Is There
a Pill
for That?
by Lisa L. Gill
THE INABILITY to fall asleep or stay
asleep is not only maddening but also
harmful. Chronic insomnia—or regularly
not getting enough good sleep—is linked
to a host of health problems, including
weak bones, high blood pressure, and
weight gain.
So it’s easy to understand why people
are desperate for a fix. But in most
cases, drugs or supplements aren’t very
effective, and they can often pose risks.
Instead, the best first treatment is
usually cognitive behavioral therapy
for insomnia, or CBT-I, according to the
American College of Physicians. Working
with a therapist, patients often keep a
journal detailing sleep patterns. They
may also be given strategies to fix bad
habits, such as using a smartphone too
close to bedtime, or tips on improving
their environment, such as keeping a
room dark and cool.
Regardless, your healthcare provider
may still suggest a drug or supplement,
at least temporarily or to help with short-
term sleep problems caused by, say, jet
lag or a stressful event. In that event,
here’s what you need to know.Prescription Drugs
Prescription sleep drugs come in various
forms. Benzodiazepines, such as Doral,
Halcion, and Restoril, slow activity of
the brain and central nervous system.
So-called Z-drugs, including Ambien,
Lunesta, and Sonata, target the same
receptors in the brain but do so more
selectively. The newest drugs—Belsomra
and Rozerem—affect the brain’s sleep-
wake cycles. An old antidepressant,
trazodone, is also sometimes used because
it has drowsiness as a side effect. Most
prescription sleep pills increase your sleep
time by only about 20 to 30 minutes.
RISKS All prescription sleep meds come
with risks, notably next-day drowsiness,
which can make driving dangerous. Some
have been linked to sleepwalking and
other odd nighttime behaviors. Benzos
in particular can be habit-forming. And34 CR.ORG FEBRUARY 2020