New Delhi. Sleep problems are becoming common in today’s fast-paced life. Many people are suffering from insomnia due to work pressure, mental stress, excessive use of mobile-laptop and unbalanced daily routine. When the problem increases, some people start resorting to sleeping pills for relief. These medicines show effect in the beginning, but with long term use they can lead to addiction.
1. How do sleeping pills work on the brain?
According to experts, sleep medications such as benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (such as zolpidem) increase the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter present in the brain.
GABA calms brain activity, allowing the body to relax and fall asleep faster.
But when the effect of GABA is artificially increased repeatedly through these drugs, the brain gradually becomes dependent on them. This may reduce the ability to fall asleep naturally.
2. What is tolerance and dependence?
Addiction to sleeping pills can be understood in two stages:
(1) Tolerance
With time the effect of the previous dose starts decreasing. To get the same sleep, more quantity is required.
(2) Dependence
If the medicine is stopped suddenly, symptoms like insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, sweating or tremors may appear. This is the beginning of physical and mental dependence.
3. Impact on reward system
Some medications, such as Alprazolam (which is prescribed for both anxiety and insomnia) may also affect the brain’s “reward system.”
When a person feels relief and relaxation after taking the medicine, the brain remembers that experience positively. Later on, a person may develop the habit of taking medicine even in case of mild stress or minor sleep problems. This is called psychological addiction.
4. Are all sleep medications addictive?
Not all drugs have the same risk of addiction.
Melatonin-based supplements, for example, are considered relatively low-risk because they mimic hormones naturally produced in the body. However, it is not right to take these for a long time without medical advice.
5. What do the experts say?
According to health experts:
The use of sleeping pills is considered safe only for short periods.
The medicine should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.
It is better to reduce the medication gradually rather than stopping it suddenly.
What to do for better sleep?
keep a fixed sleep and wake time
Reduce screen time before bed
Avoid caffeine and heavy meals
exercise regularly
If needed, adopt therapy like “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)”
Sleeping pills may provide immediate relief, but their prolonged and unadvised use can lead to dependence. Therefore, in case of insomnia, the safest way is to consult a doctor instead of taking medicine on your own.
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