What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people throughout the world. People with insomnia have difficulty falling asleep, wake up too often during the night, feel unrested after waking up and wake up too early in the morning. The effects can be overwhelming. Insomnia generally leads to daytime sleepiness, lethargy, and being mentally and physically unwell. Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety can also be symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia can be primary or secondary. Primary insomnia is when the condition is not linked with other problems or conditions and secondary insomnia is due to underling health conditions, pain or the use of substances. Many people experiencing insomnia of any kind, try sleeping pills for immediate and effective relief from the condition.

What are the Causes of Insomnia?

Insomnia can be caused by two factors: physical or psychological. Sometimes an underlying medical condition could be the cause of chronic insomnia, while transient insomnia may be due to a recent event or incident. Insomnia is generally caused by:

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders – This is a result of abnormal sleeping patterns and may be due to jet lag or job shift changes.

This is a result of abnormal sleeping patterns and may be due to jet lag or job shift changes. Psychological problems – The cause of this could be bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression.

The cause of this could be bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression. Hormones changes – Another cause for insomnia can be due to oestrogen hormone changes during menstruation.

Another cause for insomnia can be due to oestrogen hormone changes during menstruation. Medical conditions – Insomnia can also be caused by chronic pain, acid-reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnoea, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, tumours, stroke.

Insomnia can also be caused by chronic pain, acid-reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnoea, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, tumours, stroke. Other factors – Some other factors could include an overactive mind, drinking caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, smoking, and eating heavy meals before sleeping.

What are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills help people sleep easily at night. They generally fall into two categories: benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs primarily used for treating anxiety, however they are also effective in treating other conditions. They relax muscles, relieve anxiety, prevent seizures and help with alcohol withdrawal. Non-benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that are much like benzodiazepines in nature, however, they are generally known to cause fewer side effects, compared to benzodiazepines.

How do Sleeping Pills Work?

Sleeping pills work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, which are chemicals that nerves release to communicate with other nerves. One of these neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has the function of suppressing the activity of nerves. These sleep medications work much faster and are more selective in their action, only targeting specific GABA receptors for better, safer results. Some sleeping tablets are not specifically designed for inducing drowsiness in a person, but do so as a side effect, thereby making them common options as mild sleeping aids.

Are Sleeping Pills a Good Choice for People Suffering with Insomnia?

Before considering sleep medication, you should try making a few lifestyle changes as this could greatly impact your sleep routines positively. Below is a list of some of the changes you can begin with, however you may take sleeping pills together with implementing these changes for more immediate and more effective results:

Wake up at the same time each day.

Eliminate alcohol and stimulants like nicotine and caffeine.

Limit naps.

Exercise regularly.

Limit activities in bed.

Do not eat or drink right before going to bed.

Make your sleeping environment comfortable.

Get all your worrying over with before you go to bed.

Reduce stress.

Consider participating in cognitive therapy.

Sleeping tablets can be an effective treatment for chronic insomnia, however, any drug or sleep medication can have side effects. One potential side effect of sleeping pills is daytime drowsiness. Sleep medications are also known for being hypnotics. They can be helpful because they cause a sedative effect and ‘urge’ you to sleep.

In essence, if lifestyle changes aren’t proving effective or quick enough and your productivity is being hampered as is your state of mind, then it’s time to consider using quality sleeping medication to help you to restore correct sleeping patterns.

What are the Different Types of Strong Sleeping Pills?

There are various insomnia medications available. Below is a list of some of the different types of medications that you may consider taking:

Zopiclone 7.5mg - Zopiclone is a type of sleeping tablet used to treat insomnia and it belongs to a class of medications commonly known as Z-drugs. The medication helps the user by cutting down the amount of time it takes them to fall asleep and increases the amount of time they spend sleeping.

Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg (Ambien) - Zolpidem is a common sedative given as a treatment for insomnia. People who suffer from insomnia obviously have trouble sleeping, and are often up all night as a result. Ambien sleeping pills will effectively and quickly treat these symptoms temporarily.

Nitrazepam 10mg - Nitrazepam is a benzodiazepine type of sleeping aid used to treat severe insomnia and anxiety. These sleeping pills allow users to sleep without frequent awakenings or waking up too early in the morning.

Diazepam 10mg (Valium) – Diazepam is a powerful sedative often used for sleeping problems and related issues. It is one of the sleeping tablets that can also be used for treating anxiety disorders, muscle spasms and seizures.

Alprazolam 1mg (Xanax) - Xanax contains the active ingredient known as alprazolam, which effectively treats a variety of anxiety related disorders, including those caused by depression and panic attacks.

Tramadol 50mg - Tramadol is classed as an opioid pain relief medication and is used for relief of moderate to severe pain. Sold under the brand name Ultram, tramadol provides fast, effective relief from pain.

Sleeping Tablets Usage Information

Sleeping tablets must be taken whole with water usually between 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. The daily recommended dosage must be adhered to in order to avoid any negative side effects. When the medication is no longer required, usage should be ceased gradually by tapering off over the last week. Usually sleep medications are taken for 2 to 4 weeks maximum followed by a clean break. After taking the medication it is important to allocate adequate time for quality sleep, 7 to 9 hours usually, in order to avoid unwanted drowsiness the morning after awakening.

Do Sleeping Tablets have Side Effects?

Sleeping pills do have side effects, although they are mild and well-tolerated. Users should always research these to be aware of what may be expected. It is important to note that not all users will experience side effects when taking sleep medication. Below is a list of side effects, which you can also find in more detailed information online. Sleeping pills side effects can be further avoided by taking the medication as indicated and by carefully following the necessary precautions. Side effects may include:

Feeling sleepy or tired the next morning

Bitter or metallic aftertaste

Dry mouth

Reduced alertness

Memory loss

Confusion

Dizziness or drowsiness – more common in senior citizens

Severe side effects, although very rare, include:

Anxiety

Nausea

Chronic headaches

Changing libido

Rash development

Sleeping Pills UK Online Availability

All the above brands of FDA approved sleeping pills are available to buy online from online pharmacies if you are in the UK or EU. Care should be taken to ensure that pharmaceuticals supplied are manufactured and supplied by leading manufacturers and are licensed generic sleeping pills. By choosing to buy sleeping pills online, consumers have access to a wide range of tried and tested medications that help millions of people achieve healthy sleep patterns and much needed rest.