More than 2 million Americans are regularly taking over the counter sleeping pills to help them sleep.
This trend has many doctors concerned.
According to one professor at the University of Washington, Seattle, individuals who are self-treating their insomnia with over the counter sleeping pills could be putting themselves at risk for serious health consequences.
It's important for all insomnia sufferers to seek medical advice since insomnia could be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition.
Furthermore, not seeking medical advice can lead to chronic, long-term use of over the counter medications. No adequate studies have been conducted to assess the implications of long term use of over the counter sleep aids.
Additionally, the ingredients in some common sleep aids may lead to symptoms such as greater risk of confusion, memory loss, dry mouth, constipation, drug tolerance, toxicity and even mild cognitive impairment - especially in seniors.
If you're suffering from insomnia, don't take any medications without speaking to your doctor first.
Also bear in mind that non-pharmaceutical options such as improving sleep hygiene, practicing relaxation and trying cognitive behavioral therapy are often more effective than sleeping pills.
Source: New America Media
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Last updated: July 16, 2014
