How to take sleeping pills safely

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for your health and well-being — but sometimes, that’s easier said than done. 

If you consistently have difficulty falling or staying asleep, you may have insomnia or another sleep disturbance that requires an official diagnosis. If so, a healthcare professional may recommend sleeping pills.

When used correctly, sleeping aids may help you get the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per day so you can feel your best. However, like with most medications, safety should be a priority. 

Here are 10 ways to take sleeping pills safely:

1. Don’t take for longer than prescribed

Healthcare professionals typically prescribe sleeping pills for short-term use only. 

Some prescription sleeping medications are suitable for only 3 weeks of treatment. There is limited evidence for the safety of using them for longer, though newer options show promise for longer-term insomnia treatment.

Your healthcare professional will weigh the potential risks and benefits when prescribing sleeping medications and provide an individualized treatment plan.

Always follow their instructions regarding the treatment duration. If you think you need to continue taking sleeping pills, discuss it with your medical professional. They can adjust the dose, switch you to a different drug, or provide more guidelines.

2. Don’t change the dosage on your own

Adjusting the dosage of sleeping pills without medical supervision can cause harmful effects. For instance, a 2022 study found that taking too much of certain sleeping medications, like benzodiazepines, may cause an overdose. 

Meanwhile, reducing your dose may affect how well the medication works. 

If you feel the need to alter the dose, consult your healthcare professional first.

3. Don’t discontinue without a tapering plan

Certain sleep medications, including benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, may cause dependence. 

Abruptly stopping these medications can also result in withdrawal symptoms like:

• difficulty sleeping (also called “rebound insomnia”)
• anxiety
• restlessness
• circulation problems
• shivering

To avoid potential adverse effects of stopping sleeping pills, it’s best to work with your healthcare professional to create a gradual tapering schedule when stopping the medication.

4. Don’t mix medications

Combining drugs can sometimes lead to unpredictable interactions. This is the case for both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, including sleeping pills.

For instance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that benzodiazepines may cause life threatening breathing difficulties if you take them with other medications that affect the central nervous system. 

Similarly, a 2021 literature review found that some sleeping medications can interact with COVID-19 treatments.

To ensure your safety while taking OTC or prescription sleeping aids, always inform your healthcare professional about any supplements and medications you take. 

5. Don’t take before activities that require alertness

Some sleeping pills cause drowsiness and affect coordination even hours after taking them.

The FDA emphasizes that you shouldn’t drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other activities that demand full attention shortly after taking sleeping pills.

6. Explore underlying causes of sleep disturbances

While sleeping pills may provide temporary relief, addressing the root causes of insomnia can support your longer-term well-being. 

The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following ways may help with insomnia: 

• increasing physical activity
• making any necessary dietary changes, like avoiding heavy meals before bed
• managing stress
• improving “sleep hygiene,” like making sure your bedroom is cool and dark
• avoiding stimulants like nicotine and caffeine before bed
• getting tested for sleep issues such as obstructive sleep apnea 

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) may also help.

7. Be cautious of using with alcohol

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism emphasizes that combining alcohol with certain medications, including some sleeping drugs, can be dangerous. 

For instance, drinking alcohol with some anti-insomnia drugs could cause: 

• overdose
• injuries
• memory loss
• impaired motor function and coordination
• balance issues
• breathing difficulties

Plus, while it might feel like alcohol helps you fall asleep, it worsens the quality of your sleep. Specifically, alcohol limits how much of the important, deep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep you get. It can also increase snoring and sleep apnea, further affecting your sleep quality. 

8. Understand the potential side effects

Familiarize yourself with the common side effects of your sleeping medications:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness (somnolence) 
• taste changes
• headaches
• weakness (asthenia)
• fatigue (neurasthenia)
• pain
• memory loss (amnesia)
• dizziness
• sedation
• nausea
• speech issues
• daytime impairment

9. Store safely

Store your medications as instructed on the label. This will likely include keeping them in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlights that you should keep the medications in the original packaging with the safety lock secured, out of sight and reach of children and pets. 

10. Never share medication

A healthcare professional prescribes sleeping pills based on individual needs, and sharing them might not be safe. Never share your prescription medication with others, even if they seem to have similar sleep issues.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

How long does it take for a sleep medication to work?

The onset of action varies depending on the specific sleeping medication. Generally, prescription medications work within just 1 hour. 

For instance, the maximal effects of eszopiclone (Lunesta) occur after around 1 hour, while temazepam (Restoril) can start working within just 10–20 minutes. 

Types of sleep medications

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines lists these possible prescription sleep medications, which you can discuss with your healthcare professional:

• Orexin receptor antagonists:
  • suvorexant (Belsomra)
  • lemborexant (Dayvigo)
  • daridorexant (Quviviq)
• Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (benzodiazepines and Z drugs):
  • eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • zaleplon (Sonata)
  • zolpidem (Ambien)
• Benzodiazepines:
  • triazolam (Halicion) 
  • temazepam (Restoril)
• Melatonin receptor agonists:
  • ramelteon (Rozerem) 
• Tricyclic antidepressant:
  • doxepin

In addition, a 2015 study notes that the following over-the-counter antihistamines may promote sleep:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)

Some healthcare professionals prescribe the antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) off label for insomnia due to its effectiveness. It also carries a low chance of dependence.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Summary

Sleep medications can help you get enough quality sleep, but you will need to take some safety precautions. 

For instance, it’s important not to take with alcohol or other medications and not to drive shortly after taking them. You should also make sure to stick to the dosage and duration your healthcare professional has prescribed.