What Is The Best Medication for Sleep Disorder?

According to a survey, doctors have become very conservative in prescribing medication for sleeping disorders. This is increasingly because of the fact that no medication actually works than a better sleep hygiene. Medications for sleep disorder if prescribed are for short durations and in mild doses.

Interestingly, there is no one prescribed medication for sleep disorders. As the symptoms and causes of sleep disorder are different, taking one particular medicine can be dangerous. In addition to the prescription medicines, one can also chose from over the counter drugs and herbal medications.

Most medication for sleep disorders are hypnotics which means that they act by slowing down the central nervous system and thereby inducing sleep. Most of these medications loose their affects after a 2-3 week use period or in certain cases the body becomes addictive to these drugs.

Benzodiazepines, is a common medication for sleep disorders. This class of drugs also falls under hypnotics. Some types of Benzodiazepines such as the Prosom, Xanax, and Ativan may be used to treat parasomnias. These drugs are also used for the treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding) and short-term insomnia. A separate class of drugs called the Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics which include Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. These can be used for a short term period for the treatment of insomnia.

There is another class of drugs called the Anticonvulsants. Some of the drugs from this family are popular medications for sleep disorders of nocturnal eating syndrome, restless legs syndrome and insomnia related to bipolar disorder. Tegretol, Carbatrol; Depakene, Depakote are such drugs. These drugs may have adverse effects if taken for a longer period. However, these may provide some relief and rest to the person suffering from sleep disorder.

Opiates, such as codeine, oxycodone, methadone, dihydromorphone and propoxyphene are used as medications for sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome that is refractory or present in pregnancy. Opiates however, are not generally prescribed for long term because they have an addictive effect and can result in additional problems or even chronic cases of sleep disorders.

Trazadone is an anti-depressant and is used for the treatment of anxiety related sleep disorder. It is also for reducing pain. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical in the brain. However, in certain cases this medication can result in more depression.

Medications for sleep disorders should be taken only on the advice and under the supervision of medical practitioners. Prescribed doses of the medicines should be taken. Taking extra doses or combining one or more medications for sleep disorders might not help and may even aggravate your sleeping problems. Also, it is important for one to realize that these medications are generally useful to assist you to sleep and cannot be substituted for good sleeping habits. Behavioral and cognitive therapies are good options that one must explore for treatment of sleep disorders.

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