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| cated. You might need to be tested for a thyroid disorder, diabetes or other medical problem. You might also need advice about pain medication, sleeping pills, antidepressants, muscle relaxants or other prescription remedies. |
| If you are thinking about using prescription sleeping pills, you should discuss this decision with your doctor. All major sleeping pills interfere with normal brain wave patterns during sleep. All can affect daytime functions, including memory, concentration and rapid response times. In addition, the abrupt withdrawl of sleeping medication after prolonged use can lead to ''rebound'' insomnia. |
| Sleeping pills should definitely be avoided if you are pregnant, possibly pregnant or are considering getting pregnant. They should also be avoided if you are elderly, if you work in a dangerous occupation, if you tend to drink alcohol, if you are taking other prescription medications, if you have severe kidney or liver disease, if you have any suicidal thoughts or tendencies, or if your bed partner complains that you snore excessively (this may be a sign of sleep apnea which can worsen with certain sleeping pills). |
| You should always use the lowest dose of medication that helps you to sleep and discontinue usage as quickly as possible. Infrequent usage may sometimes be justified, but long-term dependance should generally be avoided. However, never abruptly stop any sleeping medication you've been taking for some time without first consulting with your physician. |
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