Mental Health Disorders
Are sleeping pills effective remedies for insomnia?
Answered by
Science Channel and
Discovery Fit & Health
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Science Channel
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Discovery Fit & Health
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Sleeping pills can offer short-term remedies for insomnia, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter. There are a few factors to keep in mind, though, when deciding if you want to take a sleeping pill and what kind you want to take:
- You should avoid sleeping pills at high altitudes, because sleeping problems that high altitude causes can slow your breathing and reduce your intake of oxygen. Taking a sleeping pill in these conditions can slow your breathing even more.
- Prescription pills shouldn't be taken for more than a month at a time.
- Over-the-counter pills are often made with antihistamines, which can dry out your mouth, nose and throat's mucous membranes. You may also feel drowsy the day after you take them.
- Pills can also make snoring and sleep apnea worse.
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Sleeping pills can offer short-term remedies for insomnia, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter. There are a few factors to keep in mind, though, when deciding if you want to take a sleeping pill and what kind you want to take:
- You should avoid sleeping pills at high altitudes, because sleeping problems that high altitude causes can slow your breathing and reduce your intake of oxygen. Taking a sleeping pill in these conditions can slow your breathing even more.
- Prescription pills shouldn't be taken for more than a month at a time.
- Over-the-counter pills are often made with antihistamines, which can dry out your mouth, nose and throat's mucous membranes. You may also feel drowsy the day after you take them.
- Pills can also make snoring and sleep apnea worse.
(John Foxx/Getty Images)
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