Sleeping pills, also known as hypnotics, are medications prescribed to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. They primarily act on the central nervous system, modulating neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Their mechanism of action is based on reducing brain activity, facilitating sleep onset and maintenance. However, long-term use of certain hypnotic drugs can lead to tolerance and dependence, requiring strict medical supervision.
There are several categories of sleeping pills, each suited to different types of insomnia:
The choice of a sleeping pill depends on the nature of the sleep disorder, the patient’s age, medical history, and tolerance profile.
The use of sleeping pills must be carefully managed to avoid dependence and adverse effects. The most common side effects include:
Sleeping pills provide temporary relief from sleep disorders but do not address the underlying cause of chronic insomnia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is often recommended as the first-line treatment.
Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs carry a high risk of dependence and tolerance, especially with long-term use. Their use should be limited and strictly monitored.
Some sedating antihistamines (e.g., doxylamine) and melatonin are available over the counter. However, they should be used with caution and do not replace proper medical evaluation.
Prolonged use can disrupt natural sleep patterns, cause cognitive decline, lead to memory loss, and increase the risk of falls and fractures, especially in elderly individuals.
A gradual tapering process is essential to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended to slowly reduce the dose under medical supervision and incorporate alternative sleep strategies.
Yes, several natural options can be considered:
In older adults, the use of sleeping pills should be limited, as they increase the risk of falls, confusion, and memory impairment. Non-drug approaches are often preferred.
Adopting good sleep hygiene is crucial:
Sleeping pills should be considered a last resort and always used under medical supervision, as improper use can lead to side effects and dependence.
Circadian rhythms are natural biological cycles that regulate many of the body’s functions, including sleep, body temperature, hormone secretion and metabolic activity. These rhythms, influenced by the alternation of day and night, orchestrate our physical and mental well-being. When our internal clock is well synchronised, we feel fit and balanced. On the other hand, when … Read more
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is one of the most popular natural remedies for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety. This plant, whose roots and rhizomes are mainly used, contains various bioactive compounds such as valepotriates, sesquiterpenes and valerenic acids, which … Read more
The Oura ring is enjoying growing success in the market for devices that track body signals (sleep, activity, stress and cardiovascular health). With growing awareness of the importance of sleep to overall health, more and more people are turning to these devices to monitor and improve their sleep habits. What is the Oura ring? The … Read more
In our never-ending quest for a restful night’s sleep, melatonin often presents itself as a promising solution. Produced naturally by the pineal gland, this essential hormone orchestrates our body’s circadian rhythm, regulating our sleep and wake cycles. The growing interest in melatonin as a potential treatment for sleep disorders has prompted a great deal of … Read more
Insomnia is a modern scourge. At a time when we all want to make the most of every moment, lack of sleep can seem to get in the way of our ambitions. That’s where melatonin comes in, our precious ally in the quest for perfect rest. Let’s find out together what’s behind this mysterious compound. … Read more
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many people around the world. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, anxiety, mood disorders, medical problems, or excessive caffeine consumption. Conventional treatments such as sleeping pills can be effective, but they also have unwanted side effects. Insomnia is a sleep disorder … Read more
Sleep is a natural phenomenon that results in a loss of consciousness and awareness of the outside world. The average French person sleeps an average of 7 hours during the week and 8 hours at the weekend. During nocturnal sleep, there are 3 to 5 cycles of around 90 minutes each. Each cycle is divided … Read more
Sleep apnoea is a breathing disorder that can significantly affect your quality of life. If you suffer from sleep apnoea, you may have difficulty sleeping, constant tiredness, headaches, irritability and even a reduced libido. Fortunately, there are effective ways of treating sleep apnoea and sleeping more peacefully. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms … Read more
When we hear about the griffonia for the first time, some country people will first think of hunting dogs, whether they are running or pointing, while urbanites will evoke canine breeds of amenities originating in Belgium. . Others, more focused on the marvelous and the fantastic , will immediately make reference to the griffin , this chimerical animal, a mixture … Read more
St ress i s a natural reaction; it is a set of physical and physiological reactions of the body, in the face of a particular situation, which is said to be stressful. It can affect everyone, usually over a short period of time.Str ess i s triggered by situations that represent a “danger” to the … Read more