Tablete za spanje

Customer question:

How do sleeping pills work? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Sleeping tablets, also known as hypnotics or hypnotic drugs, work in different ways depending on their mechanism of action and active ingredient. Here are some of the most common ways they work:

• Increasing the effectiveness of GABA: Most sleeping pills work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA acts as a natural calming neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of nerve cells and thus helps reduce anxiety and facilitate sleep.

• Effects on benzodiazepine receptors: Some hypnotic drugs belong to a group of benzodiazepines that work by increasing the effects of GABA on receptors in the brain. This results in muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, and easier sleep.

• Effect on melatonin receptors: melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Some sleep medications contain synthetic melatonin or other substances that affect receptors, which can help regulate sleep and improve sleep quality.

• Blocking histamine receptors: Some antihistamines, also used as sleeping pills, block histamine receptors in the brain. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that helps with alertness, so blocking these receptors can help reduce alertness and facilitate sleep.

• Effect on serotonin and other neurotransmitters: Some sleep medications can also affect other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters can affect sleep cycles and improve overall sleep quality.

Do sleeping pills have side effects?

Yes, sleeping pills can cause many side effects, depending on the specific drug and the individual.

Some common side effects include:

• drowsiness during the day,
• confusion or difficulty concentrating,
• headache,
• dry mouth,
• nausea or vomiting,
• vertigo,
• vision disorders,
• digestive problems, including constipation or diarrhea,
• increase in appetite or changes in appetite,
• drug addiction or dependence and/or
• increased risk of falls and accidents, especially in older adults.

In addition, some hypnotics can also cause specific side effects such as nightmares, hallucinations, unusual behavior during sleep (e.g., sleepwalking), and paradoxical effects such as increased insomnia or increased irritability.

Are there natural sleeping pills?

Yes, there are natural alternatives to sleeping pills that can help improve sleep quality without the use of pharmaceutical hypnotics. These natural options often include plant extracts, minerals, and other ingredients.

Natural sleeping pills include:

• Melatonin: Melatonin is a natural hormone the body produces that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin supplements can help with sleep, especially in people with trouble sleeping due to altered sleep-wake cycles, such as jet lag or irregular schedules.

• L-tryptophan: L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a vital role in forming serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep.

• Valerian extract: Valerian is a plant traditionally used to treat insomnia and improve sleep.

• Chamomile extract: Chamomile is known for its calming and relaxing properties and can help improve sleep quality.

• Passionate extract: Passionflower is a plant that can help promote sleep.

• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and relaxation, which can help improve sleep quality.

Natural sleeping pills come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquid formulas.

Interesting reading: Melatonin for sleep