When it comes to staying healthy and productive, making sure to have a quality sleep is one of the most important things to do. A lack of good quality shuteye can be detrimental to your health in many ways, particularly for those with chronic conditions like diabetes. This is why many people rely on sleeping pills.
Taking sleep medication can be a good thing if you have trouble falling or staying asleep. While you can check out UK sleep tablets, there are some things you should consider before taking them. Below are seven things you should consider when taking sleep medication.
Get a Medical Evaluation
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If you’re thinking about taking sleeping pills, you must get a medical evaluation before doing so. This will help your doctor to ensure that the drugs are safe for you. Having a medical evaluation may also help your doctor find a better solution to your sleep disorder.
If you’ve started taking sleeping pills already, bring them along and let your doctor evaluate them and confirm that they are safe for you. When talking to the doctor, be honest about why you’re considering taking sleeping pills and what symptoms have prompted this decision. They will take careful note of any past medical history that can be a problem.
Sleeping Pills Are Not For Everyone
Sleeping pills are not for everyone. While they work effectively for some individuals, they can cause side effects and other problems for other people. Hence, if you have any physical issues that make it difficult for you to fall or stay asleep and you’re considering taking sleeping pills, ask your doctor first to be sure you’re eligible to take them.
Particularly, sleeping pills are not for pregnant women. Older sleeping pills called benzodiazepines can increase the risk of low birth weight and premature birth. It can also lead to breathing difficulty in infants. Hence, ensure you speak to your doctor if you’re fighting insomnia while pregnant.
Sleeping Pills Differ For Everyone
If you’re dealing with insomnia, it’s unsafe to use just any sleeping pills that come your way. Some people find that sleeping pills work for them, while others find them ineffective or even harmful. The amount that works for you depends on your body chemistry and how your sleep cycles are affected by the drug. Generally, sleeping pills are safe when used at recommended doses.
However, some people may experience side effects from using these drugs. Hence, the best way to choose the right sleeping pill is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you the best advice on what kind of pill is best for you. They can also help you find the right dosage and how often you should take it.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Before you take sleeping pills, consider your lifestyle. Are you a morning person? If so, taking sleeping pills in the morning could make it harder for you to wake early in the morning. Therefore, it may be better to take them when you go to bed at night.
Sleeping pills also interact with alcohol and pain-relieving drugs like Opioids such as; methadone, oxycodone, morphine, and heroin. The combination of sleeping pills with these drugs can lead to severe side effects. Therefore if you’re on any medication, ensure you speak with your doctor before taking any sleeping pills.
Follow Your Doctor’s Prescription and Read the Medication Guide
If you have been prescribed sleeping pills, you should follow your doctor’s prescription and read the medication guide to find out what the label says and how to use it properly. Sleeping pills are designed to be taken once a day at bedtime. If you take them any other way, they may not work effectively, or they might cause side effects such as drowsiness or confusion.
Quit carefully
If you’re taking sleeping pills for a condition like insomnia, don’t stop using them at once without consulting your doctor. This can lead to short-term rebound insomnia for a few days after you’ve stopped taking your sleeping pills. You can also try gradually reducing your dose over several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safest way to quit sleeping pills.
Follow a Proper Sleeping Habit
A good alternative to sleeping pills is to follow a proper sleeping habit. The following are ways to do this:
Try going to bed at the same time every night.
Try reading before bedtime.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol after 2 pm.
Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.
If you are struggling with sleep, ensure you consider these seven important factors. Most importantly, talk with your doctor. It would be best if you also considered non-medication options, like changing your diet.