OVERVIEW:
In the following article multiple approaches to treat insomnia and sleeping pills UK that are available in the market will be discussed. In the current times where screen time and sedentary lifestyle has become a common way of life multiple health problems specially sleep related disorders have emerged. Sleep is an integral part of the biological clock to ensure normal functioning of mind and the body, any disturbance in it can greatly affect the overall well-being of any individual.
INSOMNIA:
Insomnia is a medical term that refers collectively to any kind of sleep related problem. There are different types and insomnia for which individuals buy UK sleeping pills. Signs and symptoms can be different for every individual and one can have one or more of the following issues:
- One is unable to initiate the sleeping process and it takes longer than the usual time to go to sleep those results in overall reduction of the sleep hence, causing mental and physical health issues.
- Soma individuals complain of early awakening where they cannot sleep at a stretch for 7 to 8 hours.
- Some other individuals complain of frequent episodes of awakening in between the sleeping process that affect the quality of sleep. After an awakening episode, it is difficult to go back to seep.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA:
Insomnia can be classified into multiple types depending on their characteristic sign and symptoms. Some of the most commonly encountered forms of insomnia are as follows:
- Acute insomnia
- Chronic insomnia
- Transient insomnia
- Behavioral insomnia of childhood
CAUSES OF INSOMNIA:
Multiple factors can contribute to sleep-related disorders. Factors can be psychological or any other that contribute to disturbances with the sleep cycle. Some of the factors that are very promising towards insomnia are as follows:
- Psychological stress for example works stress.
- Emotional trauma for example losing a loved one.
- Unpleasant experience of any sort.
- Prolonged screen time for example laptops and excessive use of mobiles.
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Improper diet
- Malnourished state of body.
- Any debilitating disease for example cancer patients complain of insomnia.
- Certain drugs may cause insomnia.
- Mental health problems cause insomnia.
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH TO CURE INSOMNIA:
Sleeplessness that affects the mental or physical state of any individual needs prompt intervention as ignoring it can worsen the mental health causing fatal consequences. Any individual can experience insomnia at some stage of one’s life. Multiple approaches have been devised to address sleep related issues. Ideally, such issues should be treated initially with non-pharmacological interventions. Few measures are as follows:
- Sleep hygiene education.
- Psychological counseling to subside any emotional trauma or stress.
- Yoga and certain breathing exercises to aid with sleep.
- White noise or music therapies to induce sleep.
- Overall lifestyle changes that include healthy eating practices and regular exercise.
PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS TO COUNTER SLEEP-RELATED DISORDERS:
There are also many medications that patients can get from pharmacies and they can also buy sleeping pills online. There are different categories and they are as follows:
1. PRESCRIPTION SLEEPING PILLS:
All the controlled substances that are either produced naturally or synthesized artificially come under this category. One needs to have a proper prescription to procure these medications. These are very sensitive drugs that have a very narrow safety window and any sort of negligence can result in serious consequences. They are only prescribed for short durations and any longer use will do more harm than good. Following are the groups of medications that are collectively known as sedative or hypnotics and they are as follows:
- Benzodiazepines
- Non-benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Z-drugs
- Tranquilizers
2. NON-PRESCRITION SLEEPING PILLS:
All the drug options that can bought as over-the-counter sleeping pills come under this category. They are not the primary drugs to treat insomnia but as they cause drowsiness so individuals buy these to cure insomnia. Antihistamines and other organic substances are used as OTC sleeping pills. One can buy these drugs without any prescription so chances to drug abuse are likely high.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SLEEPING PILLS:
Both the prescription sleeping pills and over the counter sleeping pills UK have some of the adverse effects, some are common and some can prove fatal if not intervened properly.
- Feeling drowsy
- Day time sleepiness
- Confusion
- Irritability and feeling of being un-well
- Mood swings
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hallucination
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Suicidal ideation
- Ataxia
- Anaphylaxis type allergic reactions
It is important to have proper knowledge regarding drug using to avoid any life-threatening situation.
CONCLUSION:
Sleeping pills can only be beneficial if used for short durations with proper consultation and monitoring. Absolute cure lies with timely diagnosis of the underlying factor causing disease and prompt management with both non-pharmacological and pharmacological means.