Medication For Treating Insomnia

Taking medication for insomnia treatment is a popular and effective way to fight sleep deprivation. Insomnia is defined as difficulty sleeping, and it can be either short-term or chronic: between 30 and 40 percent of adults suffer from some form of insomnia each year. Most people with chronic insomnia also have other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. Visit our Sleep Medicine Specialist Long Island at Three Village Neurology today!

Although insomnia is not typically life-threatening, it can lead to other more serious health problems. However, it can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, injuries from falls and accidents, immune system suppression, diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety disorder, irritability, headaches, and digestive problems. The most effective treatment for insomnia is to address the root cause, whether that be anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or other issues. However, medication can also help treat insomnia and improve quality of life. Many different drugs are used to combat sleep deprivation, such as non-benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, and melatonin.

Sleep MedicineSleep Medicine Specialist Long Island

  • Non-benzodiazepine medications work by binding to the same receptors as benzodiazepines but are not as strong of a depressant to the nervous system. Benzodiazepines are often used for treating anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and insomnia. However, they are highly addictive and can become dangerous with prolonged use.
  • Antidepressants are also an effective treatment for insomnia, which work by increasing serotonin or norepinephrine levels in the brain at night to help improve sleep quality. Antihistamines are used as over-the-counter remedies for allergies and work by blocking histamines in the body responsible for sleepiness. Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain’s pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythm and helps maintain sleep-wake cycles.
  • Although these medications can be effective. It’s important to remember that they are only meant to be used temporarily while you work on the underlying issues. Using medication for insomnia is not a long-term solution and can lead to problems if people rely on it too heavily.

Three Village Neurology – Sleep Medicine Specialist Long Island 

Although insomnia is not typically life-threatening, it can lead to other more serious health problems. Many different medications are used to combat sleep deprivation, such as non-benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, and melatonin. Taking medication for insomnia treatment is a popular and effective way to fight sleep deprivation. Visit our Sleep Medicine Specialist Long Island at Three Village Neurology today!