People face difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested due to sleep problems. When lifestyle changes and other approaches do not provide relief, healthcare doctors recommend sleeping pills. There are various sleeping pills available. They work in different ways, have different uses, and may not suit every person. Below, we tell you the common types of sleeping pills, their working process, and who they help.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antihistamines
- How they work
Antihistamines can block histamine, a chemical in the body that promotes alertness. When the histamine is blocked, these medicines make a person feel sleepy. This sedating effect makes antihistamines suitable for occasional sleep problems.
- Who they may help
They help adults who experience short-term and occasional difficulty sleeping. They are also suitable for adults who have mild cold symptoms with trouble sleeping.
- Key downside
With this medicine, the human body develops tolerance quickly. It means it becomes less effective when used repeatedly. They also cause grogginess the next day. In older adults, they may cause cognitive problems.
Prescription Z-Drugs (Non-Benzodiazepines)
- How they work
Z-drugs work on the brain receptors connected to GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is the calming neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. By acting on these receptors, Z-drugs help to promote sleep.
- Who they may help
These sleeping pills are useful for people experiencing short-term insomnia, especially those who need help falling asleep more quickly.
- Key downside
These medicines can cause dependence, particularly if you take them incorrectly or for a long duration. They may also lead to complex or unusual sleep behaviours, such as sleepwalking.
Prescription Benzodiazepines
- How they work
Benzodiazepines increase the GABA effects in the brain, slow down brain activity, and produce a calming and relaxing effect on the central nervous system.
- Who they may help
Buying these sleeping tablets online is helpful for adults who suffer from severe, short-term sleep disruption. These pills are also considered when sleep problems occur with anxiety.
- Key downside
These pills have a high risk of tolerance and addiction. They also cause daytime drowsiness or a hangover feeling after waking. Due to these risks, they are prescribed for a short period, usually less than four weeks.
Melatonin and Receptor Agonists
- How they work
Melatonin is the natural sleep hormone that signals when it is time for your body to rest. These supplements, such as ramelteon, work by binding to MT1 and MT2 receptors involved in sleep timing.
- Who they may help
These medicines help people whose sleep timing is disrupted by shift work or jet lag. They also help older adults whose natural sleep-wake rhythm is shifted.
- Key downside
These pills help to adjust the body’s sleep timing instead of working as strong sedatives. Due to this, they have limited effects for people who suffer from severe insomnia.
Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs)
- How they work
Orexin is a chemical involved in the brain and helps people stay awake. DORAs block orexin’s activity, reducing the signals that promote sleep and wakefulness.
- Who they may help
They help people who have difficulty staying asleep at night.
- Key downside
It may cause sleepiness or drowsiness the next day. This next-day effect is important to consider while taking this medicine.
Conclusion
The different types of sleeping pills work through different pathways and are used for different sleep problems. Drugs, benzodiazepines, melatonin-related medicines, antihistamines, and orexin receptor antagonists are the common sleeping medicines prescribed. Each has its own benefits and risks, so you must buy sleeping pills online in the UK based on your individual circumstances and medical advice.