For people suffering from sleeping problems like insomnia, pills and medications are seen as promising sleeping aids. However, sleeping pills and medications do not really cure or remedy the sleeping problem. Although medications seem to help the condition at first, these drugs do not really target the root or main cause of insomnia. With this reason, sleeping pills are only regarded as temporary or short term cure for insomnia. There are far more risks or side effects involved in the use of these medications compared to their benefits.
Dangers of using medication sleeping aids to treat insomnia
It is understandable among insomniacs if they want to seek immediate cure to their sleeping problem. In fact, there are a lot of treatments available to treat insomnia. Cases of insomnia, however, vary in every patient. Hence, efficiency of treatments is quite unpredictable. This is the reason why many people suffering from insomnia are tempted to use sleeping pills or medications.
However, there are a lot of complications involved in using over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills. Apart from giving temporary solution to the problem, sleeping medications, particularly over-the-counter pills, do not really provide any long-term effect to cure insomnia.
Other concerns on the use of sleeping pills are the following:
1. Physical side effects
2. Start of drug dependence
3. Start of drug tolerance
4. Rebound insomnia
5. Withdrawal symptoms
6. Dizziness
7. Forgetfulness
8. Dry throat and mouth
9. Urinary problems
10. Constipation
Guide on using medications as sleeping aids
Better solutions to insomnia include changes in sleeping environment and habits as well as continuous behavioral treatments. Hence, a person who is seeking long-term relief to insomnia should not rely on medications as sleeping aids.

The following are some precautions when using sleeping pills:
1. Advise your doctor regarding other medications you are taking.
Telling your doctor about the other over-the-counter drugs you are using apart from the prescribed medications is very important as it involves your safety and health. Remember that some over-the-counter sleeping medications have adverse reaction with prescription drugs.
2. Strictly follow directions.
Make sure to talk to your doctor regarding the proper dosage intake and schedule of his prescribed sleeping medication. It is very important to strictly follow the dosage intake of the sleeping pill to avoid overdosing and complications.
3. Refrain from drinking alcohol and taking other types of prescription drugs.
It is very important for one to avoid drinking alcohol and taking other types of prescription drugs while using prescribed sleeping pills. These substances may alter or change the effects of the prescription sleeping medication.
4. Avoid handling or operating machinery or car after taking a sleeping medication.
For safety precautions, avoid handling machineries or driving a car after talking sleeping pills or medications. If unsure of the possible consequences that may happen, better stay away from operating any machine while still on medication.
5. Monitor changes in the body.
Observing changes in the body is essential in monitoring the possible negative effects of the prescription sleeping medications to the body. When negative side effects are reoccurring, immediately consult a doctor to confirm any possible complication or termination of use.