How Do Sleeping Pills Affect the Brain?
Sleeping pills affect the brain by modulating chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help the brain and body communicate and regulate everything from focus to happiness and sleep. Prescription sleep aids act specifically on a neurotransmitter called GABA that regulates sleep.
Sleeping pills work by depressing the central nervous system, which slows down brain activity and makes you feel drowsy. They are typically used for the short-term treatment of insomnia or sleep disorders. Sleeping pills can be addictive and should only be used as directed by a doctor. It is possible to overdose and die by misusing prescription sleeping pills.
Some common sleeping pills include Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata.
- Ambien: Ambien, also called zolpidem, is a sleeping pill in tablet form. It is a sedative-hypnotic drug that works by slowing down brain activity.
- Lunesta: Lunesta is a sleeping pill, also called eszopiclone, that comes in tablet form. It is a sedative-hypnotic that acts on GABA like Ambien.
- Sonata: Sonata, also known as zaleplon in its generic form, is another sedative-hypnotic sleeping drug in tablet form. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of Ambien and Lunesta.
What Are the Average Doses Used for Sleeping Pills?
The average dose of prescription sleeping pills varies by medication. The physician determines the prescribed dose based on patient characteristics such as sex, age, body weight, and other medications the person may already be taking. The severity of the sleep disorder and medical issues, such as sleep apnea, are also considered.
The typical doses for the most popular non-benzodiazepines are:
- 5-10 mg for Ambien (zolpidem)
- 1-3 mg for Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- 10-20 mg for Sonata (zaleplon)
Can You Overdose on Sleeping Pills?
A sleeping pill overdose occurs when someone takes more than the recommended dose of sleep medication. Some people who overdose on sleeping pills only experience mild symptoms, such as excessive sleepiness, memory loss or strange behavior. However, in some cases, a sleeping med overdose can be deadly.
Sleeping pill overdoses can come as a result of the following:
- Taking too many pills at once
- Combining sleeping pills with other medications or alcohol
- Not following the dosage instructions on the label
It’s important to remember that any sleep medication, including over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl and Unisom, can be dangerous in large amounts. So if you’re taking any type of sleep aid, following the dosage instructions carefully is important.
Can Sleeping Pills Kill You?
The short answer is yes, sleeping pills can kill you. Some people have the mistaken idea that because a drug is prescribed, it’s completely safe, even when misused. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While benzodiazepines are rarely prescribed for sleep disorders these days, the non-benzodiazepine class medications, like Ambien which are, can be fatal when abused.
Make no mistake, you can overdose and die on prescription sleep aids like Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata. Taking more of a prescription sleep aid than prescribed can cause you to stop breathing and die in your sleep. This is even more likely to happen when sleeping pills are combined with alcohol or other sedatives.
Another way sleeping pills can kill indirectly is when people stay awake after abusing sleeping pills and get behind the wheel of a car or engage in other risky behavior due to lower inhibition.
Three Ways Sleeping Pills Can Kill You
Not only can sleeping pills kill you, but there are at least three ways they can cause the user to meet an untimely end.
1.) Sleeping Pill Overdose:
Prescription sleep meds are powerful CNS depressants. They slow down signals from the brain, and at higher doses, they can substantially slow down breathing and heart rate. This can lead to respiratory arrest when breathing simply stops, and a person dies in their sleep.
2.) Combining Sleep Pills with Other Drugs:
Many people don’t realize that when sleep aids are combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax) or opioids, the effects are magnified. It’s much easier to overdose and die from sleeping pills accidentally when you combine them with other drugs.
3.) Death from Long-Term Sleeping Pill Use:
Another way sleeping pills can kill is due to long-term use. This factor surprises many people, but research has clearly shown a higher early mortality rate and decreased life expectancy among sleeping pill users. Scientists are still investigating why this happens, but the evidence that sleeping pills can shorten your lifespan is substantial.
Origins of Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills have been around for over a century and were initially used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Today, they are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.
There are two main types of sleep aids: prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Prescription medications include brands like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata. Over-the-counter drugs include brands like Benadryl and Unisom. Both types of sleep aids work by depressing the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity and helping you fall asleep.
How Much Is Too Much?
The amount of sleep medication that can cause an overdose varies from person to person. However, most people who overdose on sleeping pills only take between 2 and 4 times the recommended dose. It’s important to remember that sleeping pills are only meant for short-term or occasional use.
If you take prescription sleep aids daily or almost daily for more than a few weeks, you may build up a tolerance to the medication. This means you’ll need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect.
Taking a higher dose than recommended can increase your risk of overdose. Regular, long-term use of prescribed sleep meds also often leads to dependence, a condition where a person experiences extreme insomnia if they do not take the medication. Quitting sleep meds can be challenging and should only be done under medical guidance or with the help of a drug and alcohol treatment center.
Prescription Sleep Aid Statistics
Sleeping pill overdoses are not common, but they do happen. In New Jersey, there are 2,805 overdose deaths per year. 3.70% of all deaths are from a drug overdose. 3.99% of nationwide OD deaths occur in New Jersey.
One of the most common reasons people give for prescription drug abuse is trouble sleeping.
2.0 million people, or 11.9% of people who misuse prescriptions, are definitively addicted to the prescription drugs they misuse. Among people with substance use disorders, 253,100 or 12.7% acknowledge their addiction.
In the US, 5.9 million people over the age of 12 abuse sedatives or tranquilizers, 20.1% for the first time. 20.9% of users report taking tranquilizers as sleep aids, while 15.8% use tranquilizers to cope with emotions. Women are 11% more likely than men to be prescribed medication, but men are 22.9% more likely to misuse prescriptions.
45.8% of American adults used a prescription drug – legally or not – within the past 30 days. Healthcare specialists generally agree that a high rate of use and availability drives reported rates of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and, ultimately, overdose. 16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year. 22.6% of them, or 3.7 million people, misuse prescriptions for the first time.
What to Do if You Suspect an Overdose on Sleeping Pills?
If you think someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, call 911 right away. If someone takes too much of a sedative-hypnotic drug like Ambien, Lunesta, or Sonata, it can depress the central nervous system to the point where breathing slows dangerously or stops. A sleeping pill overdose can be deadly.
The overdose may not necessarily be fatal, but it’s always best to get immediate medical help just in case. Try to keep the person awake and talking until help arrives. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position and wait for help to arrive.
Some people experience serious complications from a sleeping pill overdose, such as:
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Reasons Why People Struggle With Sleep
If you’ve been struggling with sleep, your doctor may prescribe a sleeping pill. The reasons why people struggle with sleep are varied and unique to each individual. Some common reasons include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Light exposure at night
- Shift work
- Alcohol consumption
Side Effects of Sleeping Pills
Common side effects of sleeping pills include:
- Drowsiness during the day
- Memory loss
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
How Can I Recover From an Overdose on Sleeping Pills?
If you think you’ve overdosed on sleeping pills, call 911 immediately. If you are taken to the hospital, they will give you activated charcoal to help absorb the overdose. They may also give you other treatments, such as fluids or medications, to help revive you and keep your heartbeat and breathing at a safe level. Sleeping pills can be mixed with other substances. Some people mix sleeping pills with alcohol. This can be very dangerous and makes overdose much more likely.
Are Some People More Likely to Overdose and Die From Sleeping Pills?
The people more prone to overdose or die from sleeping pills are typically those who abuse them. People with a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders are also at a higher risk for overdose. Those who take sleeping pills for extended periods are also at a higher risk for overdose. People who combine prescription sleep aids with other CNS depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids are at much higher risk of overdose and death.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Sleeping Pill Addiction?
A sleeping pill addiction can come in the form of abuse or dependence. Abuse is taking larger doses of sleeping pills than prescribed or using them in a way that a doctor does not recommend. Dependence occurs when the body becomes so used to the presence of the sleeping pill that it cannot function normally without it. This means that quitting cold turkey can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia and even seizures in extreme cases.
Signs and symptoms of sleeping pill addiction can include:
- Doctor shopping or taking someone else’s pills
- Strong cravings
- Trouble with finances
- Extreme changes in mood
- Extreme drowsiness
- Isolating oneself and feelings of detachment
Always follow the instructions on the prescription label and never take more than the prescribed amount. Overdose can occur with as little as one pill if it is a high dose or if it is mixed with other substances, such as alcohol.
Are There Withdrawals From Sleeping Pills?
The withdrawal symptoms of sleeping pills can include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Nausea
If you are experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help. Withdrawal from sleeping pills can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases.
What are the Long-term Effects of Abusing Sleeping Pills?
The long-term effects of abusing sleeping pills can include:
- Memory problems
- Impaired thinking
- Trouble concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Balance problems
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Liver damage
If you or someone you know is abusing sleeping pills, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Sleeping pill addiction can be difficult to overcome on your own, but with treatment and support, recovery is possible.
What Are Treatment Options Available for Sleeping Pill Addiction?
People who abuse sleeping pills may experience rebound insomnia, which can then keep them dependent on using these powerful medications.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a sleeping pill addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact a treatment center today for more information on safely detoxing and recovering. The treatment options available for sleeping pills include:
- Inpatient detox
- Partial Hospitalization treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- 12-step meetings
Inpatient Detox
Inpatient detox is often the first step in treatment for sleeping pill addiction. This type of detox allows you to be monitored around the clock by medical professionals who can help keep you safe and comfortable as you withdraw from the drugs. Inpatient treatment is another option that can provide you with 24/7 care and support as you recover.
Partial Hospitalization or Partial Care
Partial Hospitalization treatment can range from 30-90 days, depending on the severity of your case. During this time, you will receive care and support from addiction specialists while staying in a supportive living home overnight or returning home in the evening, in some cases. Partial Hospitalization treatment commonly includes individual psychotherapy such as CBT and group therapy to discover the root causes of the addiction and build strategies for long-term recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a less intensive form of treatment that can still provide you with the tools and support you need to recover. If you’re not ready to commit to PHP treatment, or if your addiction is not as severe, outpatient treatment may be a better option for you. This type of treatment allows you to live at home and attend regular therapy sessions.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings are another option for those struggling with sleeping pill addiction. These meetings can provide you with peer support and accountability as you recover. Many people find that 12-step meetings provide the support they need to stay sober. These meetings are free and open to anyone who wants to attend.
Channeling the strength to combat substance abuse is demanding. After years of confronting the depths of yourself, you’ve finally decided to get help. Picture the renewed version of yourself after completing treatment. At North Jersey Recovery, we prep you with all the tools necessary to craft your sobriety journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, feel free to reach out to our facility today.
If you have any questions about sleeping pill addiction or treatment for any other substance use disorder, call us anytime at (877) 632-5541
