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Sleep medications are some of the most prescribed drugs, and often the most abused. Many people begin taking sleep medications to deal with insomnia but continue because they enjoy the pleasant feeling or because they are dependent on sleep medications to deal with the stresses in their lives. Other times people continue to use sleep medications just because the withdrawal symptoms are very unpleasant. The best thing to do is avoid prescription sleep medications if possible, and instead use natural remedies to cure sleep problems. There is no potential for unwanted and unexpected addiction with a natural supplement. You of course do not need to worry about side effects or overdose when taking a natural supplement, unlike pharmaceutical sleep medications. I will concede that there are people who genuinely need pharmaceutical sleep medications, but they are not the majority of people being prescribed them. Other options should be thoroughly explored before this point.

Sleeping pills come in many different forms, but the two most common are benzodiazepines (sleeping pills like Ativan and Valium) and sleeping pills like Ambien. While they are usually effective in the treatment of insomnia induced by anxiety, they risks and side effects of prescription sleeping pills can be extreme and far outweigh the benefits. For example, Xanax has been known to cause hallucinations, blurred vision and sometimes even increased anxiety and depression, which exacerbates insomnia. Ambien sleeping pills also quickly induce sleep but still have a wide range of negative side effects. In addition, Ambien can cause an overdose and is suspected in the death of actor Heath Ledger. Because of all of this, prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended and even doctors won't prescribe them for long periods of time. Herbal supplements and relaxation techniques should be used in place of sleeping pills wherever possible.

There are sleep disorders like sleep apnea which have definite physical causes, and then there are sleep disorders like onset insomnia which are caused by psychological factors. The second category of sleep disorders is actually more easily treated. With the use of herbal supplements sleep disorders caused by insomnia are effectively treated, though far too many people immediately go for prescription drugs. Sleep disorders do not always require these sorts of drugs, and ideally they should be reserved for only the most difficult and severe cases. Relaxation techniques, change of lifestyle and cognitive therapy can all be very effective in treating anxiety related sleep disorders. The problem with using Ambien to get to sleep is it can be hard to stop, and it can also lead to overdose if not used properly. This is because of the immediate euphoric feeling associated with it can become very addictive. For mild to moderate sleep disorders other methods should first be considered. Sweet dreams.

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