Risks And Limits Of Medical Treatments For Insomnia

Many doctors prescribe sleep aids or insomnia medications for patients with insomnia and related sleep disorders without providing patients a full review of the risks and benefits. It is important you are aware there are risks and limits to medical treatments for insomnia. As a patient, you have an obligation to ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of any treatment alternatives recommended to you by your physician or other healthcare provider. The more you know, the better able you are to make a smart choice about your health.

Millions of people visit their doctor every year because they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or because they feel chronically fatigued. Often their symptoms are signs of insomnia or underlying health conditions. Before you take any sleep aid, whether recommended by your doctor or one you buy over-the-counter, you should know what the risks and limits are of medication therapy.

Can Your Medication Cause Insomnia?

Some studies now verify certain medications cause insomnia. These include medications people commonly take to help them fall asleep. Examples include decongestant medications, stimulant medications and even certain hormone medications including oral contraceptives, thyroid medications, cortison and progesterone medications. It is important you provide your doctor with a complete list of medications you currently take so they can determine whether your medicine may be the culprit behind your sleep disorder. You should also be aware that not all sleep aids work well for everyone.

Do You Have An Underlying Medical Condition?

Many patients also do not realize underlying conditions may cause sleep problems. Examples may include hypertension, restless leg syndrome or depression. If you have a chronic disease causing pain or discomfort, this can also contribute to your pain. Unless you treat the underlying medical problem, you are not likely to realize significant relief from sleep medications alone.

Also at stake is the potential for addiction. Many commonly prescribed sleep medications can be addictive. Read this article for more information

The good news is most medications, when used in low doses for short periods do not usually cause addiction. It is important however, you recognize the potential and talk to your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse in your past, as this may increase the likelihood of addiction to sleep aids.