sleep

[Nikhil Lipcke]

Sleeping pills come in many different forms, but the two most common are benzodiazepines (sleeping pills like Ativan and Valium) and sleeping pills like Ambien. While they are usually effective in the treatment of insomnia induced by anxiety, they risks and side effects of prescription sleeping pills can be extreme and far outweigh the benefits. For example, Xanax has been known to cause hallucinations, blurred vision and sometimes even increased anxiety and depression, which exacerbates insomnia. Ambien sleeping pills also quickly induce sleep but still have a wide range of negative side effects. In addition, Ambien can cause an overdose and is suspected in the death of actor Heath Ledger. Because of all of this, prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended and even doctors won't prescribe them for long periods of time. Herbal supplements and relaxation techniques should be used in place of sleeping pills wherever possible.

What can be done if you can't sleep? It depends of course on why you can't sleep. Most cases of insomnia are either environmental (room is too hot, too much noise) or emotional (stress anxiety). Some people can fall asleep anywhere, and others need just the right temperature and light levels or else they can't sleep. If the second category is you, unfortunately there is little that can be done except try to get your bedroom as close to the perfect sleep environment as possible. If you can't sleep because of anxiety herbal supplements can be a great help. Although many are skeptical, herbal supplements have real science behind them, and if you can't sleep they should be used much before you consider a prescription drug. These supplements are available without prescription in pharmacies, health food stores and online. They have no side effects or addictive qualities. If you can't sleep trust the healing powers of nature.

There are sleep disorders like sleep apnea which have definite physical causes, and then there are sleep disorders like onset insomnia which are caused by psychological factors. The second category of sleep disorders is actually more easily treated. With the use of herbal supplements sleep disorders caused by insomnia are effectively treated, though far too many people immediately go for prescription drugs. Sleep disorders do not always require these sorts of drugs, and ideally they should be reserved for only the most difficult and severe cases. Relaxation techniques, change of lifestyle and cognitive therapy can all be very effective in treating anxiety related sleep disorders. The problem with using Ambien to get to sleep is it can be hard to stop, and it can also lead to overdose if not used properly. This is because of the immediate euphoric feeling associated with it can become very addictive. For mild to moderate sleep disorders other methods should first be considered. Sweet dreams.

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