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How do I Avoid the Common Side Effects of Sleeping Pills?

K. Gierok
K. Gierok

Before one can understand how to avoid common side effects of sleeping pills, it is necessary to first understand what some of the most common side effects of sleeping pills are. These side effects include the development of a dependency on the medication, increased rates of drowsiness upon waking, and moderate to severe headaches. By following a few basic principles, such as avoiding using the pills for an extended period of time, taking them only in the proper dosages, and consuming them with high amounts of water, it is possible to avoid these side effects.

In order to prevent the development of a dependency, one of the common side effects of sleeping pills, it is essential that those who are using sleeping pills use them for only a short period of time. Research suggests that sleeping pills should not be used on a regular basis for more than three months at a time. In addition, most physicians and other medical professionals recommend that those suffering from insomnia use sleeping pills only as a last attempt when other methods of falling asleep have failed. When used in this manner, sleeping pills may only be required once or twice a week. In contrast, taking sleeping pills each night, without even trying to fall asleep pill-free, can lead to severe levels of dependency.

Using sleeping pills only on an occasional basis can help avoid common side effects.
Using sleeping pills only on an occasional basis can help avoid common side effects.

It is also possible to avoid increased rates of drowsiness upon waking, another of the most common side effects of sleeping pills. To prevent excessive drowsiness, it is essential that those who use sleeping pills use them only in the correct dosage. In most cases, those who are using this medication are encouraged to take only one pill per night. While taking two, three, or even more pills may result in more immediate results, it can also lead to extreme difficulty with waking in the morning. Some individuals, including those who have a very low body weight, may want to consume only half a pill at first, in order to avoid the development of this condition.

To help avoid side effects of sleeping pills, avoid using them for long periods of time.
To help avoid side effects of sleeping pills, avoid using them for long periods of time.

Severe headaches can also be avoided by following a few basic guidelines when it comes to taking sleeping pills. Those taking this medication should be sure to take it will a full glass of water each night. In addition, avoiding soda, tea, or other products known to be diuretics — substances that increase the production of urine — is also essential when it comes to preventing headaches associated with sleeping pill use.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

I gave up on taking prescription or over the counter sleep aids because I always feel groggy and tired the next day. Occasionally if I don't have work to do or places to go the next day, then I can take a sleep aid and relax. Otherwise, I avoid them.

Talentryto

There are many natural sleep aids that are effective in helping you get a good night's sleep without the side effects that you are likely to experience with sleeping pills.

Mild exercise in the evening, such as taking a nice stroll, will help you sleep through the night. If you are very active, rigorous activity is great, too.

Herbal sleep aids such as teas are tasty and effective, and will help you relax and unwind.

Deep breathing exercises also work to help you get to sleep and stay asleep, because they increase oxygen content in the body and promote relaxation of all of the muscles in the body.

It is also a good idea to avoid a heavy meal late in the evening, or snacking right before bedtime. These are dietary habits that can lead to insomnia, because it is hard for the body to relax and sleep when it is digesting food and producing energy.

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    • Using sleeping pills only on an occasional basis can help avoid common side effects.
      By: Dan Race
      Using sleeping pills only on an occasional basis can help avoid common side effects.
    • To help avoid side effects of sleeping pills, avoid using them for long periods of time.
      By: Unclesam
      To help avoid side effects of sleeping pills, avoid using them for long periods of time.
    • To prevent excessive drowsiness, it is crucial for individuals taking sleeping pills to only ingest the correct dosage.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      To prevent excessive drowsiness, it is crucial for individuals taking sleeping pills to only ingest the correct dosage.
    • Excessive daytime drowsiness is a common sleeping pill side effect.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Excessive daytime drowsiness is a common sleeping pill side effect.
    • It can be difficult to wake up in the morning after taking too many sleeping pills the night before.
      By: 9nong
      It can be difficult to wake up in the morning after taking too many sleeping pills the night before.
    • Sleeping pills should only be used when other sleep aid methods fail.
      By: Savvapanf Studio ©
      Sleeping pills should only be used when other sleep aid methods fail.