Should we take medicine to help us sleep?

2024-05-06 09:27:00, Shëndeti CNA

Should we take medicine to help us sleep?

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It has long been proven that sleep plays a crucial role in health and well-being. Numerous studies have documented the link between health and the quantity and quality of people's sleep.

Anyone who has slept for a few hours, tomorrow will be low on energy and bored.

About 18% of American adults take some form of medication to help them sleep, including over-the-counter pills and prescription medications, according to a 2023 report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 6.3% said they take medication for sleep every day and 2.1% took medication most days.

Should we take supplements to help us sleep?

For CNN, Dr. Leana Wen, who is an emergency physician and associate professor at George Washington University, said studies have shown that people who regularly sleep less than seven hours a night have a higher prevalence of diabetes. , obesity and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for developing heart attacks and strokes.

People with irregular sleep patterns may also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lack of sleep can affect the functioning of the immune system and increase your chance of getting sick. In addition, lack of sleep can impair learning, problem solving, decision making and emotion control. And napping during the day can be dangerous; increases motor vehicle accidents and work injuries.

What types of medical treatments can help with sleep?

Leana Wen: The US Food and Drug Administration has a list of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that are approved to treat insomnia and insomnia.

It's important to note that many of them come with significant side effects, such as morning jitters, sleepwalking, confusion, and dizziness. Some can be habit forming and are not meant to be used long term. Many of them have interactions with other medications. Anyone considering these treatments should talk to their doctors before starting them.

What about melatonin? What is it and does it work to help with sleep?

Leana Wen: Melatonin is a hormone that the brain produces in response to darkness. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm - our internal clock - and is therefore an important hormone for sleep.

Melatonin supplements are laboratory-made versions of this hormone. They can also help shift workers and people who have trouble falling asleep at a normal time at night.

One issue to consider is that melatonin is a supplement and is not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications. Dosage and purity may vary between brands. The same guidance applies to other supplements people may try as sleep aids. /CNA