Problems with sleep eloquently indicate the presence of problems with the nervous system. Insomnia is also characteristic of some psychiatric diseases; people with addictions (alcoholism, drug addiction) often suffer from sleep problems. It also happens that the inability to fall asleep and sleep through the night develops due to excessive psychological stress during the day. Such patients are in no hurry to see a neurologist or, especially, a psychiatrist. How to solve the problem with sleep, if most strong sleeping pills can be purchased at the pharmacy only with a prescription from a doctor? Light over-the-counter sleep medications can help. You can buy about six high-quality and effective drugs without a prescription - they will be discussed in this article.
General principles for treating insomnia
Strong sleeping pills are not always required. Sometimes it is enough to adjust your sleep and rest patterns and eliminate the irritating factor. However, with long-term chronic insomnia, it is impossible to do without medications. When prescribing medications, take into account:
- symptoms;
- concomitant pathologies;
- drug interactions;
- side effects of medications;
- patient's age;
- physiological conditions (pregnancy, lactation).
Important! Sleeping pills from the group of benzodiazepines should not be taken if breathing during sleep is disrupted (night apnea). Prolonged hypnotics are contraindicated in patients who the next morning are forced to drive or engage in work that requires concentration.
Rapid-acting sleeping pills are indicated in the following cases:
- the duration of insomnia is 1–4 weeks with minor consequences for the general condition of a person;
- insomnia for more than 4 weeks, which is accompanied by negative health consequences.
If in the first case sedatives with a hypnotic effect will help, then in case of severe insomnia, potent sleeping pills are prescribed.
Notta
The average price is 370 rubles for 50 ml.
" Notta " is produced by the Austrian company RICHARD BITTNER AG. This is a homeopathic remedy that has a sedative effect. Ingredients: oats, phosphorus, chamomile, zinc valerianate, coffee tree.
Prescribed for anxiety and neurological disorders, insomnia, sleep phase disturbances, irritability, mood swings, fatigue. Has a calming, mild hypnotic effect. Approved for use by children from three years of age with excitability, fatigue, attention disorders and sleep disorders.
Advantages: economical, has a mild effect, approved for children, no withdrawal syndrome.
Disadvantages: high cost, peculiar taste, no guaranteed effectiveness.
Sleeping pills are a last resort
Even the mildest sleeping pills still remain medications, which means they cannot be absolutely harmless.
Especially when you consider that each organism reacts differently to the same substance. Therefore, experts recommend using them only as a last resort, first trying more gentle methods of normalizing sleep: yoga, breathing exercises, auto-training, etc.
Yoga and meditation before bed will also help
However, for some people, taking sleeping pills is the only option to fall asleep at night and allow the body to gain strength. Drugs of this kind are necessary, first of all, for patients with serious disorders of the nervous system, as well as during depression, prolonged stress and emotional overstrain. You can take a one-time drug that makes it easier to fall asleep, for example, after a long flight with a change in time zones, which provoked jet lag, or when you need to get a good rest before an upcoming important event. But in these cases, to achieve the effect, a light herbal preparation, for example, tincture of valerian or motherwort, is sufficient - you should not fire a cannon at sparrows, unnecessarily taking powerful sleeping pills.
It is important to understand that pills and drops that allow you to fall asleep instantly often do not solve the problem, but only mask it for a while. If insomnia persists for several weeks, and short hours of night rest are accompanied by nightmares, each day only worsening a person’s well-being, we may be talking about serious illnesses:
- hormonal imbalance, often in the form of hyperthyroidism;
- chronic depression;
- apnea syndrome;
- vascular pathologies of the brain;
- Parkinson's disease, etc.
The main factor in various sleep disorders is depression.
Therefore, even the safest sleeping pills can be used only after consulting a doctor, strictly adhering to the instructions and observing the prescribed dosage. Uncontrolled use of such drugs is fraught with serious consequences:
- slow heart rate;
- constant drowsiness and apathy;
- increased salivation;
- nausea, vomiting;
- loss of consciousness.
In the most severe cases, an overdose of a strong sleeping pill can provoke a coma with further disruption of the liver and kidneys, including disability, or even lead to death.
In addition, many sleeping pills are contraindicated for:
- children;
- pregnant women and nursing mothers;
- patients with kidney and liver pathologies;
- people suffering from alcohol addiction.
Elderly people and those prone to severe allergic reactions should also be especially careful when taking medications for insomnia.
Lotusonic
The average price is 247 rubles for 20 tablets.
" Lotusonic " is a sedative of plant origin. It contains an extract of seven plants: lotus, dioscorea, thuja seeds, mulberry leaves, euphoria fruits, date seeds and erythrina leaves.
Among the excipients is magnesium, which helps restore the nervous system. “Lotusonic” is prescribed for insomnia, sleep disturbances, irritability, neuroses, stress, mood swings, and overwork.
Advantages: herbal composition, normalization of sleep, increased resistance to stress, affordable price.
Disadvantages: possible decreased attention and absent-mindedness.
Advantages of drops
Sleeping pills come in different types. They differ in both release form and composition. And, despite their common purpose, they cope with the task in different ways.
Some remedies have a short-term effect, others help you fall asleep quickly, and some affect the depth of sleep, but do not make it easier to fall asleep.
The action of synthetic tablet drugs is aimed at inhibiting impulses and suppressing the central nervous system. Preparations with a more natural composition have a slight sedative effect, reduce emotional arousal and provide healthy and natural relaxation. Most often, such drugs are produced in the form of liquid solutions.
The main advantage of drop formulations is their bioavailability. These are fast-acting agents that are absorbed into the bloodstream in a short time and provide the desired result.
The dosage of such drugs is easy to adjust up or down and they do not cause withdrawal symptoms or persistent addiction.
Sleep formula
The average price is 340 rubles for 40 tablets.
“Sleep Formula” from is a bioactive supplement, a plant biocomplex enriched with vitamins. It contains motherwort, hops, and eschscholzia, known for their calming effect.
But it is impossible to talk about normalizing sleep without replenishing magnesium and B vitamins in the body. They reduce the excitability of the nervous system and help control emotions. The composition includes magnesium carbonate, magnesium, vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
Advantages: mild hypnotic effect, natural composition, availability, 40 tablets per package, relieves nervous tension.
Disadvantages: effective for minor sleep disorders caused by emotions; for more serious diagnoses it is ineffective.
Types of drugs in drops
Sleeping pills have different principles of action. It all depends on their composition and the main active component. Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, neuroleptics, antihistamines, hypnotics differ in strength and method of influence, time of absorption and elimination from the body. All of them shorten the REM phase of sleep and lengthen deep sleep, which does not always have a beneficial effect on a person’s general condition.
Potent drugs
Among liquid sleeping pills in drops, tinctures and syrups, there are not so many potent drugs. It's all about the form of release: many chemical compounds retain their properties better in tablet form or in capsules. That is why they should not be broken or chewed when consumed.
One of the few strong liquid products are Oniria drops. Their main active ingredient is zolpidem. It makes it easier to fall asleep, reduces the number of times you wake up, and prolongs sleep, but it comes with many warnings and side effects.
Oniria is a strong sleeping pill, which is sold in pharmacies only upon presentation of a doctor's prescription. The dosage and treatment regimen are also determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the clinical case.
Herbal preparations
Products whose main components are medicinal herbs and plants are the safest. They are easy to use, non-addictive, affordable, and rarely cause side effects.
The main thing is to exclude the presence of allergic reactions before use.
Herbal preparations include:
- Valerian tincture. Reduces muscle spasms, relaxes nerve endings, provides a gradual calming effect, regulates blood pressure, eliminates excitability and anxiety. When taken systematically, it has a cumulative effect that gives long-term positive results.
- Motherwort tincture. Indications for use are nervous excitability, hysteria, hypertension. It does not exhibit a direct hypnotic effect, but speeds up falling asleep and deepens sleep. Motherwort reduces excitability, relaxes, and does not cause psychological dependence. It has a cumulative effect, the effect of which is fully manifested after 2 weeks from the start of administration.
- Hawthorn tincture. Prescribed for heart problems - arrhythmias, tachycardia. It strengthens heart contractions and improves blood circulation in blood vessels, softens the manifestations of stress, neurosis, fights headaches, insomnia, and normalizes sleep. Hawthorn has a minimum of contraindications, goes well with valerian and motherwort and exhibits a cumulative effect .
- Tincture of evasive peony. When used in a course (10-14 days), it reduces irritability, nervous excitement, anxiety, gives good results in the fight against insomnia, relieves fatigue, and cramps. The drug normalizes the emotional background, biorhythms, and increases the duration of sleep.
Herbal remedies do not cause addiction, unlike strong synthetic sleeping pills. They are available without prescriptions, normalize sleep naturally, and give peace and balance.
But you should not use drugs based on medicinal plants and herbs in parallel with antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers and other sedatives. Tinctures are not compatible with medications of these groups, as they enhance their effect. This can lead to unexpected reactions of the body, including loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
Combination medications
The combination products contain several components of natural and chemical origin. They should be used carefully and responsibly, without violating the prescribed dosage.
Many of the active elements can cause allergic reactions, so it is important to conduct a sensitivity test before use.
The most popular combination drugs include:
- Persen;
- Belisa;
- Corvalol;
- Valocardine;
- Barboval;
- Valemidin;
- Novopassit;
- Phytosedan.
Their purpose is not only to regulate sleep, but also to improve the nervous system, calm it down, and relieve internal spasms and convulsions. When used for a long time and in excess of the dosage, they can become addictive.
Despite the possibility of purchasing such products without a prescription, their use requires strict adherence to the instructions and medical supervision.
Homeopathy for sleep
Homeopathic medicines are becoming increasingly popular in the fight against various forms of insomnia. As a rule, they have no specific taste or smell and do not cause feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy or addiction.
When using them, you can continue to work with machinery and drive vehicles: your concentration does not decrease.
Homeopathic remedies for insomnia include:
- Notta - reduces anxiety, fear, helps restore biological rhythms, stabilizes sleep.
- Ignacy - indicated for insomnia caused by emotional stress, relieves spasms, has a sedative effect.
- Valerianahel - taken for neuroses, neurasthenia, increased excitability and sleep disorders.
- Rescue Remedy - neutralizes the effects of stress, restores a positive emotional state, and improves sleep.
- Hypnosed - eliminates irritability, treats migraines and insomnia.
- Passidorm - facilitates and reduces falling asleep, combats sudden awakenings.
Such drugs act very gently, but do not have a standard dosage . It is determined and prescribed by a homeopath or therapist, taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s body.
For starters - homeopathy
The question of which sleeping pills can be given to older people with the least harm is taken seriously. It is worth starting the fight against insomnia with drugs containing the least amount of active ingredients. Homeopathy is a suitable option for such cases. Such drugs do not cause inhibition of reactions, drowsiness, and are harmless to health. These drugs fully include:
- “Nervohel” is a homeopathic multicomponent drug that improves falling asleep and the structure of night sleep. It is possible to use other medications with it;
- “Notta” is a complex remedy for eliminating sleep disorders and increased nervous excitability. Acts delicately. Available in drops and tablets;
- "Passidorm" - suitable for older people who often wake up at night. It effectively regulates the duration and quality of sleep. The result does not come instantly, but after some time the drug is able to put a person to sleep, who will get out of bed in the morning rested, feeling a surge of energy.
Indications for the use of sleeping pills and sedatives in drops
Sleep is disturbed by nervous overexcitation, stress, and neuroses. It is in these cases that drops for insomnia of weak and medium effect help. Taking such a remedy is also justified in situations where the causes of insomnia have not been identified or cannot be completely eliminated.
Important! It is better to entrust the choice of a sleeping pill to a specialist who will find out the root cause of the disease and the presence of concomitant diseases.
If the problem is only falling asleep, then a quick-acting remedy is more suitable. In case of frequent awakenings at night, after which sleep disappears irrevocably, you need to use strong medicine.
The best sleeping pills in drops without a prescription
For a person, especially a child, this is the most convenient form of release. Drops, unlike tablets, do not need to be swallowed; it is enough to wash them down with water or dissolve them in it. The list of the best sleeping pills of this type includes those offered in this rating category.
Barboval - sleeping pills in drops
This sleep medicine is the best in terms of price and effect; it gives results almost immediately after starting use. Reviews indicate the absence of drowsiness in the morning and heavy head syndrome. The drops can be safely taken without a doctor's prescription; they do not harm health, since they do not contain dangerous synthetic components. They have a large list of indications, ranging from insomnia to neuroses. Problems resolve due to the content of validol. The product is available in 25 ml.
Advantages:
- Have an antispasmodic effect;
- Helps in the fight against neuroses;
- Have a minimum of contraindications
- Easily tolerated by the body;
- Quickly absorbed;
- There are practically no side effects.
Flaws:
- You need to drink 2-3 times a day;
- After completing the course you need to take a break for 2 weeks.
Having completed a course of a fairly strong over-the-counter sleeping pill for sound sleep, Barbovala, I want to say that it is not addictive and does not irritate the stomach.
Novo-Passit - a sedative
This sleeping pill is included in the rating of the best for its mild effect, it calms and relaxes, which is why the craving for sleep appears. Reviews say that it becomes strong. In the morning, those who take it do not have a headache and feel cheerful. All this is possible thanks to the production of the drug from natural components of plant origin. They can be prescribed to almost everyone, with the exception of pregnant, nursing mothers and except in cases of individual intolerance. Bottle volume – 200 ml.
Advantages:
- Lasts a long time;
- Not nasty to the taste;
- Helps with migraines;
- Quickly eliminate insomnia;
- Have a cumulative effect;
- Contains many active components;
- Cases of overdose are rare;
- Can be used for two years from the date of issue.
Flaws:
- Requires administration 2-3 times a day;
- Must be stored under special conditions.
Novo-Passit is a fairly strong sleeping pill for sound sleep, which doctors themselves often prescribe to their patients. It is universal, as it helps with both insomnia and neuroses.
Motherwort tincture
Liquid with a greenish tint. The smell is very weak. The active ingredient is an extract of motherwort and motherwort.
Pros. The drug is not addictive. It has a complex effect on the entire body.
Minuses. At small dosages, the hypnotic effect is not pronounced.
Contraindications. The drug should not be taken in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity;
- low pressure;
- children under 12 years of age;
- peptic ulcer;
- gastritis.
Price. Price from 25 to 55 rubles. Depends on the manufacturer and volume of the bottle.
Reviews:
Anna Rooster, 29 years old
“The drug helps me a lot when I am nervous. I fall asleep much easier, bad thoughts go away.”
Analogues. Substitutes are Biovital, Antistress Labopharm, Karvelis, Gerovital, Karfised, Klimapin, Cardiopasit.
Prices for Motherwort Forte Evalar tablets 40 pcs.; Prices for Motherwort Premium capsules 40 pcs.;
Notta
Transparent liquid with a yellowish tint. Does not have a distinct specific odor. Homeopathic drops have several components that have a complex effect on the body.
Pros. The drug does not provoke addiction and does not cause significant adverse reactions.
Minuses. Has no effect on severe sleep disorders.
Contraindications. Do not use only if you are intolerant to the components.
Price. The price of the product is from 250 to 440 rubles, depending on the volume of the bottle.
Reviews:
Bogdan Grinev, 42 years old
“With my work I became very nervous, irritable and aggressive. The drops help me cope with this condition and fall asleep peacefully.”
Analogues. Analogues are Alora, Donormil, Valokormid, Belisa.
Valerian tincture
The tincture has a sweetish aroma. The active component is an alcoholic extract of the roots of Valerian officinalis.
Pros. Patients talk about such advantages as an affordable price, a mild relaxing and hypnotic effect, as well as the possibility of use in children.
Minuses. To obtain the desired result, you will need to exceed the dosage, and this provokes fatigue and decreased performance.
Contraindications. It is prohibited for use by children under one year of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if they are hypersensitive to the components in the composition.
Price. The cost varies from 15 to 80 rubles.
Reviews:
Sergey Zhmerenko, 47 years old
“Over my entire life I have tried a lot of remedies, but I understood one thing: valerian should be in absolutely every medicine cabinet. Very calming and relaxing, making it easier to fall asleep after a hard day at work.”
Analogues. Analogs are Alluna, Valdisept, Valevigran, Alora.
Prices for Valerian P tablets 100 pcs.; Prices for Valerian officinalis tablets 20 mg 50 pcs.; Prices for Valerian medicinal tincture 25 ml;
Valemidin plus - sleeping pills in syrup
The drug is produced and belongs to the category of sedatives. But it is often used as a sleeping pill because of its ability to improve sleep, make it stronger and more peaceful. Changes occur approximately 3-5 days after the start of the course, which, by the way, is not very long - 10-15 days. The consumption of the solution is economical - 8 ml per day, 100 ml is enough for almost the full course of treatment. The drug does not cause daytime sleepiness or reduce performance, which other medications often do.
Advantages:
- Natural ingredients in the composition;
- Do not cause allergies;
- Side effects are almost completely eliminated;
- Contains magnesium, which is beneficial for heart function;
- Helps lower blood pressure;
- Tolerable taste;
- Fast results.
Flaws:
- In rare cases, a laxative effect may occur;
- It is advisable to consult a doctor before use.
Valemidine contains a sweetener and is therefore not suitable for use by people with diabetes.
Bayu Bai
The drops contain extracts of natural plants. The drops are transparent and have a yellowish tint. Prescribed to children who suffer from sleep problems, aggressiveness, dermatitis, and excessive activity.
Pros. An absolutely safe product that does not cause addiction.
Minuses. It is a dietary supplement and causes dry mouth.
Contraindications. Do not use if you are overly sensitive to the components in the composition.
Price. For a bottle – 150 rubles.
Reviews:
Larisa Khmelnitskaya, 57 years old
“I give the drops to my granddaughter, who is in school. I noticed improvements after the first use. The child has become calmer and sleeps better.”
Analogues. The drug has no analogues.
Rescue Remedy
Transparent liquid with a yellowish tint. Contains 5 flower essences.
Pros. It has an immediate calming effect and increases tolerance to psychological stress.
Minuses. It has a high cost and is difficult to find on sale.
Contraindications. Do not take if you have a personal intolerance to the components, as well as in early childhood.
Price. 1300 rubles.
Reviews:
Anatoly Glushich, 44 years old
“I want to say right away not to waste your money. Yes, there is an effect, but it is quite insignificant compared to its exorbitant cost.”
Analogues. Substitutes are Galstena, Pumpan, Valerianhel.
Prices for Rescue Remedy (Bach) homeopathic drops 20 ml Prices Prices for Rescue Remedy (Bach) homeopathic spray 20 ml
Valocordin - sleeping pills in drops
...I used Valocordin with a number of other drugs, including sedative tablets, and this did not affect the results of treatment; they interact well...Expert opinion
Drops to improve sleep are produced in Germany and are considered very effective. They are relevant for problems falling asleep, for neuroses and states of excitement. The drug contains two active components, phenobarbital and ethyl bromizovalerianate, which enhances the effect. The additional substances here are of natural origin. The drug is well tolerated by the body and can be taken for a long time. The dosage depends on the degree of insomnia; the stronger it is, the more drops are required.
Advantages:
- Not very high ethanol concentration;
- Improves the condition of disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- Have a mild effect;
- Sold in two volumes - 20 and 50 ml;
- Safe for health;
- Do not require constant medical supervision during treatment;
- Shelf life up to 5 years.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for continuous use;
- In the absence of breaks in treatment, bromine intoxication may develop;
- After taking it, it is not recommended to drive a car.
Morpheus
The average price is 166 rubles per 50 ml.
Morpheus drops from Merzan are a natural remedy for normalizing sleep. First of all, it affects the speed of falling asleep, the duration and deep phases of sleep; it can be used as an adjuvant for the treatment of neurological diseases, but not instead of them.
The drops have a natural composition containing extracts of hawthorn, rose hips, peony, mint, oregano, as well as water, glycerin and citric acid. Thanks to this, Morpheus can be taken even by children, it has no side effects, and it is able to gently calm a hyperactive, excitable child or schoolchild during difficult exams.
Advantages: normalization of sleep, calming effect, natural composition, low price, pleasant taste.
Disadvantages: difficult to find in pharmacies, not a medicine.
Contraindications
Fast-acting sleeping pills of synthetic origin, herbal tinctures or homeopathic remedies should only be prescribed by a doctor. You should not select and use them at your own discretion. Uncontrolled use often complicates the situation, causing nervousness, irritability, and impairing sleep. Many drugs are addictive and in the future a person cannot sleep without the pill. At the same time, he does not get proper sleep, but only harms his health.
The use of even mild sleeping pills in drops should be justified. You should not reach for medication if insomnia only bothers you for a few nights or appears only occasionally.
If no relaxation methods help and there is no healthy sleep for a long time, you need to go to a therapist, and, if possible, to a somnologist.
He will determine the causes and characteristics of the disorder, rule out or confirm the presence of concomitant diseases and prescribe a suitable remedy.
Most sleeping pills should not be used for the following conditions:
- obstructive sleep apnea;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- dysfunction of the liver, kidneys;
- allergic reactions to components;
- alcoholism and drug addiction;
- hypotension;
- anemia;
- respiratory diseases that impair air flow.
Novo-passit
The average price is 225 rubles per 100 ml.
Pharmacological produces the sedative " Novo-passit ". Guaifenesin, which is part of the composition, relaxes smooth muscles, and herbal extracts have a calming effect.
In the production of the drug, valerian, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hawthorn, passionflower, hops and elderberry are used. Reduces reactions to external stimuli, as well as anxiety, fear, restlessness.
Advantages: natural composition, affordable price, economical to use, effective from the beginning of use.
Disadvantages: does not help with serious illnesses and long-term stress, short shelf life.
Alcohol compatible list
There is almost always incompatibility between the strongest sleeping pills and ethyl alcohol. Combining alcohol with sleep medications can be dangerous to human health and life.
Alcohol+barbiturates
Ethyl alcohol increases the toxicity of barbiturates, enhances their effect, reduces the adequate response and leads to increased depression of the central nervous system.
In people with respiratory failure, the combined use of ethyl alcohol and barbiturates can lead to depression of the respiratory center.
In people with alcohol dependence, treatment with barbiturates leads to rapid drug dependence.
Alcohol + drugs based on Melaxen
Ethyl alcohol can neutralize the effect of melatonin preparations. Preparations based on this hormone are adaptogens and help you fall asleep quickly.
Alcoholic drinks do not cause poisoning when combined with melatonin. Sometimes nausea and dizziness may occur.
Alcohol and H1-histamine receptor antagonists
Ethyl alcohol reduces the sedative effect of antihistamines and increases the risk of side effects. In this case, a person cannot fall asleep due to increased heart rate, anxiety, and dry mouth.
In order for sleep to occur, the patient has to increase the dosage. Ultimately, this leads to drug addiction.
Alcohol+benzodiazepines
Only under the supervision of a physician are benzodiazepine drugs prescribed for alcohol withdrawal as a sedative. Medications make the detoxification process easier.
The combination of benzodiazepines and alcoholic beverages leads to severe intoxication. In humans, the functions of the central nervous system are disrupted, the respiratory center is depressed.
If you do not wake up the victim and provide first aid, he may die from respiratory arrest.
Be aware of complications
The old body cannot remove sleeping pills at the right time, they accumulate and as a result complications arise: hard breathing and apnea, relapses of asthma and pulmonary diseases. Side effects include headaches, memory loss, and loss of coordination. Unusual weakness, nausea, dizziness are possible.
It is possible to overcome insomnia - medicine has an arsenal of effective ways to combat sleep disorders in the autumn period of life.
How to choose the right sleeping pills
Over-the-counter sleeping pills for sound sleep should be chosen taking into account the state of health, concomitant diseases , other drugs taken simultaneously with the sleeping pill, as well as instructions for use.
- Every medicine, including sleeping pills, has contraindications. Strong sleeping pills, which can be purchased by prescription, can cause disability or death if taken uncontrolled, but since we are talking about sleeping pills sold without a prescription, it is enough to consult with a doctor, such as a therapist, about the advisability of taking a sleeping pill before starting a therapeutic course.
- When choosing a drug, you need to take into account the interaction of medications, that one drug can enhance or weaken the effect of another. For example, sedatives significantly enhance the effect of sleeping pills. To find out which drugs the chosen sleeping pill interacts with, you need to read the instructions.
- Along with the older generation of sleep medications, the latest generation of sleeping pills, the so-called Z-drugs, are also available without prescription. Their difference is that they act selectively on the nervous system and affect only those receptors that are responsible for sleep. Thanks to this selectivity, the drugs have fewer side effects. They are quickly eliminated from the body, are not addictive, and there is no daytime sleepiness when taken. These are drugs such as Zaleplon, Zopiclone, Zolpidem.
Description of the problem
For many older people, sleep problems are normal. Lack of sleep leads to the fact that a person just lies in bed for half the night, closing his eyes. At some point, drowsiness overcomes, which allows you to immerse yourself in the kingdom of Morpheus for a short time. But any sound, body position or other irritating factor can cause a sharp “jump”, after which it is impossible to fall asleep. The presence of insomnia leads to the fact that a person begins to feel overwhelmed and tired.
According to statistics, approximately every third person over the age of fifty-five faces a similar problem.
When faced with this problem for the first time, people attribute the deterioration in well-being to age-related changes in the body. But the main reason for this condition is the consequences of insomnia. The chronic form of this disease affects the character of the patient. Most often, the consequences of insomnia manifest themselves in the form of:
- stinginess;
- touchiness;
- irritability;
- discontent.
Probably, every person has encountered the fact that older people pay attention to various little things and can get upset about any reason. Such behavior is perceived as senile insanity, but the root of the problem is closely related to lack of sleep. Sleep problems can cause confusion, hallucinations, and even memory loss. These are the symptoms that can describe senile dementia, which can be prevented by promptly paying attention to your health.
How to take it correctly?
Sleeping pills are not intended for continuous use. They must be used in accordance with the instructions in a small dosage and a short course. This should be enough to restore sleep patterns.
If you ignore the instructions, the drug is addictive, which means that to achieve the desired effect you will have to increase the dosage, and such actions cause serious harm to health. Insomnia can be caused by systemic diseases, in which case sleeping pills are not always effective. Then treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying problem.
Protect sleep without harm to health
A good sleeping pill selected for an elderly person should not be strong. Powerful remedies are harmful even to young people, but an old person, burdened with the burden of numerous ailments, may simply not be able to bear them. Therefore, strong sleep medications, such as benzodiazepines, are used for older people only in the most severe cases, for a short time, under constant medical supervision. Moreover, the list of sleeping pills that can be purchased without a prescription is quite extensive.
The danger of addiction: how to avoid it?
Unfortunately, it is not only prescription sleeping pills that can provoke a painful addiction in patients. Even the most harmless drugs with a natural composition, sold without restrictions in pharmacies, can cause addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms after the end of the course of treatment. Compliance with the following rules will help to avoid such consequences:
- Do not buy or start taking any products of this kind without first consulting a doctor.
- Unless absolutely necessary, do not increase the recommended duration of treatment.
- Do not take sleeping pills daily to prevent the onset of psychological dependence. Patients with this problem are absolutely sure that they will definitely not be able to fall asleep without the treasured drops or tablets; they are afraid to be left without them, which, of course, does not contribute to complete relaxation and calm immersion in sleep.
- Strictly adhere to the instructions, observe the prescribed dosages and do not combine drugs at will.
- In case of mild sleep disorders, give preference to herbal remedies with a sedative effect, avoiding taking strong drugs unless absolutely necessary.
And, of course, you should not rely solely on sleeping pills, even the easiest and safest ones. While taking them, so that the body still has the opportunity to rest, you need to continue trying to normalize sleep naturally: adjust your daily routine, give up bad habits, review your diet, master relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. Lack of quality night rest is a serious problem, the solution to which sometimes requires more than a trip to the pharmacy for a new bottle of tablets or drops.
"Melaxen"
For elderly patients with primary insomnia, this is a fairly effective drug that guarantees normal night rest and good health in the morning. The active component in this drug is a substance similar to the natural sleep hormone melatonin. At the same time, it has a mild calming effect.
Side effects
The interaction of alcoholic beverages and sleeping pills causes side effects. Staying in one position for a long time during sleep can cause positional compression of the limbs. Impaired blood flow to the limb leads to kidney failure due to the accumulation of waste products in the muscles. In severe cases, the victim's limb is amputated due to necrotic changes.
Other side effects include retrograde amnesia, disorders of the digestive system, and drug dependence. In this regard, it is necessary to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during the treatment of insomnia.
A little more about the specific manifestations of asomnia
Let's look at the most common syndromes.
Depressive
Depression can cause insomnia, or vice versa - a prolonged lack of proper rest provokes a depressive state.
It is important to identify what caused the asomnia
Depressive sleep disorders are diagnosed if insomnia occurs due to:
- long-term experiences;
- tense family relationships;
- unresolved financial problems.
This type of asomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep and getting up in the early morning hours.
Restless legs
During sleep, older people have the feeling that they are running somewhere, and at the same time their limbs make characteristic movements. Muscle contraction, as during physical activity, wakes a person up.
Feature of the syndrome: if you create obstacles to movement by limiting the legs with soft bolsters, then the person sleeps peacefully.
A sleepy person periodically experiences 2-3 sudden movements:
- incomplete flexion of the hip and knee;
- changing the position of the big toe up and down.
Involuntary flexion and extension provokes disruption of innervation. Often reflex muscle contractions are repeated at short intervals and interfere with sleep.
If the cause is involuntary muscle contractions, then you need to look for the cause of the pathology.