Everyone has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep from time to time. Medical conditions, some medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) and stress can all hinder your ability to get a good night's sleep. Having a restful night of sleep is important to help you stay alert and function through your day. During those periods when you cannot sleep you may be looking for solutions. There are many over-the-counter sleep aids you can take to help. However, overusing sleep aids can lead to problems. If you choose to use sleep aids, be on the lookout for signs or symptoms that you may not be using them correctly.
General Symptoms
The Sleep Foundation states that you need to be careful when using over-the-counter sleep aids because many non-prescription sleep products include antihistamines and pain relievers. The concern is that neither of these medications is designed to promote sleep, yet they are used to sedate you. However, they go on to claim that these medications are usually safe if you take them as directed. They state that "The main problem with these remedies is known as the "hangover effect," in which the next morning you may feel sluggish, sleepy or have difficulty performing daily tasks. In addition, you may also experience dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, diarrhea, vision changes, irritability and dry mouth, nose and throat.
Additional Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic warns that "OTC sleep aids are effective for an occasional sleepless night. But the more often you take them, the less effective they become." Taking over-the-counter sleep aids may also lead to depression, mild tremors, anxiety, irritability and confusion. Some can cause excitability, a racing heart rate or a condition called rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia happens when you are not able to sleep after stopping the medication. The insomnia you experience after stopping the medication may be more severe than that before you started treatment. The Mayo Clinic suggests you follow the manufacturer's directions or talk to your doctor about the best way to discontinue taking sleeping aids. Some products require that you lower the dosage gradually so your body can adjust.
Severe Side Effects
According to Merck, over-the-counter sleep aids are only designed to be taken once in a while and they are not intended to treat chronic insomnia. If taken too frequently, you may become addicted and need to take more then recommended amount to sleep. This can lead to confusion, trouble urinating, sleep-walking, delirium, dangerously slow breathing, weak pulse, blue fingernails and lips and even death. Side effects can be more pronounced in the elderly because their metabolism is slower so the drugs do not leave their system as quickly. In addition, older individuals may already have trouble with vision and balance and sleep aids can make these conditions worse.
