patients with liver dysfunction, renal dysfunction, intracranial problems etc.”

Rampant use of sleeping pills


Sharing some erratic malpractices related to the use of sleeping pills, Dr Chandra shares how patients end up using sleeping pills beyond the prescribed duration. “Patients also end up sharing sleeping pills prescribed for them with another person. Excessive consumption of these tablets beyond the prescribed dose is another malpractice. Additionally, recreational usage and addictions are other malpractices encountered.”

Dr Nayar further adds, “As these drugs cause relaxation and analgesia to some extent, many patients start demanding it. Due to peer pressure from the patient, these are overprescribed. Unfortunately many times the underlying disease is overlooked and left untreated. These may worsen the health of patients and lead to dependence.”

Docs warn people who share sleeping pills prescription


Before ending the discussion, Dr Nayar adds, “I feel it is criminal to encourage anyone to take these pills. These are harmful medications and may cause drowsiness, headache, constipation or diarrhea, neurological abnormalities, muscle weakness, loss of libido and many more side effects.”

People must never share sleeping pills prescribed for a sleep problem as there are various types of sleeping pills with different effect and side effect profiles and what is medicine for one person may turn harmful in another person depending on his/her pre-existing medical condition, renal function, liver function and other parameters. Also drug-drug interactions may exist. Hence, it is always essential to consult a doctor before consumption of sleeping pills to know which tablets are safest for you.

Common questions answered

1. Are sleeping pills harmless?
   Sleeping pills are like other medications and can have significant side effects if used improperly and hence should be used only according to the dosage and duration prescribed by a registered medical practitioner
2. Are sleeping pills addictive?
   Yes, sleeping pills are addictive if used beyond duration of more than 2 weeks to one month. Hence long term use of sleeping pills is not advised unless medically indicated.