Sleeping Pills
What are sleeping pills used for?
Sleeping pills are medicines that can help you fall asleep. They can also help you stay asleep.
Getting enough sleep is important for both your mental and physical health. If you are having trouble sleeping, sleeping pills may help you get back into a good sleep routine.
Changes to your bedtime routine can help you sleep. For example, you can:
- Avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Go to bed at or near the same time each day.
- Wind down and relax before bedtime by reading or having a warm bath.
How do they work?
There are different types of sleeping pills that work different ways. Some require a prescription from a healthcare provider, and some may be bought without a prescription.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of taking sleep medicine. The medicine can make it hard to stay alert during the day. This could slow your reactions if you are driving or operating machinery and cause an accident or injury. The medicine may also affect your coordination and increase your risk for a fall.
What else do I need to know about this medicine?
- If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare provider.
- Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
- Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.
- Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
- Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2011-08-17
Last reviewed: 2011-08-05
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
