Should I take sleeping pills? If the symptoms are right, medication isn't always necessary.

Modern life and work pressures are generally heavy, making insomnia a problem that plagues many. Some people toss and turn in bed, unable to fall asleep, while others experience light sleep, waking up easily in the middle of the night. Long-term insomnia or poor sleep quality often leads to daytime fatigue, severely impacting study progress or work efficiency. The Drug Injury Relief Foundation reminds people that those suffering from insomnia should seek professional medical treatment and follow their doctor's advice to effectively overcome the torment of insomnia.

There are many causes of insomnia, and not all of them require medication.
Insomnia is not a "disease" but a "symptom" caused by many factors. Many factors can cause insomnia, including tension, stress, jet lag, pain, illnesses (such as hyperthyroidism, depression, etc.), and medications (such as central nervous system stimulants, nasal decongestants used to treat nasal congestion, rhinitis, etc.). For those suffering from insomnia who seek medical help, doctors may not directly prescribe sedatives or hypnotics to help them sleep. Instead, they will consider the cause and type of insomnia to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help improve sleep. Most patients can recover from insomnia without medication by cooperating with their doctor, eliminating possible causes, and improving lifestyle habits and sleep patterns. If a doctor assesses that medication is necessary for insomnia, it is essential to use sedatives or hypnotics correctly as prescribed to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of addiction.

Sleeping medications should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor; do not adjust the dosage on your own.
Sedative-hypnotic drugs are prescription drugs, mostly classified as Class III or IV controlled substances in China. They cannot be purchased or used without a doctor's prescription. These drugs are categorized as short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting based on their onset speed and duration of action. Doctors will prescribe appropriate medications according to individual circumstances, and patients must take them as directed and not adjust the dosage themselves. This is because abruptly stopping some short-acting drugs can cause rebound insomnia; while increasing the dosage of intermediate- or long-acting drugs can lead to drowsiness the following day due to residual daytime effects, posing a danger if operating machinery or driving, especially for work requiring concentration. Furthermore, some medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics (such as morphine), and alcohol, can enhance the effects of sedative-hypnotic drugs. Therefore, if you are using these medications, you should inform your doctor to avoid drug interactions.

Claims of therapeutic effects on food products are illegal; consult a professional before use.
Some people suffering from insomnia, worried about the side effects of sleeping pills, seek out over-the-counter "health supplements" that claim to improve sleep, such as melatonin, even going so far as to ask relatives and friends abroad to purchase them, believing that food products are safer. However, the Drug Injury Relief Foundation reminds the public that there is a lack of long-term safety data for melatonin both domestically and internationally. In Taiwan, it is classified as a drug and cannot be sold on the market without government verification and registration. If unforeseen adverse drug reactions occur after purchasing products that are not legally approved, drug injury relief will not be available. As for general "health supplements," they cannot legally claim to have "sleep-aiding" effects. It is recommended to consult a medical professional before consuming them. If any discomfort occurs after consumption, seek medical attention immediately and report it to the "National Health Food and Capsule/Tablet Food Unexpected Reaction Reporting System."

The Drug Injury Relief Foundation reminds those suffering from insomnia to first seek medical attention to find the cause. Medication is only one way to improve insomnia. Appropriately relieving stress, adjusting mood, and developing good sleep hygiene habits, such as regular sleep schedules, avoiding stimulating beverages like coffee and tea at night, avoiding strenuous exercise before bed, and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, can all help improve sleep disorders, allowing you to truly get rid of insomnia and get a good night's sleep.

News Source:Ministry of Health and Welfare, Health Promotion Administration - Health99 Website