The Problem with Sleeping Pills

The two primary drugs used in the treatment of insomnia are antihistamines and benzodiazepines. Antihistomines are available over the counter while benzodiazepines are available by prescription. While they are both effective in the short term, they cause significant problems in the long term.

Benzodiazepines, in particular, are not designed to be used for the long term as they are addictive, have numerous side effects, and cause abnormal sleep patterns. As a result, people who are taking sleeping pills to overcome insomnia enter a vicious cycle. They take the drug to induce sleep but the drug causes further disruption of normal sleep. In the morning, in an attempt to 'get going', they will typically drink coffee, which further worsens insomnia.