Sleeping pill

Sleeping pill is a type of medication used to help individuals who have difficulty sleeping. These medications, also known as hypnotics, can promote sleep, increase its duration, or reduce the number of awakenings during the night. They are often used to treat conditions such as insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Types of Sleeping Pills

There are several types of sleeping pills, which can be classified based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action. These include:

• Benzodiazepines: These are sedative-hypnotic drugs that increase the activity of GABA, a chemical in the brain that promotes sleep. Examples include diazepam and temazepam.

• Nonbenzodiazepines: Also known as Z-drugs, these medications have a similar mechanism of action to benzodiazepines but a different chemical structure. Examples include zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone.

• Barbiturates: These are older types of sleeping pills that are not commonly used today due to their high risk of overdose and dependence. They work by depressing the central nervous system.

• Melatonin receptor agonists: These drugs mimic the action of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Ramelteon is an example of this type of medication.

Side Effects

Sleeping pills can have several side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, memory problems, and dependency. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.

See Also

• Insomnia
• Sleep disorders
• Benzodiazepines
• Nonbenzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Melatonin receptor agonists

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