

The only medication in this class is ramelteon (Rozerem). This is not the same as over-the-counter melatonin. Zolpidem sublingual tablet (Intermezzo, Edluar).However, this class is known for its side effects of sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or engaging in other activities while not fully awake, potentially leading to serious injuries. Therefore, this type of sedative can be used long-term in people who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This type of sleep aid does not cause dependence or withdrawal, like benzodiazepines. Ambien is the brand name of zolpidem, an agent of this class. You probably have heard of “Ambien” at some point in your life. Examples of benzodiazepines prescribed as sleep medications are listed below, with their brand names in parentheses: Please make sure you plan to have a whole night of sleep if you take this medication. Besides their potential for dependence, benzodiazepines must be used with extreme caution since they can cause sleepiness and dizziness even during the following day. These medications are FDA schedule IV-controlled substances, meaning they have the potential of causing physical dependence, misuse, withdrawal, and addiction. Long-term use of these prescription sleeping pills is generally not recommended due to their side effects profile. This group of sleeping pills is effective for short-term use (less than four weeks) to treat insomnia. Prescription sleep aids Benzodiazepine hypnotic sedatives Regular moderate exercise may improve sleep quality if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, before initiating any sleep aid, please ensure that you practice good sleep hygiene, including avoiding caffeine and alcohol several hours before bedtime. Please keep in mind that the non-pharmacological (no drug) approach is always the first line of therapy for insomnia. Your primary care physician or pharmacist are good sources of guidance if you are unsure or have additional questions. To decide which sleep medicine may suit you best, you should have a good understanding of your general medical history, in addition to the specific cause of your sleep disorder, if any. Many have asked, which is better: prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids? The good news is there are several options for each type. Are you one of the millions who have trouble sleeping at night? Have you tried all the tips for sleep hygiene without much improvement? The proper sleep aid might be the answer for you, and here’s what you need to know. For others, insomnia can be a chronic issue that warrants proper medical attention. For some, it is a temporary situational problem.

The severity and frequency of insomnia vary from person to person. A study estimates that an employee with insomnia loses about eight days of work performance each year this adds up to $63 billion in lost work performance due to insomnia. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans every night. Insomnia is when a person finds it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
