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If you’re regularly having trouble either falling or staying asleep (insomnia), make an appointment with your physician. Treatment depends on what’s causing your insomnia. Sometimes, an underlying health or sleep disorder can be found and treated — a much more effective approach than just treating the symptom of insomnia itself.

Behavior changes learned through cognitive behavioral therapy are generally the best treatment for persistent insomnia. Sleeping on a regular schedule, exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, and keeping stress in check also are likely to help.

However, there are times when prescription sleeping tablets may be helpful. Although sleeping tablets don’t treat the underlying cause of your sleeping problems, they may help you get some much needed rest.
Sleeping tablets that are benzodiazepines belong to a group of treatments called central nervous system depressants, which slow down the nervous system. In comparison, newer, nonbenzodiazepine sleeping tablets appear to have a safer side effect profile. But risks remain — especially for people who have certain health conditions, including liver or kidney disease. Always talk with your physician before trying a new treatment for insomnia.

Here’s information on some of the most common types of prescription sleeping tablets used today.

Prescription sleeping tablets may help you fall asleep easier or stay asleep longer — or both. The risks and benefits of various prescription sleeping tablets can differ. To find the right prescription treatment to help you sleep, your physician may:

• Ask you several questions to get a clear picture of your sleep patterns
• Order tests to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing difficulty sleeping
• Discuss options for taking prescription sleeping treatments, including how often and when to take it and in what form, such as tablets , oral spray or dissolving tablets
• Prescribe a sleeping tablets for a limited period of time to determine the benefits and side effects for you
• Have you try more than one prescription sleeping tablets if the first treatment you take doesn’t work after the full prescribed course
• Help you determine whether there is a generic version, which is typically less expensive than brands

Side effects of prescription sleeping tablets

Always ask your physician about potential side effects before making a decision about which sleeping tablets to consider taking. Depending on the type, prescription sleeping tablets may include side effects such as:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea
• Prolonged drowsiness, more so with meds that help you stay asleep
• Severe allergic reaction
• Sleep behaviors, such as sleep-driving and sleep-eating
• Daytime memory and performance problems

Antidepressants with a sedating effect
Sometimes prescription treatments used mainly to treat depression may ease insomnia when taken in lower doses. When insomnia is secondary to depression or anxiety, antidepressants may improve both conditions at the same time.

Safety considerations

Prescription sleeping tablets (and even some nonprescription sleeping tablets ) as well as certain antidepressants may not be safe if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or an older adult. Sleeping tablets use may increase the risk of nighttime falls and injury in older adults. If you’re an older adult, your physician may prescribe a lower dose to reduce your risk of problems.

Some health conditions — for example, kidney disease, high blood pressure or a history of seizures — may limit your options. Also, prescription meds and over-the-counter sleep aids may interact with other treatments. And taking certain prescription sleeping tablets can lead to abuse or dependence, so it’s important to follow your physicians advice.

Taking sleeping tablets

If your best attempts to get a good night’s sleep have failed, prescription sleeping tablets may be an option. Here’s some advice on how to use them safely.

• Get a health evaluation. Before you take sleeping tablets , see your physician for a thorough exam. Often your physician may be able to find specific causes for your insomnia. In addition, if you’re taking sleeping tablets for more than a few weeks, talk to your physician about an appropriate follow-up schedule to discuss your treatments.
• Read the treatment guide. Read the treatment guide for patients so that you understand how and when to take your treatment and what the major potential side effects are. If you have any questions, ask your chemist or your physician.
• Never take a sleeping tablets until you’re going to bed. Sleeping tablets can make you less aware of what you’re doing, increasing the risk of dangerous situations. Wait to take your sleeping tablets until you’ve completed all of your evening activities, about 15 minutes or less before you plan on sleeping.
• Plan to take your first sleeping tablets when you can get a full night’s sleep. Don’t take a new sleeping tablets the night before an important appointment or activity because you won’t know how it affects you. Make sure you take a sleeping tablets for the first time when you know you can get a full night’s sleep, such as on a Friday night if you work weekdays. Generally, sleeping tablets should be taken only when you know you can stay in bed seven to eight hours. A few short-acting sleeping tablets are intended for middle of the night awakenings, so you may take them when you can stay in bed for 4 hours.
• Watch for side effects. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day or if you experience any other significant side effects, talk to your physician about changing your dose or weaning off your tablets .
• Never take sleeping tablets longer than your physician advises. Some prescription sleeping tablets are for short-term use only — such as seven to 10 days. Be sure to contact your physician for advice.
• Quit carefully. When you’re ready to stop taking sleeping tablets , follow your physicians or chemists instructions or the directions on the label. Some treatments must be stopped gradually. Also, be aware that you may have some short-term rebound insomnia for a few days after you stop taking sleeping tablets .

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, ask your physician for additional help.