India is witnessing an unprecedented rise in the use of sleeping pills usage among the people. Insomnia has increased in alarming proportion in recent years, besides other sleeping disorders like hypersomnia, parasomnia, and narcolepsy, making its presence felt in our daily lives. While the reasons can be varied, the changing demographics, stress-induced factors, and growing awareness among people about the necessity of sound sleep have resulted in the booming of the sleep aids market in India. Regulatory factors are also another factor that influences the sudden boom.
Better to try non-drug treatment options for #insomnia
Sleeping pills are not safe and have been linked with multiple health hazards, including weight gain, cancer, heart attacks, dementia and other sleep disorders (sleep-walking, sleep-eating and sleep-driving). #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/wgTYwKBn1y
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) October 7, 2022Causes that affect sleep poorly
The constant exposure to screens makes us vulnerable to blue light. The blue light adversely affects our circadian rhythm often leading to Circadian rhythm disorders. These disorders are medical conditions that disrupt our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and, therefore, affect our sleep quality. Not only this, but it also plays a significant role in controlling how we function while awake. “Circadian” which derives from the Latin word means “around the day.” While circadian rhythm is automatic for a healthy human being, it is irregular and uncoordinated for someone with sleeping troubles. The malpractice of checking our cell phones before sleeping disrupts our sleep cycle by reducing melatonin secretion.
Sleeping difficulty is often associated with stress. People who experience higher stress in the workplace or even in their personal lives are more likely to experience sleeping disorders. Moreover, working night shifts can also disrupt one’s sleeping cycle.
The easy access to sleeping pills as they are made available over the counter to anyone aged over 18 has resulted in a boom in supply in the market. Although there are certain Government regulations in place that restrict over-the-counter sales of Schedule H drugs, these are not always implemented on the ground.
Besides, our generation is much more aware than its predecessors of the harmful effects of inadequate sleep. The constant exposure to the screen also enables them to have any information at their fingertips. Therefore, they are aware that a healthy adult needs to sleep for 8 hours. This awareness generates concern among people about ensuring quality sleep, even if it is by means of sleep induced by sleeping pills.
Most popular sleeping pills
Sleeping pills vary in their use, mode of functioning and availability. While some are prescription sleep aids that have the potential to harm people if the permissible dose is crossed, other types include natural sleep aids and over-the-counter sleeping pills. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines and are used mostly to treat allergies, but they have the potential to make one feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine in form of benadryl and doxylamine (Unisom) are sedating antihistamine.
While our body naturally produces the melatonin hormone that helps us fall asleep, some people who encounter difficulty falling asleep naturally rely on the pills containing this hormone. Natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements promote sound sleep. Valerian is basically an herb that supposedly contributes to relaxation and sleep.
Apart from these, the prescription drugs that induce sound sleep and are quite popular in India include Zodivas-5 Tablets, Mitzar-15 Tablets, Ezitol-0.5 Tablets, Buprax 150 SR Tablets, Fluxit-60 Capsules, Praxit-12.5CR Tablets, Desval-50 ER Tablets, Lorcam-1 Tablets, Amitril-25 Tablets, Clozap-0.25 Tablets, and Z-drugs, like zolpidem and eszopiclone.
Some sleep inducing pills cause drowsiness, while others work on the area of our brain that keeps us alert. Others work by stimulating a chemical in your brain called GABA that leads to sedation muscle relaxation and, by reducing anxiety, makes us fall asleep. Again, Z-drugs work by slowing the activity of the brain and initiating a calming effect.
Are there any side effects that you need to worry about?
However, the rampant use of sleep aids affects our health adversely. They can create a negative cycle of dependence on the pills, thus permanently altering our natural sleep cycle. It causes a hangover effect and results in dizziness. Often, the drowsiness lingers the day after and triggers balance problems, which affect our ability to pursue basic activities like running, driving, and completing basic tasks. Instead of waking up energetically, it makes one feel sleep-deprived despite sleeping for adequate hours.
The side effects also include constipation or even, in some cases, diarrhoea. Drying of mouth and headaches induced by prolonged use of sleeping pills is not uncommon. Certain pills have the ability to affect our digestive system negatively. Such digestive problems include gas, acidity, heartburn and nausea. Often, it can aggravate the problem of snoring and sleep apnea, especially among the elderly.
Certain prescribed drugs have the potential to trigger parasomnia, a disruptive sleep-related disorder. Again, drugs containing Benzodiazepines can be addictive and lead to a substance use disorder if they continue to be taken for a long time.
Are there any healthy alternatives to sleeping pills?
Of course, there are. Although they might not provide you with magical relief immediately, but sticking to them can surely help in the long run. Taking time off screen before going to bed, even for at least 30 minutes, reading books or listening to soothing music can help you fall asleep. Also, reducing caffeine intake, such as coffee, soda, and chocolate, especially at night, benefits people with a history of trouble sleeping. Besides, engaging in physical activity such as regular morning or evening walks, cycling, swimming, free-hand exercise, or yoga helps to break the sedentary lifestyle that one experiences.
Additionally, maintaining a fixed sleep schedule with proper journaling of one’s sleep routine, in the long run, improves sleep quality and helps to regularize sleeping patterns. Even meditation techniques just before going to bed also prove to be effective alternatives to the careless use of sleeping pills. Besides, cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management therapy also help curb stress effectively, which helps in experiencing quality sleep. Again, herbal solutions like Ashwagandha, chamomile tea, and cherry juice, among others, are effective in fighting insomnia and free from any kind of side effects.
FAQ
1. Why is there a rise in sleeping pill usage in India?
The increase in sleeping pill usage is primarily due to rising stress levels, growing awareness of sleep disorders, and the easy availability of these medications.
2. What factors can disrupt sleep and contribute to insomnia?
Exposure to blue light, stress, night shifts, and irregular sleep-wake cycles can all negatively impact sleep quality and lead to insomnia.
3. How do sleeping pills work and what are the different types available?
Sleeping pills vary in their mechanisms of action. Some work by regulating hormones, while others target specific areas of the brain to induce relaxation. Types include prescription sleeping pills, over-the-counter sleep aids, and natural remedies like melatonin and valerian.
4. What are the potential side effects of using sleeping pills?
Prolonged use of sleeping pills can lead to dependence, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, digestive problems, and other adverse effects. They may also interfere with natural sleep patterns and contribute to sleep disorders.
5. What are some healthy alternatives to sleeping pills?
Lifestyle changes like establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing stress, and engaging in regular exercise can help improve sleep quality without relying on medication.
6. Are there any natural remedies that can aid sleep?
Herbal teas like chamomile and valerian root, as well as Ashwagandha are often used as natural alternatives to sleeping pills. They may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
