Insomnia Treatment: Sleep Aids and Stimulants
Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Ambien: Sleeping Pill FAQs
Medical Author: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
 Insomnia, the inability to
sleep, is all too common in our society. Many
people have transient sleep disturbances and treat them with over-the-counter
medications, while others turn to their healthcare provider for prescription
medications - and there are plenty of choices for medications. Each has its
benefits and risks, indications, and side effects, and these medications are not
interchangeable. More importantly, they aren't safe to use together.
Regardless of the mechanism of action of sleeping pills, they are all
"downers." They depress brain function, and if too many are taken or if they are
mixed with alcohol or other drugs, the breathing centers of the brain can be
depressed to the point that the body stops breathing, and the person dies.
One prescription sleep medication is
zolpidem (Ambien). Ambien is a sedative drug that
works quickly; but as with any sleeping pill, it needs to be used in a wise
manner.
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What is insomnia and what causes it?
Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep,
the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep.
Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common
causes of insomnia are:
Insomnia can also be caused by faulty
sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine
consumption.
Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are
present.
- Transient insomnia usually is due to situational
changes such as travel, extreme climate changes, and stressful events. It lasts for
less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved.
- Short-term insomnia usually is due to ongoing stressful events,
medication side effects, medical conditions, and lasts for one to three weeks
- Chronic insomnia (long-term insomnia) often results from
depression or substance abuse and continues for more than three weeks.
Transient insomnia may progress to short-term insomnia and without adequate treatment, short-term
insomnia may become chronic insomnia.
Among the medications and substances that can contribute
to insomnia are:
- caffeine and coffee,
- tobacco,
- alcohol,
- decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine),
- diuretics [for example, furosemide (Lasix),
hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide)] especially if taken in the evening or at
bedtime,
- antidepressants [for example,
bupropion
(Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban),
fluoxetine (Prozac)],
- appetite suppressants [for example,
sibutramine (Meridia),
phentermine (Fastin)], and
- amphetamines.
Insomnia also may be the result of withdrawal from:
Next: What are non-drug treatments for insomnia? »
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Insomnia Treatment: Sleep Aids and Stimulants
Problem Sleepiness »
What is problem sleepiness?
Everyone feels sleepy at times. However, when sleepiness interferes with
daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called
"problem sleepiness." A person can be sleepy without realizing it. For example,
a person may not feel sleepy during activities such as talking and listening to
music at a party, but the same person can fall asleep while driving home
afterward.
What are the symptoms of problem sleepiness?
You may have problem sleepiness if you:
- consistently do not get enough sleep, or get poor
quality sleep;
- fall asleep while driving;
- struggle to stay awake when inactive, such as when
watching television or reading;
- have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at
work, school, or home;
- have performance problems at work or school;
Read the Problem Sleepiness article »
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