Washington: Sleep plays a key role in health and well-being, but should we take certain supplements or drugs to improve sleep? Let’s see what the medical experts say about this.
About 18 percent of adults take medication for sleep. Although such medical treatment can help with sleep, it can have some side effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a list of medications that are approved for insomnia, but it’s important to note that many of these medications are over-the-counter medications, said Dr. Leanna Wayne, MD, associate professor at George Washington University. have effects. These side effects include;
1) Irritability the next day
2) Sleep walking
3) Confusion
4) Dizziness
5) Getting used to taking medicines even though they are not meant for long-term use.
So anyone considering using medication for insomnia should consult their doctor first, the doctor said.
The doctor added that some people take antihistamines to help them sleep. Antihistamines can cause dangerous overdoses if taken in large doses or mixed with other drugs and alcohol.
A similar case is with melatonin, which is a sleep hormone, Dr. Liana Wayne added. Melatonin supplements are a lab-made version of the natural hormone. Although there is some evidence that melatonin supplements can help with insomnia, various studies have come up with mixed results on whether or not these supplements are useful for people with chronic insomnia.
People should be cautious and seek advice from their doctor before using melatonin and other supplements, he said.
