According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated that around 30 per cent of the total general population complains about sleep disruption and over 10 per cent have been associated with symptoms of daytime functional impairment consistently, with the diagnosis of insomnia.

Treatment of insomnia depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying cause. Sleep medications are not the first line of treatment, and various other methods such as behavioural therapy or sleep hygiene must be tried first. Sleeping pills have a potential to make a person dependent on it when he/she takes those pills for a prolonged period.

Dr Mohammed Shakeel of Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, said the risks and benefits of various prescriptions for sleeping pills can differ.

Side effects of taking sleeping pills- Depending on the type, sleeping pills with prescription-might include the following:

• Frustration, fatigue, low energy, difficulty in concentrating, mood disturbances
• Severe headache
• Gastrointestinal problems, (E.g. Diarrhea and Nausea)
• Persistent drowsiness (due to consuming drugs that may help you stay asleep)
• Allergic reaction to certain things
• Behavioural changes in sleep (E.g. driving or eating when you’re not fully awake)
• Daytime memory and performance problems

Safety considerations to keep in mind before prescribing medication are:

• Sleeping pills may not be safe in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• It might increase the risk of falls during the nighttime and injury in older adults due to dizziness
• It can cause low blood pressure, kidney disease, arrhythmias (erratic heartbeat) or seizures
• Certain sleeping pills can cause drug abuse or drug addiction, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking medications

According to Dr Sandeep Gore of Fortis Hospital, Mulund, consuming sleeping pills should be the last resort for any person who is suffering from a sleep disorder. “Lifestyle modifications must be tried before prescribing the sleeping pills. Regular aerobic exercises for 45 minutes, practicing meditation and yoga, limiting intake of tea and coffee, fixing the daily sleep times, avoiding stressful situations or circumstances can be helpful for most patients to overcome sleep disorders safely. In short, lifestyle modifications should always take precedence over medication in managing the sleep disorders,” concluded Gore.