Long-Term Side Effects of Sleeping Pills

When a person is experiencing troubles with his sleep patterns, it is completely normal to seek out the assistance of a sleeping aid. They are more than capable of letting you get a good night's rest. Yet this type of medication is really only suited for very short-term use--no more than 2 weeks at a time--and can prompt some very undesirable side effects from long-term use.

Habit-Forming

One of the most common side effects of long-term use of sleeping pills is that the substance may become habit-forming, meaning that it will be needed for a person to actually fall asleep.

Insomnia

Sometimes a prescription sleep aid may cause an adverse reaction of insomnia, even after taking the medication.

Drowsiness

Many people who use sleep aids suffer from an almost overwhelming sense of drowsiness upon waking. This particular side effect may be felt during any stage of use, be it short-term or long-term, though the intensity will most likely persist longer into the day from prolonged use.

Headaches

Some people who have used sleeping pills over a long period of time may also begin to suffer from moderate to severe headaches.

Irritability

Long-term use may also lead to irritability.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is really a family of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, anxiety, sweating and "the shakes."

Resources

• Prescription Sleeping Pills: What's Right for You?