![]() ![]() In addition, nonbenzodiazepine BZRAs are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances. A person should stop taking their medication immediately if they experience any complex sleep behaviors. Some people who take nonbenzodiazepine BZRAs experience “complex sleep behaviors.” These include sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and participating in other activities while not fully awake. For this reason, a person should not operate a vehicle within 8 hours of taking this type of medication. However, nonbenzodiazepine BZRAs still carry side effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. These medications help reduce some of the side effects common with benzodiazepines. In the 1990s, nonbenzodiazepine BZRAs entered the market. Some studies suggest that their benefits decline after 4 weeks of use.Įxamples of BZRAs that are FDA-approved for treating insomnia include: They are also likely to lead to dependence. These drugs can increase the risk of falls, vehicle accidents, memory problems, and daytime sedation, especially among older adults. The brain naturally releases GABA to promote sleep at nighttime.īZRAs include both benzodiazepine hypnotics and nonbenzodiazepine BZRAs.įor decades, benzodiazepine hypnotics were the only drugs with FDA approval for treating insomnia. GABA is a chemical that inhibits, or slows, the brain’s functions. Benzodiazepine receptor agonistsīenzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) target a specific part of the brain and may increase a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The sections below look at these categories in more detail. ![]() Medications for treating insomnia fall into one of several categories. People should only take them before bed when they have at least 7 hours to sleep. These medications may have side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. However, it is important to talk with a doctor before taking a sleep medication. Medications can help some people with chronic insomnia. Most medications only have approval for short-term use. Some people use medications alongside CBTi. Other recommended treatments for insomnia include relaxation techniques and exercise. The app takes users through a series of lessons and exercises to encourage sleep. Somryst is a new, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription treatment that combines CBTi with an app-based delivery platform. sleep hygiene education, which includes making lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine intake and avoiding screens close to bedtime. ![]() behavioral interventions, which address problematic habits and help people develop healthy sleep habits through relaxation training, stimulus control, and sleep restriction.cognitive therapy, which helps people identify, address, and correct negative or inaccurate thoughts and behaviors.A mental health professional leads this multifaceted approach, which includes the following components: The first line of treatment for chronic insomnia is an approach known as CBT for insomnia (CBTi). Doctors usually recommend these when other treatments do not help. There are also a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available. For some people, insomnia does not appear to have an underlying cause.Ĭurrent medical guidelines recommend CBT as the first line of treatment for chronic insomnia. However, people with chronic insomnia may need to visit a doctor for treatment.Ī healthcare professional who treats sleep disorders can determine if an underlying condition - such as hypothyroidism, obstructive sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome - could be causing the person’s sleep problems. People can often manage occasional bouts of insomnia with lifestyle changes such as trying relaxation techniques, exercising, and improving their sleep hygiene. When a person experiences these difficulties over an extended period of time, it becomes chronic insomnia. This is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Medications for chronic insomnia may be effective, but they are not typically recommended for long-term use due to their potential side effects and risk of dependence.Īccording to the American Psychiatric Association, about one-third of adults in the United States occasionally experience insomnia. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to help manage this sleep disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is usually the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |