More and more studies are coming out with information about how important sleep is for our overall health. Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night could lead to a variety of sleep related problems. When life is so hectic, it can be hard to fall asleep at night or to stay asleep throughout the night.
Prescription sleep medications like Ambien and Lunesta keep the brain steadily sedated throughout the night and can sustain sleep as long as six to eight hours. They are also less likely to cause side effects and dependency than older types of drugs such as Ativan and Dalmane.
A generic, less expensive for of Ambien is available and became a best-buy drug from a safety, effectiveness and affordability perspective. A generic form of Lunesta is expected to be available in 2012.
According to Larry Epstein, Harvard Medical School Instructor and Sleep Health Centers Medical Director, sleep aids add only 20 to 30 minutes to a night’s sleep on average, but even that amount of extra sleep makes people feel more rested.
The FDA has approved Ambien and Sonata for short-term treatment of insomnia and Lunesta and Ambien CR are approved for up to six months. No sleep medication should be a permanent replacement for a good night’s sleep. Those taking medication for insomnia should gradually stop taking sleep pills to avoid rebound insomnia, which could worsen their sleep problems.
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