Sleep Disorder Treatments – Medications
Medications are generally prescribed to treat insomnia. There are several types of medications available, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.
Medicinal and Herbal Treatments for Insomnia
Benzodiazepines
The most commonly-used class of drugs prescribed for insomnia. Includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam. These medications can be addictive, particularly after taking them over long periods of time.
Non-benzodiazepine prescription drugs
Includes drugs such as Ambien and Lunesta. These drugs have a cleaner side effect profile than benzodiazepines but do appear to cause psychological dependence and physical dependence.
Melatonin
A hormone that has proved effective for some insomniacs in regulating the sleep/waking cycle.
Over-the-counter sleep aids
Many of these sleep aids use the antihistamine diphenhydramine. The effectiveness of these aids often decrease over time and next-day sedation is common. However, dependence does not seem to be an issue with this class of drugs.
Herbs
Valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and passion-flower are some of the more common herbs used to aid sleep.
