List of medications for insomnia: non-addictive, for elderly and young people, names and prices.

Good health largely depends on restful sleep, during which the body restores strength and energy. At the same time, long-term or even short-term manifestations of a failure to rest at night can have a negative impact on well-being.

If you have regular sleep disturbances (insomnia), you can use sleeping pills - hypnotics, which do not require a doctor's prescription to purchase. More than half of these drugs do not cause negative effects, but can cause addiction, which in severe cases is accompanied by severe withdrawal symptoms.

To avoid negative consequences from taking hypnotics, you need to choose the right sleeping pills. At the pharmacy you can buy sleeping pills without prescriptions, both for older people and young people, but will they help... This and other nuances, such as the name and price when choosing hypnotics, will be discussed in this article.

What it is

These are sleep pills, sold with or without a prescription, and are effective in restoring the nervous system.

Medicines are necessary to normalize rest, since its deficiency overstimulates the central nervous system. This becomes the “start” of the patient’s deterioration in well-being.

Medicines have a number of effective qualities:

• reduce fatigue;
• normalize blood pressure;
• increase resistance to external factors;
• saturate the body with essential amino acids and microelements;
• accelerate metabolic and energy processes.

Important! There are many reasons for the occurrence of insomnia or other sleep disorders. The disease is eliminated by prescribing tablets and drops for sleep. The choice of drug depends on the form of the disorder and the general condition of the patient.

Sleeping pills differ in composition, active ingredients and pharmacodynamics. Some are addictive or used in people with severe mental disorders.

Other medicines are made from medicinal plants and belong to homeopathy.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine has in its arsenal many effective remedies for insomnia.

1. Healers consider herbal pillows, which can be stuffed with immortelle flowers, dry hop cones, pine needles, mint, geranium and oregano, to be a good sleeping pill at home for quickly falling asleep and sound sleep.
2. A decoction of garlic and legumes, to which you need to add sunflower oil, helps. The resulting mixture is applied to whiskey before going to bed.
3. Boil a whole apple over low heat for an hour in a liter of water, drink the remaining liquid for several days in a row.
4. In the fight against insomnia, herbal baths are considered an excellent remedy; they soothe, relax and induce healthy and sound sleep. Sometimes taking chamomile, calendula, mint and string flowers with flowers is enough, and sleep quickly returns to normal. Everyone knows the benefits of pine baths.

Decoctions recommended by traditional healers for poor sleep:

1. Pumpkin pulp with natural honey, take half a glass before bed.
2. Chamomile without tongue should be boiled for 15 minutes in sweetened boiling water. Drink hot one hour before bedtime.

Infusions:

1. Viburnum bark. Take 10 g of crushed medicinal raw materials and leave for 30 minutes. Drink one tbsp three times a day. l before meals.
2. Hawthorn flowers. For half an hour, brew one tablespoon in 100 ml of boiling water. raw materials. Take 3-4 tbsp. l. in a day

Instead of tablets, you should use harmless means: for example, you can drink warm milk with a spoonful of honey, and then suck on a piece of sugar with 30-40 drops of valerian on it.

If you have sleep disturbances, you should use mild, harmless tranquilizers, avoiding taking potent drugs. This will eliminate the body’s addiction and dependence on the components of the medications.

It is important to remember that before using any sleeping pills, you must consult a specialist and follow the rules for taking them.

Purposes of application

Before determining the goal of therapy, it is important to identify the causes of the disorder.

1. Changes in hormonal levels in women of menopausal and reproductive age.
2. Pregnancy and adaptation after childbirth.
3. Chronic failure of the cardiovascular system.
4. Systemic respiratory diseases.
5. Uncontrolled use of diuretic drugs.
6. Stress and depression.
7. Addictions.

The goal of therapy is to relieve the patient of the disorder and restore vitality by normalizing night rest.

It is important to note that if the disease is caused by severe disorders of the central nervous system, then treatment is selected taking into account the disease. Remedies for insomnia are part of complex therapy.

Indications for use:

• violation due to professional activities;
• nervous experiences and stressful situations;
• fear of nightmares;
• shortness of breath in the evening or a slight increase in blood pressure;
• age-related changes;
• frequent changes of mood;
• irritability;
• gestational period.

Note! Pregnant women are also allowed medications for sleep, but the selection is carried out by a doctor to prevent all sorts of developmental abnormalities in the baby.

Herbal remedies

Among the many drugs, there are vitamin complexes for insomnia, produced on medicinal herbs containing valerian root, motherwort, lemon balm, primrose, passionflower.

They have a mild sedative effect, relieve fear and anxiety, and improve sleep for patients suffering from insomnia.

You can use ready-made soothing mixtures, apply them, drink them, or brew them as herbal teas.

Patients respond positively to the use of popular herbal preparations:

• Persena;
• Novo-Passita;
• Sonilyuksa;
• Sedistress.

Constantly being in a stressful situation and fatigue lead to depletion of the body's vital resources.

Poor nutrition, lack of folic acid (B9), vitamins A, C, group B also plays a negative role.

Kinds

Medicines for restoring somnia are divided into groups. Depending on the underlying pathology and clinical manifestations of insomnia, certain medications are used.

On herbs

A common type of pharmaceutical substances are herbal tablets, drops and solutions. Valerian infusion, motherwort, peppermint, and chamomile are used as herbal ingredients.

Representatives of this group have a minimum of contraindications and side effects. They are allowed for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Herbal tablets for insomnia without addiction, normalize the process, and have a sedative effect.

Such drugs are ineffective for moderate nervous system disorders and endocrine pathologies.

Over-the-counter sleeping pills

Over-the-counter insomnia medications for older adults can be great for combating the symptoms of poor sleep. These medicines contain ingredients of natural origin, and therefore this medicine has virtually no contraindications or adverse reactions. At the moment, the following hypnotics are in greatest demand:

• Valerian, available in tablet form, costs on average 65-75 rubles. An excellent herbal hypnotic that has a subtle effect on the nervous system without causing indigestion or bloating. It can be used not only as a means to improve sleep, but also to treat headaches and excessive anxiety. One of the disadvantages of this drug is that some people have an individual intolerance to this drug.

Synthetic

The largest group is drugs of synthetic origin. Representatives of this group are divided according to the active substance and principle of action.

Barbiturates, benzodiazepine and ethanolamine derivatives, histamine receptor blockers are pharmaceutical drugs obtained synthetically.

Depending on the therapeutic effect and “addiction syndrome,” drugs are divided into prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Synthetic remedies for insomnia are effective and have a high therapeutic effect.

Over the counter

Drugs sold in pharmacies without a prescription are based on nootropic action.

1. Donormil is an antihistamine with a sedative effect. Donormil does not cause addiction, does not accumulate in the body, and has a minimum of contraindications.
2. Melaxen is the active substance artificially induced melatonin. It is not addictive and has a high therapeutic effect.
3. Sonata is a powerful hypnotic substance that prolongs dreams and causes rapid sleep, while preserving all phases of somnia.

By prescription only

Doctors write a prescription for any pharmaceutical drug, taking into account the indications for use.

Dispensing drugs without the appropriate document is punishable by an administrative fine.

Drugs in this group include:

• Phenazepam is a synthetic tranquilizer that corrects sleep in small quantities;
• Phenobarbital is a barbiturate used in severe cases;
• Nitrazepam;
• Thiazolam;
• Diphenhydramine.

Review of effective remedies

Medicines come in fast and slow action. The first ones cause instant relaxation and make you fall asleep, but not for long. The latter are not recommended for older people, as their body may not be able to withstand the load and side effects.

Strong sleeping pills can help relieve insomnia, but they should only be used as a last resort and as directed. To avoid complications, the appointment must be agreed with a doctor.

List of limited acquisitions of hypnotics:

• Phenazepam;
• Gidazepam;
• Phenobarbital;
• Lorazepam;
• Zopiclone;
• Zolpidem;
• Zaleplon;
• Donormil.

Phenazepam

Gidazepam
These medications can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription, as they are addictive and can be subject to abuse and uncontrolled use, which will negatively affect health.

When pronouncing the name of an effective drug, the doctor must clearly describe how and when to take it, taking into account the severity of the sleep disorder.

Potent drugs are available in drops, tablets, gel or glycerin capsules, syrups, and tinctures.

Barbiturates

Sleep tablets based on barbituric acid, the effect of which is similar to a narcotic effect (Reladorm, Phenobarbital), are indicated for serious problems with falling asleep, repeated awakenings at night, but after taking them drowsiness, apathy, irritability, headaches and muscle pain occur. Causes different types of addiction – mental and physical. Therefore, recently they are practically not prescribed or are recommended to be taken with caution. Prescription medications include:

• Phenobarbital;
• Butizol;
• Hexabarbital;
• Etaminal sodium;
• Talbutal;
• Repozal;
• Barbamil;
• Fiorinal;
• Nembutal;
• Brevital.

The action of barbiturates begins 15-40 minutes after administration. The effect is similar to alcohol: if you take a small dose, calm and relaxation sets in, and large doses cause a staggering gait, slow speech, and sluggish reflexes. Overdose leads to coma or death.

A person who has taken the recommended dose of sleeping pills sleeps soundly like a baby, so many are accustomed to using these drugs. People with low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, and suicidal tendencies also have a tendency towards them.

Barbiturate addiction is similar to opiate addiction. After stopping the medication on the second day, the person experiences anxiety, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, and cannot sleep.

According to statistics, barbiturates cause the greatest harm to girls, in whose bodies they can accumulate, especially during menstruation or pregnancy. They are very toxic and can be fatal.

Today, the barbiturate Phenobarbital is used more in the treatment of epilepsy, and in combination with vasodilators and antispasmodics, it is used for the treatment of neurovegetative disorders. In small doses, it is part of Corvalol and Valocordin, which are used to treat the heart.

Benzodiazepines

Some doctors believe that this is the best prescription sleeping pill. Initially, these psychoactive substances were prescribed to relieve muscle tension; later they began to be used as tranquilizers, since these drugs affect the transmission of nerve signals in the central nervous system.

For sound sleep, medications are produced:

• Valium;
• Ativan;
• Versed;
• Diazepam;
• Halcyon;
• Verstrand;
• Xanax;
• Midazalaam;
• Lorazepam.

Medicines are produced in the form of tablets and ampoules (for oral and intramuscular administration). Midazolam can be administered to children in the form of rectal suppositories, and can also be used for anesthesia.

Medicinal sleeping pills can in some cases protect the brain from hypoxia; they are also used in critical conditions of the patient. But they cause side effects - drowsiness and loss of coordination. Taking benzodiazepines can lead to long-term addiction. Therefore, the duration of treatment is minimally short.

Z-drugs

New generation sleeping pills - the so-called Z-drugs, or non-benzodiazepines, are represented on the pharmacological market by three drugs: Zopiclone, Zolpidem and Zaleplon. They have advantages over benzodiazepines: faster sleep onset, longer rest time, less addictive potential, shorter half-life.

The structure of such drugs is different, but they have one thing in common: the effect on a specific area of ​​the brain that is responsible for inducing sleep.

Each such strong sleeping pill is prescribed by prescription. Z-preparations are available in tablets.

Antihistamines

Potent antihistamine sleeping pills provide a person with complete rest throughout the night and are an excellent assistant in the fight against allergies. One of the best means for falling asleep quickly and soundly is Donormil, which is often sold in pharmacies under the name Sonmil. It blocks histamine receptors due to the content of the active component. The drug gives the patient the desired pleasant dreams throughout the night. It should be used with caution to treat children under 15 years of age; people suffering from apnea, problems with urination, glaucoma; elderly. The drug can be used during pregnancy.

A side effect of some antiallergic medications is a tendency to drowsiness. Therefore, they can be used for sleep disorders:

• Diphenhydramine;
• Diazolin;
• Suprastin;
• Fenkarol;
• Pipolfen.

Diazolin

Suprastin
However, a sedative sedative in the morning can cause undesirable consequences: headache, confusion, feeling of lack of sleep, tinnitus. More serious problems are disorders in the organs of the cardiovascular system and blood, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system.

Hypnotic

Good sleep and bright dreams - this is the effect of the main class of drugs used to correct sleep. The fast-acting sleeping pill Melaxen has proven itself to be excellent, providing instant results. It is not addictive, there are practically no side complications, and it is approved for use by many patients, even those who have problems with various organs. It is usually recommended when changing time zones, working on a rotational basis, and so on.

Similar medications for insomnia:

• Vita-melatonin;
• Circadin;
• Doloxenus;
• Melarithm.

For children, pregnant women and the elderly

Children under 16 years of age, pregnant women and the elderly belong to a special group. Due to physiological changes in the body, unreasonable sleep disturbances occur.

Representatives of this category are prescribed semi-synthetic or herbal medicines, but taking into account the cause of insomnia.

Motherwort or NovoPassit are preferred for pregnant women.

For children with severe disorders, barbiturates, for the elderly, Phenazepam, Thiazolam, Afobazol.

Important! Only a doctor can select a medication based on age, because the drugs have different compositions and contraindications.

Combination pills for insomnia without addiction

Combination tablets include:

• Novo-Passit tablets - contain extracts of soothing herbs and an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety effect); side effects: lethargy, dizziness, nausea; not prescribed under the age of 12 years;
• Persen tablets - contain valerian, lemon balm, mint; eliminates tension, anxiety, promotes falling asleep and the development of physiological sleep; side effects: allergies, constipation; contraindications: low blood pressure, calculous cholecystitis, pregnancy, lactation, age under 12 years;

• Fitorelax tablets – contain valerian and hawthorn; calming effect, promotes sleep; side effects - lethargy in the morning; contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, childhood.

Advantages and disadvantages

As with any other therapy, there are pros and cons to drug-based sleep treatment. Disadvantages are due to side effects from the central nervous system, ineffectiveness and an increased risk of sleep failure.

However, some diseases force the doctor and the patient to resort to tranquilizers.

The advantage of treatment is the normalization of dreams and replenishment of energy. In order for sleep medications to be of greater benefit, you should seek qualified medical help.

Precautionary measures

The best way to regain sound sleep without risking your health is to consult a doctor about this problem. Forgetting about insomnia forever by simply buying the first sleeping pill you see at the pharmacy is a difficult task even for a young person, and even dangerous in old age. If the medicine is chosen incorrectly, the consequences can be very serious, including disturbances in the nervous system, heart attack or sleep apnea.

In old age, the risk of developing dependence on sleeping pills increases significantly, so it is recommended to use drugs of this kind for no longer than 2 weeks, gradually reducing the dosage and focusing on safer ways to combat insomnia.

Long-term use of drugs that improve the quality of night rest is fraught with poor health. Patients over 60 years of age often experience causeless headaches, decreased speed of thinking, memory impairment, impaired coordination, general weakness, increased fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders.

Possible side effects

With proper treatment, side effects are extremely rare and can be easily eliminated.

Doctors note that patients who do not comply with the regimen often complain:

• for headaches;
• muscle fatigue;
• excessive sleepiness;
• mild allergies.

Sometimes adverse reactions negatively affect the liver parenchyma and skin. Each medication has its own side effects.

Non-benzodiazepine drugs (z-group) for the treatment of insomnia

They differ from benzodiazepines in the structure of the molecule, but have a similar mechanism of action on the central nervous system. Representatives of this group (Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Zaleplon) have a hypnotic effect due to binding to GABA receptors. They are mainly used in elderly patients in short courses, since long-term use is addictive.

Studies by American physiologists show that there are no clear differences in the soporific effect on the patient’s body between benzodiazepines and z-drugs. There are still discussions in scientific circles about the effectiveness and safety of using this group for the treatment of insomnia.

In normal doses, these drugs do not have anticonvulsant, anxiolytic or muscle relaxant effects. They speed up the time it takes to fall asleep, reduce the number of night awakenings, and improve the overall quality of night sleep. A positive aspect is the absence of daytime sleepiness. The drugs are used daily before bedtime, 1 tablet. Z-drugs are usually well tolerated, but sometimes side effects such as weakness and drowsiness are possible. Contraindications are similar to benzodiazepines.

Modern sleeping pills Z-groups

With prolonged use, addiction may occur!

Features of application

The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor.

If you prefer herbal medicines, according to the instructions for use - 1 tablet twice a day for 30 days.

Motherwort and Valerian are intended for symptomatic treatment.

Medicines for insomnia are washed down with water, supplemented by taking multivitamin complexes and improved nutrition.

If there is no result, additional examinations are carried out by highly specialized specialists.

Overview of sleeping pills available without prescription

The list of sleeping pills that are available without a doctor's prescription contains effective drugs in the form of tablets, tinctures or drops that can normalize and improve sleep duration.

Donormil

Donormil is a sleeping pill with doxylamine succinate, which has a pronounced sedative effect. Tablets are prescribed for insomnia and transient sleep disorders.

The rapid action of Donormil lasts for a long time and consists of reducing the number of awakenings, improving the quality of night sleep, without affecting the natural phases of brain function during sleep.

The course of treatment lasts from 2 to 5 days, and potentially dangerous activities (for example, driving) that require active psychomotor reactions should be excluded.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages during therapy is excluded, since the combination of ethanol with Donormil can lead to drowsiness and significant depression of the central nervous system.

Melaxen

Melaxen is a drug based on a chemical analogue of melatonin, synthesized from amino acids of plant origin. The drug can be purchased without a prescription to normalize circadian rhythms, improve sleep, and reduce the number of awakenings.

The advantage of Melaxen is the absence of lethargy throughout the day, good health in the morning after waking up. The drug helps normalize the psychological state during stress or jet lag.

Melaxen should be taken 30-40 minutes before bedtime once a day. When using the product, take into account that melatonin enhances the effect of sedatives and beta blockers on the body, and can also have an effect on the reproductive system of women as a weak contraceptive.

Teraligen

Tetraligen is a neuroleptic drug (has moderate antipsychotic activity), contains alimemazine, which affects different groups of receptors (dopamine, adrenaline) in the brain.

The drug has a whole range of pharmacological effects - sedative, antiallergic and antitussive. Teraligen is used for lack of sleep, to normalize the mental state and eliminate insomnia due to neuroses.

During the treatment period, it is recommended to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and for long-term use, conduct a blood test every 2-3 months to monitor the condition of the liver.

Valocordin

Valocordin is a drug in drops based on phenobarbital and ethyl bromizovalerianate - substances with a sedative, relaxing and mild hypnotic effect.

The drug is used for insomnia, difficulty falling asleep due to neuroses, increased irritability, stress, anxiety, pain in the heart area not associated with diseases of the heart muscle.

Valocordin provides sound sleep and quick fall asleep, but is not recommended for use by older people (due to addiction). When using drops for a long time, unpleasant health consequences appear in the form of changes in heart rate, hypotension, depression, deterioration of coordination, urticaria, and dermatitis.

Korvaltab

Corvaltab is a sedative based on phenobarbital, ethyl ester of alpha-bromoisovaleric acid and mint oil, which is prescribed for insomnia, hypertension, neuroses, tachycardia, vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Like Valocordin, Corvaltab has a calming effect for 5-7 minutes, and after 10-15 minutes it ensures good sleep (when taking 3 tablets at a time). Since the drug is a symptomatic remedy and does not treat the cause of the sleep disorder, frequent use of Corvaltab is not recommended to prevent addiction.

Corvaltab is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus, arterial hypotension, kidney and liver dysfunction, severe heart failure, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Peony tincture

Tincture of peony evasive - contains peony root, leaves and ethyl alcohol. The tincture is prescribed for somatoform dysfunction of the nervous system, neurasthenia and sleep disorders.

The therapeutic effect of the tincture is to normalize the emotional background and biological rhythms. The drug for the treatment of sleep disorders reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, increases resistance to stress and helps to quickly get rid of insomnia.

Side effects of the drug include decreased blood pressure, increased blood viscosity, and heartburn as a result of increased stomach acidity.

The tincture should be taken taking into account the appearance of a hypnotic effect, which occurs after 1-1.5 hours and lasts for 3-4 hours, no more than two weeks, and then take a break for 2-3 months.

Evening dragee

The evening pellet contains powdered valerian roots, peppermint leaves and hop fruits, and is used for nervous agitation and the consequences of sleep deficiency.

The dragee has a sedative and hypnotic effect, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, moderately reduces blood pressure, and also relieves pain caused by neuralgia and migraine.

The natural composition of the drug ensures complete sleep without consequences. Contraindications to the use of the drug are individual intolerance.

Lotusonic

Lotusonic is a herbal preparation with a natural composition (lotus seed powder, yam root, thuja extract, Chinese date and mulberry leaves). Indications for the use of Lotosonic are neurasthenia, insomnia, fatigue, and increased excitability.

Lotusonicum has a wide pharmacological effect: it not only normalizes sleep, but also reduces blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and improves the functioning of the nervous system.

Lotusonic should be used for insomnia in the evening for 30 days. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in case of individual sensitivity to the components.

Morpheus

Morpheus is a spray with extracts of hawthorn, peony, motherwort, oregano, peppermint and other medicinal herbs.

Indications for the use of the spray are insomnia of various origins, increased psychological stress, neurotic conditions, vegetative-vascular dystonia, restless legs syndrome.

The drug helps restore proper sleep, reduces the number of awakenings at night, eliminates morning drowsiness, and increases performance. The course of treatment should be no more than a month. The spray is sprayed under the tongue (3-5 presses), and the effect appears within 20-30 minutes.

Sleepy

Sleepy is a dietary supplement in tablets with herbal composition (motherwort, hop cones, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon balm), which has a calming, antispasmodic, analgesic and hypnotic effect.

The use of Sleepy tablets helps normalize circadian rhythms, improves falling asleep, ensures normal sleep, while reducing daytime sleepiness and weakness after waking up.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are allergies to components, pregnancy, breastfeeding and diabetes mellitus (the composition contains sugar).

Sleep formula

The sleep formula is a tablet containing medicinal plants (extracts of hops, motherwort, esoltia), as well as magnesium and B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin).

The effect of the medicine is cumulative and consists of normalizing the nervous system, reducing agitation and anxiety, rapid onset and improving the quality of sleep in mild forms of insomnia.

The drug is also available in capsules “Strengthened formula with plant melatonin”, in the form of a colloidal solution and syrup for children.

Normoxan

Normoxan is a natural sleeping pill based on medicinal plants (baikal skullcap, valerian, passionflower) and amino acids (L-theanine, 5-hydroxytryptophan), which affect brain neurons and enhance the effect of the therapeutic complex.

You can use Normoxan for difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings, feeling drowsy during the day, increased anxiety and irritability, and stress. The drug not only provides adequate sleep, but also improves mood due to the amino acid content in the composition.

Nervonorm

Nervonorm is a dietary supplement in tablet form containing five calming herbs: lemon balm, valerian, motherwort, hops and hawthorn.

The use of Nervonorm makes it possible to adjust the duration of sleep, helps to fall asleep quickly, and eliminate acute reactions to stressful situations. The supplement also helps reduce the blood lipid profile and has a general strengthening and analgesic effect.

The product has no contraindications (except for allergies to components) and is not addictive. The cumulative effect of the tablets appears after 2-3 weeks. Nervonorm should be taken 2 times a day, 1 tablet, and at high levels of stress (for example, during exams) 3 times a day.

Persen nocturnal

Presen night is a medicinal complex of valerian rhizomes, lemon balm leaves and mint in the form of capsules, which has a calming and antispasmodic effect. The drug has a quick effect and eliminates insomnia caused by stress or increased emotional excitability.

Capsules are taken in the evening, 1-2 pieces. The optimal duration of treatment is up to a month. You should not use the product for longer than 1.5-2 months without breaks, since the effectiveness of Persen is reduced due to addiction to the herbal components.

It is not recommended to use the drug for diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract, arterial hypotension, pregnancy, lactation, under the age of 12 years and in case of an allergic reaction.

Possible restrictions

Herbal medicines are limited in use in the presence of hypersensitivity to the main component. Potent drugs are contraindicated in the following cases:

• endocrine diseases;
• muscle tissue atrophy;
• liver or kidney failure;
• gestational period;
• thromboembolism.

Note! Each medicine in the kit comes with individual instructions, which contain information about contraindications for use.

Sleeping pills: purpose, classification

Sleeping pills often have a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Some types of medications act “pointwise,” on individual brain areas, but there are also other medications that suppress the entire central nervous system (narcotics). Therefore, you need to be careful when prescribing and using these medications yourself.

Currently, there are a huge number of sleeping pills. Most sleep pills can be purchased without a prescription. Their main types and characteristics are presented in this table:

Group name	Impact on the body	Popular drugs	Features of application
Barbiturates	Antispasmodic; anticonvulsant	"Phenobarbital", "Barbital", "Barbamil"	It greatly depresses the respiratory center; after discontinuation of the drug, sleep is disturbed. Contraindicated in children unless absolutely necessary.
Benzodiazepines	Sedative (calming); anticonvulsant	"Phenazepam" "Fenzitate"	Undesirable in old age, cause deep sleep, use is prescribed strictly according to a doctor’s prescription.
Melatonin	Promotes gentle relaxation; reduces reactivity to external stimuli	"Melaxen" "Vita-melatonin"	The drug is harmless, its basis is a chemically synthesized analogue of melatonin, produced in the brain by the pineal gland
Ethanolamines	Antispasmodic; anticonvulsant; sedative	"Donormil"	It has many side effects: dry mouth, decreased visual acuity, dyspepsia and stool disorders, fever. Use is not recommended.
Imidazopyridines	Sedative effect; toxic properties are minimally expressed; quickly normalize the emotional background	"Sanval"	Drugs in this group are considered the best in the treatment of insomnia. Both children and elderly people can use it.

Overdose

Unreasonable use of drugs and exceeding the daily dosage can lead to fatal consequences. Side effects increase, increased drowsiness or introduction to medicinal rest is noted.

When carrying out therapy with strong drugs, respiratory arrest, severe lethargy, heart failure and death cannot be ruled out.

Patients are often concerned about dyspeptic disorders:

• vomiting;
• change in stool character.

This is also one of the signs of an overdose.

The most effective medications for insomnia without addiction

These drugs include:

1. Donormil (Bristol-Myers Squibb, France) is an antihistamine. Promotes sleep, supports normal physiological sleep for 6 hours. Side effects are minor. Contraindicated for glaucoma, urination problems, lactation, and children under 15 years of age. Not contraindicated during pregnancy. Sold in a pharmacy by prescription.
2. Phenibut (Olainfarm, Latvia, Russian pharmaceutical companies) is a nootropic with anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. Facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses to the central nervous system, improves metabolism in brain cells (neurons). It has both a psychostimulating and calming effect, regulates sleep, and increases mental performance. Side effects: daytime drowsiness, headache, dizziness, irritability, nausea. Contraindications: first 12 weeks of pregnancy, lactation, children under 2 years of age. Sold in a pharmacy by prescription.

With long-term use in large doses, it can have a negative effect on the liver.

How to choose the right one

It is better to entrust the choice of medications for insomnia to a doctor. It is the specialist who will conduct the examination, identify the cause of restless sleep and clearly determine the dosage of the pharmaceutical substance.

There are many medications for insomnia. All of them have contraindications, side reactions and negative consequences.

To avoid an unfavorable outcome, as well as to achieve maximum effectiveness from therapy, you should follow the doctor’s prescription. If there are primary signs of overdose, immediately seek qualified help.

Other non-addictive sleep medications

Popular new generation products are not suitable for everyone. The reason is the presence of current contraindications, intolerance to the composition, sale by prescription or other factors. As an alternative, modern medicine offers other groups of pills to normalize sleep:

• over-the-counter insomnia medications;
• medicines with natural composition;
• hormone-based tablets;
• homeopathic medicines.

Regardless of the group of tablets you choose, you should definitely consult your doctor before starting treatment. The specialist will recommend the optimal course of treatment and, if necessary, adjust the treatment regimen.

Sleeping pills without a prescription

Pharmacies do not require a doctor’s permission when purchasing medications that are recognized as harmless to health. This category includes herbal sleep-improving tablets, vitamin complexes, and the previously mentioned neurohormones and antihistamines. The rating of the most popular and safe over-the-counter medications for insomnia includes the following medications:

№	Name	Compound	Form	Method of administration
1	"Valerian"	Valerian root	Pills	1 table each before breakfast, lunch and dinner
2	"Motherwort forte"	Magnesium, vitamin B6, motherwort	Pills	Morning and evening, 1-2 tablets. during meals
3	"Persen"	Valerian, mint, lemon balm	Capsules	1 capsule 3 times a day
4	"Novo-Passit"	Hawthorn, guaifenesin, valerian, oldflower, elderberry, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hops	Pills	1-2 tables each. 1 time per day
5	"Sleep Formula Evalar"	Eschscholzia, hops, B vitamins (1, 6, 12), magnesium, motherwort	Pills	2 tables each half an hour before bedtime
6	"Ortho-Taurine"	B vitamins (1, 6, 9, 12), tocopherol	Capsules	1 capsule one hour before bedtime.
7	"Glycine"	Glycine microencapsulated	Pills	Before going to bed, 1 tablet.
8	"Valocordin"	Phenobarbital, ethyl bromoisovalerate	Drops	15-20 drops 3 times a day

The duration of use depends on the severity of insomnia. Before using the tablets, you must carefully study the instructions.

Hormonal drugs

Hormonal-based drugs restore daily biorhythms due to the presence of melatonin. The artificially synthesized sleep hormone quickly stabilizes the condition and rarely causes adverse reactions. In addition to Melaxen, there are several effective analogues prescribed for insomnia:

• "Vita-Melatonin";
• "Melarena";
• "Cikrkadin";
• "Melarhythm".

Melatonin-based medications help improve sleep and eliminate other problems caused by lack of sleep. It is recommended to take hormonal pills for no more than 2-3 weeks.

Herbal sleep aids

Naturally based medications are gentle and rarely cause adverse reactions. The exception is cases of intolerance to the composition. Preparations from plants with a sedative effect are produced:

• old flower;
• valerian;
• peony;
• chamomile;
• hop;
• St. John's wort;
• lavender;
• motherwort.

The medicine can be purchased or prepared by following a prescription. Herbal medicines are sold in the form of tablets, drops and tinctures. The raw materials for the infusion or decoction can be collected independently or purchased at the pharmacy.

Homeopathy against insomnia

The slogan of homeopathy is: “like cures like.” According to adherents of science, the effect is due to the highly diluted natural components included in the preparations. It is recommended to take the following medications to relieve anxiety and improve sleep:

• "Ignacia";
• "Lycopodium";
• "Aconite";
• "Coffee";
• "Apcenikum album".

It is important to know! Due to the low concentration of active ingredients, many scientists compare homeopathy with placebo. The term refers to the provision of a positive effect due to belief in the effectiveness of a drug that does not have medicinal properties.

In what cases are sleep medications taken for elderly people?

To choose the right sleep medications for the elderly, you should consult a therapist or somnologist . The doctor will determine the cause of insomnia and prescribe appropriate treatment.

If insomnia is caused by a medical condition, medications to treat the underlying disease are prescribed along with sleep medications.

If you have pain that prevents you from sleeping, it is recommended to first identify the cause of the pain. Perhaps after eliminating the pain, sleep will return to normal.

As a rule, a sleep specialist or therapist does not prescribe strong sleeping pills right away. After all, taking tranquilizers by older people can harm the brain.

You should start taking sleeping pills with small dosages. In this case, the risk of side effects will be lower.

As a rule, sleep medications for the elderly are prescribed taking into account the information collected by the doctor. When choosing a sedative, the doctor takes into account the number of night awakenings, morning drowsiness, and the duration of falling asleep. In addition, the state of the nervous system and the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient are taken into account.

Insomnia in the elderly and its causes

The causes of insomnia in the elderly are mainly associated with changes in circadian rhythms that regulate sleep and wakefulness. As you get older, your brain stops producing enough melatonin , a hormone that supports sleep. Normally, the production of this hormone increases in the dark and decreases closer to the morning.

In general, the level of melatonin in the body depends on body weight, hormonal levels, eye health and time spent in light.

In addition, insomnia in the elderly can develop for the following reasons.

• Wrong daily routine . Many older people, having retired, live according to irregular schedules. Because of this, the time of getting up and falling asleep constantly changes, which leads to insomnia.
• Low physical activity . Lack of physical activity does not contribute to good sleep.
• Diseases that cause insomnia . Cardiovascular and neurological diseases can disrupt an older person's sleep. In addition, insomnia at this age may be a consequence of chronic pain or depression.
• Dependence on sleeping pills . In the hope of getting rid of insomnia, an elderly person takes sleeping pills for a long time. However, with their long-term use, the sedative effect is reduced.
• Poor sleeping conditions . Lighting, temperature and humidity in the bedroom affect sleep. In addition, an uncomfortable mattress, as well as an incorrectly selected blanket and pillow, may be to blame for insomnia.
• Stress . Bad news, illness, troubles with loved ones provoke the appearance of insomnia.

Generations of drugs and types

Sleeping pills are divided into three classes. First generation sleeping pills are divided into:

• barbiturates;
• antihistamines;
• medicines containing bromine.

Second-generation hypnotics are represented by a variety of benzodiazepine derivatives. Barbiturates help to increase the period of opening of chemo-dependent channels. Benzodiazepines increase the opening rate. The third generation is a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative. Classified as benzodiazepine-like drugs.

Sleeping pills are divided into groups:

1. Benzodiazepines . These include Phenazepam, Sibazon. When using drugs for more than 14 days, symptoms intensify and dependence appears.
2. Derivatives of barbituric acid . Prescribed for serious sleep problems. These include Phenobarbital, Barbital, Relodorm. Indicated as anticonvulsant, relaxant and hypnotic medications. With a long course, addiction may begin.
3. Medicines with melatonin . This group of funds is as safe as possible. The drugs do not affect sleep cycles and are not addictive. The most popular are Melarenu, Melaxen and others.
4. Z-drugs . The most effective and extremely safe drugs with a hypnotic effect. Long-term use leads to dependence and reverse effects. This group includes Zopiclone, Ivadol, Andante.

Antihistamine sleeping pills affect sleep quality. This group includes Diphenhydramine, Diprazine.

"Reslip"

In Russia, a generic version of Donormila is produced under the name Reslip. The active ingredient, as in the French original, is doxylamine succinate. The drug is devoid of many negative qualities, such as withdrawal syndrome and addiction. However, side effects can still occur when combined with alcohol and sedatives.

Insomnia in the elderly after stroke

In half of the cases, a stroke is accompanied by insomnia. In such a situation, other drugs are prescribed. Let's list them.

• Nicergoline is an alpha-blocker for improving cerebral circulation and combating insomnia.
• Diphenhydramine is a well-known sleeping pill.
• Benzodiazepines are sleeping pills, which include Phenazepam.

Alternative to drugs

If insomnia is caused by external factors, then by eliminating the cause of the sleep disorder, it can be overcome without the use of drugs (baths, auto-training and breathing exercises):

1. Breathing exercises. It should be practiced before going to bed. Lying on your back, draw in your stomach as you exhale, controlling its movement with your hands. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your stomach with air. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Do 20 repetitions.
2. Meditations. It is known that beginners often fall asleep during meditation. This happens due to complete relaxation of the body. You need to relieve tension gradually, moving from top to bottom: starting from your head and ending with your toes.
3. Warm baths . They will be especially beneficial after physical work or a hard day at work, as they relax, relieve muscle spasms, and reduce blood pressure. The water should be warm, but not hot. You can add pine extract, medicinal herbs and essential oils with a sedative effect (lemon balm, cypress, lavender), and sea salt.

Physical exercise will also bring tangible benefits, as it promotes more complete muscle relaxation. But if insomnia has become chronic, it becomes advisable to use medications for sleep.

"Afobazol"

A very mild tranquilizer. In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, it also helps with insomnia. It does not interfere with concentration, does not impair memory, and does not reduce muscle tone. The medicine is absolutely devoid of withdrawal syndrome. This is one of the few tranquilizers that can be taken by the elderly. As a rule, medications of this series are not recommended for older people. These are usually powerful medications that can cause negative and irreversible changes in the nervous system.

Strong sleeping pills - what is available without a prescription?

In any group there are weak and strong drugs, which must be used with particular caution.
Potent hypnotics include:

1. Benzodiazepines : Dormicum, Midazolam, etc.
2. Barbiturates : Brietal, Bellataminal, etc.
3. Z-drugs : Piclodorm, Relaxone, Zopiclone.

These sleeping pills are very strong and are available only with a prescription.

At the end of 2019, Melaxen, a strong sleeping pill for sound sleep, can be purchased without prescriptions. The drug has a mild but effective effect and does not shorten the duration of the sleep phase. You can also buy the sleeping pill Donormil without a prescription. These are perhaps the two best over-the-counter powerful hypnotics.

It is unfortunate to note that all sleeping pills are addictive to varying degrees. But the patient becomes addicted to only some hypnotics quickly, but not to others. Usually, melatonin and diphenhydramine medications are not addictive.

For starters - homeopathy

The question of which sleeping pills can be given to older people with the least harm is taken seriously. It is worth starting the fight against insomnia with drugs containing the least amount of active ingredients. Homeopathy is a suitable option for such cases. Such drugs do not cause inhibition of reactions, drowsiness, and are harmless to health. These drugs fully include:

• “Nervohel” is a homeopathic multicomponent drug that improves falling asleep and the structure of night sleep. It is possible to use other medications with it;
• “Notta” is a complex remedy for eliminating sleep disorders and increased nervous excitability. Acts delicately. Available in drops and tablets;
• "Passidorm" - suitable for older people who often wake up at night. It effectively regulates the duration and quality of sleep. The result does not come instantly, but after some time the drug is able to put a person to sleep, who will get out of bed in the morning rested, feeling a surge of energy.

Insomnia in older age can be caused by various factors, including serious illnesses, therefore, if there are signs of sleep disturbance, you should, without delaying the matter, consult with specialists: a somnologist, a neurologist, a psychotherapist.

Preparations from natural raw materials

For older people, an important aspect is that the medications they take do not harm their health. Therefore, remedies based on medicinal herbs deserve great trust. In many cases, it is preferable to purchase a safe and natural sleeping pill rather than its chemical counterpart.

It is characterized by a soft and delicate effect on the body of an elderly person. The most popular drugs belonging to this group are the following:

1. Motherwort Forte tablets, containing, in addition to the plant indicated in the name, a complex of vitamins and magnesium. Taking them helps improve sleep and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
2. The drug "Dormiplant", produced in tablet form. It contains herbal extracts. We are talking about plants such as lemon balm and valerian. This sleeping pill can relieve nervous tension and gently combat insomnia. However, its use requires increased caution in driving vehicles and work associated with the use of complex mechanisms.
3. "Phytosedan". This medicine is characterized by a high content of many medicinal plants. Its composition is enriched with mint, hops, motherwort, valerian and licorice. The drug has a slight sedative effect, but at the same time can effectively eliminate the problem of sleep disturbances. The duration of treatment should not exceed two weeks.

Although herbal remedies are considered safe, we should not forget about the possibility of allergic reactions to certain plants that are part of them.

Help of sleeping pills for other diseases

Sleeping pills also help with other diseases. This is especially important for pensioners, since old age only expands the list of personal ailments.

• Hypertension. In the initial stages, especially with symptoms of general agitation, hypertensive patients will be helped by sleeping pills that calm and tonic the nervous system. Self-medication is excluded, because the means that help reduce high blood pressure in this case are potent bromine and barbiturates.
• Epilepsy. In the treatment of this disease, bromine also finds use, as does hexamidine, which, in addition to anticonvulsant, has a moderate hypnotic effect.
• Stroke. In patients suffering from insomnia after such a terrible disease, a positive effect is usually achieved with benzodiazepines. But long-term use increases the likelihood of negative consequences, especially in bedridden patients, and is addictive. Because of this, they subsequently resort to antihistamines, which are good at reducing irritability and anxiety. The result is normalization of sleep without getting used to them. Scientists from Stanford University have announced that some insomnia treatments can help restore mobility to people who have had a stroke, regardless of when treatment was started. But for now the work is at the stage of experiments on animals.
• Senile dementia. Sleeping pills and sedatives are widely used for this disease. The choice of medication and dosage is made only by the doctor, since some sleeping pills are tranquilizers, the use of which is extremely undesirable for those suffering from dementia: in small doses, these drugs can increase overexcitation. It is better to give patients sedatives, preferably of plant origin.
• Diabetes. With this disease, the supply of glucose to the cells is disrupted, and as a result of energy starvation of the body, along with the occurrence of other pathologies, sleep is also disrupted. During the night, a person wakes up to 15 times with severe headaches and a feeling of hunger. At the same time, sleeping pills are extremely undesirable for diabetics. Here we can only recommend natural methods: strictly adhere to the daily routine, remove strong tea, coffee, and other tonic drinks from the menu, walk in the fresh air as much as possible, and do not lose heart.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Which sleeping pills can be taken with alcohol and which ones cannot

How to take it correctly

Sleeping pills are not intended for continuous use. They must be used in accordance with the instructions in a small dosage and a short course. This should be enough to restore sleep patterns.

If you ignore the instructions, the drug is addictive, which means that to achieve the desired effect you will have to increase the dosage, and such actions cause serious harm to health. Insomnia can be caused by systemic diseases, in which case sleeping pills are not always effective. Then treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying problem.

About the disease

Insomnia is a persistent systematic sleep disorder in which the processes of falling asleep, waking up, duration and depth are disrupted.
The causes of insomnia in the elderly are:

• decreased production of the sleep hormone melatonin due to age;
• stress, worries due to illness of loved ones, retirement, etc.;
• poor sleep hygiene (bright light, noise, uncomfortable bed);
• mental illnesses: schizophrenia, depression, neurosis, nightmares;
• organic diseases: hypertension, tachycardia, asthma, back problems, bone pain.

Based on the reasons, insomnia in the elderly can be transient, that is, associated with a stressful situation (it often goes away on its own) and chronic.
The latter is caused by physiological changes in the body.

With insomnia, patients complain of:

• prolonged falling asleep;
• frequent awakenings and inability to fall asleep afterwards;
• intermittent shallow sleep;
• reduction in sleep duration;
• feeling weak and tired in the morning;
• drowsiness, lethargy during the day.

These signs directly indicate the presence of insomnia.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor recommends that the patient keep a diary and record the time of falling asleep, waking up, duration of rest, and frequency of waking up in the middle of the night.

The following diagnostic tests are also performed for older people:

• heart cardiogram;
• encephalography;
• MRI of the brain;
• hormone tests;
• blood biochemistry.

These studies are necessary to identify diseases that may cause insomnia.

Indications for use

Over-the-counter sleeping pills for sound sleep are recommended to be taken:

• when you can't fall asleep right away. If a similar problem is observed for 4 weeks or more, night sleep is intermittent, and in the morning it is not possible to fall asleep again;
• with periodic sleep disorders that are a consequence of a disorder of autonomic function;
• when lack of sleep is caused by a mental disorder;
• in the absence of sleep due to emotional overstrain, stress, which is accompanied by irritability and anxiety.

Features of sleeping pill therapy

Before prescribing a sleeping pill for an older patient, the doctor determines the cause of the disorder. A problem caused by external factors can be easily and quickly corrected. In this situation, a mild medication is prescribed in the very minimum dosage.

Treatment with tranquilizers is not recommended for elderly patients. They can provoke irreversible processes and cause a strong blow to the nervous system.

Given the decrease in metabolic rate in old people, they are advised to use reduced doses of drugs. Therapeutic treatment with short-acting medications does not always give a positive result.

It is also undesirable for elderly patients to take barbiturates. They significantly increase the likelihood of cessation of respiratory function during sleep - sleep paralysis. These drugs can provoke the occurrence of apnea syndrome.

Prescription medications

Among the sleeping pills sold in pharmacies only with a prescription written by a doctor, you can see the following:

1. "Phenobarbital" in powder or tablets. The drug has a calming effect. It can be used as a sleeping pill. However, it is intended mainly for the treatment of epilepsy. It can lower blood pressure, cause allergies, and depress the central nervous system. This medicine is prohibited for use by people with kidney problems, liver diseases, alcohol and drug addiction.
2. Andante capsules. This medicine is prescribed in cases of severe sleep disorders. Its use gives a long sleep, does not cause lethargy with weakness when waking up. The drug is contraindicated if the patient has problems with liver function, respiratory dysfunction, or myasthenia gravis.

New items

New generation drugs help cope with stress, improve sleep quality, and eliminate the causes of insomnia. They are quickly eliminated from the body, so there are no aftereffect symptoms in the morning. New medications for insomnia are safer because they only affect the brain receptors responsible for sleep.

• Sonilyuks. The drops contain natural components of plant origin, which quickly enter the bloodstream and improve the psycho-emotional state. The insomnia remedy Sonilux normalizes sleep and eliminates the causes of sleep disturbance, restores heart rhythm and the functioning of the endocrine system.
• Somnol. The action of the drug is aimed at improving the quality and duration of night rest. Long-term treatment does not eliminate the risk of addiction. Prescribed to patients with situational, transient, chronic forms of insomnia.
• Roserem. Recommended for insomnia associated with prolonged falling asleep, promotes sound sleep. The medicine for insomnia Rozerm does not cause side effects or dependence.
• Sonnat. Prescribed for difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, transient persistent and chronic insomnia. The drug does not change the ratio of fast and slow sleep. Does not affect daytime well-being and performance.

Sleeping pills that are addictive

Medicines such as Corvalol and Valocardin are in demand among older people. Their main advantage is their low price. However, according to doctors, these products are unsafe for the health of patients.

They contain phenobarbital, a narcotic substance prescribed only in severe cases. However, despite this, drugs containing it are sold over the counter. The danger of their use lies in the mass of side effects and strong addiction.

Sleeping pills for older people

Due to age-related changes, not all drugs with a hypnotic effect that are over-the-counter are recommended for older people. Among the drugs that help with significant disorders, Melaxen, Valocordin and Donormil should be highlighted. Drugs that should be taken for minor disorders: Glycine and Afobazole.

You must strictly follow the instructions. Just because a sleeping pill is available without a prescription doesn't mean it can't have negative effects on the body. To ensure that drugs taken for sound and healthy sleep do not cause significant harm to health, therapy should be short-term.

Sleep disorders

In order to choose the right sleeping pill, the doctor must determine the nature of the patient’s sleep disorder.
Most hypnotics can only affect a specific disorder, and not all disorders at once. The following sleep disorders are distinguished:

• if disturbances occur only during falling asleep - presomnia disorder;
• with intrasomnic disorder, light sleep and frequent waking up are observed;
• post-somnia disorders require adjustment if you are concerned about the problem of early rise and daytime sleepiness.

All of the above violations indicate an insufficient amount of sleep, since it does not restore strength and does not provide rest. In addition, a number of other disorders are associated with the human sleep process:

• insomnia – disruption of the process of falling asleep or sleep itself;
• hypersomnia – the need for prolonged sleep, which can be caused by unhealthy processes in the body;
• parasomnia – walking and talking in sleep, heavy dreams;
• snoring caused by the characteristics of the body;
• apnea is the sudden cessation of breathing during sleep.

All these disorders arise for various reasons: violation of the day-night routine, emotional stress, mental illness.

Why do sleep disorders occur in older people?

Complaints of difficulty falling asleep and resting at night are very common. However, they do not always indicate health problems. Often this condition is also provoked by various psychosomatic and external factors. In addition, there are physiological changes that occur due to old age.

To find out the cause of the disease, the first step is to consider age-related changes in the structure of falling asleep. Over the years, the duration of sleep in people decreases (6-7 hours); for older people, this figure is approximately 5 hours. They often wake up during the night.

External factors include the following:

• stuffy and dry air in the room where a person goes to sleep;
• snoring of a partner and other noises around;
• overly soft bed;
• heavy and hot blanket;
• changing where you sleep, for example, moving to a nursing home;
• a hearty and satisfying meal.
• insufficient physical activity on the body during daylight hours.

Psychological factors include:

• stressful situations;
• feeling of loneliness;
• quarreling;
• mental illnesses (depression, dementia, anxiety);
• problems associated with alcohol use or drug addiction.

Somatic pathologies include:

• pain syndrome of various origins;
• cramps in the limbs at night;
• problems with heart function and lung function;
• coughing or rhinorrhea;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• low blood sugar levels;
• nocturnal hypoglycemia.

It must be remembered that some medications can cause side effects such as disturbed sleep. These include antiarrhythmic drugs, beta blockers, and cough suppressants.

If the cause is external factors, then special attention should be paid to improving the quality of sleep without medications. In other cases, you should see a doctor so that he can properly select a safe sleeping pill for older people.

Sleeping pills: classification

According to the mechanism and spectrum of their action, as well as additional factors influencing the sleep process, hypnotics are divided into:

1. Benzodiazepines are used as a sedative (at a small dosage), anti-anxiety (at an average dosage) and as a powerful hypnotic (when used in high concentrations), as well as antispasmodic. These include: Nitrazepam, Flunitrazepam, Triazolam, etc.
2. Barbiturates are excellent for relieving anxiety and insomnia. Their action is based on central nervous system suppression, which begins on average 20-30 minutes after administration. Barbiturates promote the onset of deep sleep. This group includes: Barbital, Estimal, Barbital-sodium, etc.
3. Cyclopyrrolones are potent drugs that provide prolonged sleep, but cause morning and afternoon drowsiness. They should not be used by those who drive a car. The sleep phase usually begins half an hour after taking it and lasts 6-8 hours. Zopiclone represents this group.
4. Ethanolamines help with primary insomnia or short-term sleep disorders. This group is represented by the drug Donormil.
5. Imidazopyridines have a long-lasting hypnotic effect, which corresponds to the characteristics of natural immersion in sleep, promote rapid falling asleep and normalize all processes. In addition, patients do not develop addiction to medications in this group. Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine.
6. Aldehydes are hypnotics and anticonvulsants, relieve mental agitation. In addition, they are actively used for spasmophilia, tetanus, locally for seborrhea, etc. The group is represented by Chloral hydrate.
7. Antihistamines help restore sleep processes, their effect increases after taking psychotropic drugs. They are actively used for various types of allergies. They act quickly, but not for long, 4-8 hours. May cause psychomotor agitation. Some of them have a relatively weak, but quite noticeable hypnotic effect. These drugs include Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Suprastin, Pipolfen. 2nd generation medications of this group do not affect physical and mental activity. These include Kestin, Claritin, Zyrtec. The latest generation of drugs can be prescribed to people whose activities are associated with increased concentration, as they also do not have a hypnotic effect. These are Gismanal, Trexil, Telfax.
8. Sedative neuroleptics have a hypnotic and psychotropic effect, calm, relieve tension and muscle spasms, and help clarify the thought process. These include: Chlorpromazine, Chlorprothixene, Clozapine.
9. Sedative antidepressants have a hypnotic, anti-anxiety and sedative effect, and have a positive effect on the emotional sphere. This group includes: Azafen and Doxepin.

In accordance with the nature of the sleep disorder and its accompanying symptoms, the patient is prescribed sleeping pills of the most appropriate group. In this case, their additional effects and the duration of the main effect are taken into account.

Classification based on duration of exposure

One of the most important characteristics of any medicine is the duration of its effect, and for sleeping pills this is probably the most important property along with the safety of administration.

Group name	Validity
	Short duration, from 1 to 5 hours	Medium, 5 to 8 hours	Long-term exposure, more than 8 hours
Barbiturates	Phenobarbital Barbital
Benzodiazepines	Midazolam Triazolam	Temazepam	Diazepam Nitrazepam
Cyclopyrrolones	Zopiclone
Imidazopyridines	Zolpidem
Aldehydes	Chloral hydrate
Neuroleptics, sedatives	Chlorprothixene Chlorpromazine
Antidepressants, sedatives	Benzoclidine Azafen	Doxepin Amitriptyline
Antihistamines	Hydroxyzine Diphenhydramine

When choosing one or another group of hypnotics, you need to be very careful. For example, strong sleeping pills should not be taken before a trip or an important meeting, while weak ones will not help with severe sleep disorders.

Non-narcotic and narcotic hypnotics

All sleeping pills are divided into drugs with narcotic and non-narcotic effects.

Non-narcotic drugs:

• benzodiazepines: Flunitrazepam, Nitrazepam;
• aldehydes: Chloral hydrate;
• cyclopyrrolones and imidazopyridines: Imovan, Zolpidem;
• antihistamines: Donormil.

Narcotic hypnotics:

• barbiturates: Barbital, Estimal, Phenobarbital.

With the regular use of narcotic hypnotics, drug dependence occurs, both on the mental and physical level. When these drugs are discontinued, characteristic symptoms occur: anxiety, confusion, and sleep problems.

Potent sleeping pills include barbiturates: Bellataminal, Hexobarbital, Methohexital, Phenobarbital, Cyclobarbital; they are suitable for sound sleep, but are not available without a prescription and require constant dosage monitoring.

Light non-narcotic hypnotics have a weak effect, but are available without a prescription and are quite safe. These are Corvalol, Novo-Passit, Persen-Forte, which do not have a narcotic effect and are natural remedies.

What should you consider when choosing sleeping pills?

When choosing a drug, you need to consider the type and degree of sleep disorder:

1. If the problem is only falling asleep , hypnotics of medium or short duration are suitable. For moderate severity of the disorder, you can use various drugs - you need to choose one for each organism. For these purposes, Clomethiazole, Zopiclone, or Propimyosin are usually prescribed. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are not prescribed.
2. If you are worried about waking up in the middle of the night, a sleeping pill with an average duration of action will help you sleep soundly. These are: Chloral hydrate, Melatonin, Doxylamine. For a quick effect, products containing chloral hydrate are suitable, but with prolonged use they become addictive, and for long-term use, Doxylamine is suitable.
3. The problem of early rise will be solved by medications with medium or long-term effects. In particular, Diphenhydramine. However, they are contraindicated for those whose work requires attention.

Overdose of sleeping pills

Caution when taking benzodiazepines and barbiturates is mandatory, since these potent drugs contribute to addiction to them, so it is better to use drugs from other groups. For example, Doxylamine or Zopiclone. These drugs influence the process of falling asleep, ensuring rapid immersion in sleep without disturbing its structure.

The dosage of the drug must be observed, since large doses of, for example, barbiturates can cause serious consequences: changes in gait, slow speech, and in the most severe cases lead to coma or death.

Be aware of complications

The old body cannot remove sleeping pills at the right time, they accumulate and as a result complications arise: hard breathing and apnea, relapses of asthma and pulmonary diseases. Side effects include headaches, memory loss, and loss of coordination. Unusual weakness, nausea, dizziness are possible. Therefore, consultation with a doctor is in the interests of the patients themselves. Barbiturates and the drugs meprobamate, hydroxyzine (Atarax) and chloral hydrate, which are not suitable for his age, are contraindicated for an elderly person - they are too dangerous for health.

Sleeping pills in ampoules, regardless of whether they are dispensed with a prescription in a pharmacy or without it, are used only as prescribed by a doctor. These are very powerful remedies that, if used incompetently, do more harm than good.

It is possible to overcome insomnia - medicine has an arsenal of effective ways to combat sleep disorders in the autumn period of life.