Studies show that millions of Americans are insomniacs. More and more people are turning to sleeping pills in order to get a full night of restful sleep. But are you aware of all the risks of taking these pills?
This article by ABC News reports, “It’s estimated up to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems.” But many studies show that taking sleeping pills regularly can be deleterious to one’s health. The Centers for Disease Control reported, “About nine million adults have taken prescription sleep aids in the U.S. in the past month alone.”
People often overdose on sleep aids. Others are not aware of all of the side effects. Many people who take sleep aids wake up in the middle of the night and do dangerous things such as drive their car and do not even realize it because they are only half awake.
One doctor from Georgetown University Hospital told ABC, “They want a quick fix.” Many people request their doctors for prescription sleep aids not realizing the serious risks involved. These medications suppress the human central nervous system in order to help people sleep. The CDC said in its report that those who take prescription sleeping pills are usually educated people who have job stress.
The CDC reported that the number of prescriptions for sleep aids given tripled from 1998 to 2006. ABC News also reported that, “Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration required the dosage of sleep aids be lowered that contain Zolpiderm, such as Ambien.” One doctor told ABC, “The problem is if you mask insomnia using medication you might be masking the underlying condition.” Studies also show that women are turning to sleep aids more than men. The CDC and FDA are urging prescription sleep aid users to be cautious and carefully review the side effects.
