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Insomnia and sleep deprivation are rampant in the United States.  Whether it's a sleep disorder, stress or some biological issue, insomnia is a real concern.  It is blamed for automobile accidents, poor performance at work, even relationship problems at home.  So how do we get more sleep?

Doctors prescribe sleeping pills like Ambien and Sonata.  And yes, these sleeping pills will help you get to sleep.  Studies have shown, however, that sleeping pills are highly addictive, and in the long run may cause more harm than good.  

If you use Ambien (also called Zolpidem) for a few days to "get over the hump", or help fall asleep, then sleeping pills can serve a useful purpose.  But when the pills are used for extended periods of time, your body will develop a tolerance for the drug.  It won't work as well as it did when you first began to take the pills.  So what do most people do?  Take more.
 
Bad idea!  Research has shown that sleeping pills actually suppress the restorative stages of sleep where you get your best rest.  Ambien, Sonata and other sleeping pills depress the central nervous system so that the cerebral centers and passage of impulses to the brain are impaired.

Even worse, these chemical-like processes to the brain are so impaired that they produce a "stupor-like" unconsciousness.  Effectively, your body is knocked out - or under anesthesia! 

Another factor to consider is the severe side effects of sleeping pills like Ambien and Sonata, including hallucinations, nightmares, severe headaches, anxiety attacks, blackouts and more.  Plus, should you decide to stop taking the sleeping pills, the withdrawal symptoms can be just as bad.

The good news is that there are many other alternatives for insomnia.  Melatonin, passion flower, kava kava and skullcap are natural alternatives that work for many.  Cutting back on caffeine, smoking and salt has helped many others.  Healthy exercise during the day is also beneficial for people who can't sleep.

By making a few lifestyle changes, many people have been able to overcome insomnia without the negatives associated with sleeping pills and other drugs. 
]]> http://www.satinsleep.com/2008/03/insomnia-and-sleeping-pills-he.html http://www.satinsleep.com/2008/03/insomnia-and-sleeping-pills-he.html Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:03:53 -0700 This forum is a community to help combat insomnia, for whatever reason - stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, etc.  Thank you in advance for your input!
]]> http://www.satinsleep.com/2008/01/blog-intro.html http://www.satinsleep.com/2008/01/blog-intro.html insomnia sleep sleeplessness Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:22:57 -0700