Sleeping pills are not a long-term solution

ARE YOU HAVING trouble falling asleep? Before you consider taking sleeping pills or two to adi your sleep, it is essential to understand the uses and risks of the drugs to prevent dependence and abuse.

Sleeping pills, or hypnotics, are commonly used to treat the symptoms of insomnia.

Some people may confuse sleeping pills with sedatives as they both have the effect of relaxing one’s mind. The difference is sleeping pills are used solely for sleep-related problems.

All types of sleeping pills are controlled drugs in Hong Kong and can only be purchased through a doctor’s prescription.

Unlike drugs for the common cold, sleeping pills should be used reasonably and carefully and only after taking patient’s condition and needs into consideration.

In fact, what many people do not realize is that insomnia is not an independent phenomenon, but often a symptom of emotional or psychiatric problems.

Using sleeping pills as the only cure for insomnia would neglect the real causes of one’s problem, and could easily lead to the misuse of the drugs.

As it often takes a long time for one to be fully recovered from psychiatric disorders, in order to aid patients suffering from insomnia, sleeping pills may be prescribed as sort-term relief.

They are never intended for continuous long-term use as they can trigger both physical and psychological dependence.

There are different signs of sleeping pill abuse, such as impaired memory, poor concentration, slurred speech and inability to make logical decisions.

Another observable sign is having blue-colored lips.

Addicted patients are often convinced that without the pills they are unable to sleep.

In addition, following long-term abuse of the drug, one’s body builds up tolerance and the dose has to be increased for it to be effective, There have been cases where patients takes 50 or even up to 100 sleeping pills per night to sleep.

Besides, reducing dependence on sleeping pills is a difficult process and may even cause withdrawal symptoms as well.

Do not take insomnia lightly as it is often an indication of far more serious problems.

When it bothers you, you should not hesitate to consult a doctor to identify its real

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摘文：精神科專科醫生 麥棨諾醫生

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