How To Treat Sleep Deprivation

Medication

Medication to improve sleep may be considered for patients who continue to have sleep issues after trying lifestyle modifications and counseling. Certain sleeping aids help patients fall asleep, and others help with staying asleep. Some medications are formulated to help with both falling and staying asleep. For example, Rozerem, zaleplon, and zolpidem are designed to ease patients into sleep, and doxepin makes it easier to stay asleep. Temazepam, suvorexant, and eszopiclone perform both of these functions. All types of sleeping pills must be used with caution, particularly since some of them, including eszopiclone and temazepam, could lead to dependence. To reduce this risk, doctors will prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time necessary to improve the patient's symptoms. Individuals who use sleeping pills might experience side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and prolonged drowsiness. Some patients have also reported driving or eating while asleep, and sleeping medications can cause memory issues during the day. These side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician, and doctors will closely monitor patients during their treatment.