According to the National Sleep Foundation, experts estimate that the average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep per night. During this time, the body replenishes or restores the energy expended throughout the day. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling unrefreshed after a night's sleep can be a cause for concern. Prescription sleep aid medications can remedy insomnia. Such medications are intended for temporary, short-term use.
Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics
Benzodiazepines are the class of medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety or anxiety-related disorders. These medications slow down the nervous system and help the body to relax. The sedative effects associated with benzodiazepines are beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as well. However, not all benzodiazepines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat insomnia. According to Help Guide, common benzodiazepines approved by the FDA to treat anxiety as well as insomnia include temazepam, with the brand name of Restoril; quezepam, with the brand name of Doral; and triazolam, sold as Halcion. Drowsiness, dizziness and headaches are all possible side effects for Restoril, Doral and Halcion, according to Physicians' Desktop Reference.
Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics
The risk of dependency associated with benzodiazepines resulted in the later form of medication used to treat insomnia, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics. Two common non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics are zolpidem and eszopiclone, sold under the brand names Ambien and Lunesta, respectively. Like the benzodiazepines used to treat insomnia, these medications are controlled substances and therefore require a prescription to obtain. However, they have fewer of the side effects associated with benzodiazepines. According to Dr. Gregg D. Jacobs, Ambien is the most commonly prescribed sedative hypnotic because it is effective, has a rapid onset, does not accumulate in the body and has less potential to become habit-forming unlike benzodiazepines.
Melatonin Receptor Agonist Hypnotic
Melatonin is a chemical in the brain that controls the body's sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Its production is increased naturally by exposure to darkness. Conversely, melatonin levels decrease in the light. The American Academy of Sleep Education explains that by adjusting the level of melatonin in the body, we can regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin receptor agonist hypnotics, such as ramelteon, brand name Rozerem, are used to manipulate sleep onset but do not aid in maintaining sleep.
