Sleeping Pills are NOT the Answer
Tossing and turning at night, desperately trying to fall asleep, you look at the clock, and it’s already 2 AM. You know you have to wake up at 7 a.m. It's a familiar battle that many of us can relate to, longing for the great feeling of sleep after a long day. In these moments, the use of sleeping pills can be tempting. They promise to bring you into a realm of seemingly restful sleep. But before you start utilizing them, it's time to look at the truth behind these “magic” pills.
The Illusion of Sleep
At first glance, sleeping pills might seem like the perfect fix, promising an escape from any struggles of falling asleep. They create the illusion of sound sleep, removing the restlessness that controls your nights. But let's dive a little deeper into the truth. These pills are nothing more than sedatives (a drug used for calming), artificially creating a sense of sleepiness. Yes, they might help you fall asleep faster, but the sleep they offer is far from anything we can call true sleep.
The difference is that your brain is full of activity during normal sleep. It's taking part in various processes, such as memory consolidation, regulation of emotions, and repair of your body (see Exploring the Secrets of Sleep for Ultimate Rewards). But everything gets messed up when you introduce sleeping pills into the equation. These pills act like a switch, shutting off the brain's natural processes. So, while you may be unconscious, and appear to be sleeping, you are in a state that is the equivalent of being tranquilized. This means that your brain is inactive and unable to do any of the previously mentioned beneficial processes, while now “wasting” hours of time to be unconscious rather than asleep (Walker, 2017).
A way we can consider it is this way - imagine if you've come across a beautiful garden. The difference between this garden and the ones in the world is these flowers are plastic, and the birdsong you hear is just a recording. It looks “normal” on the surface, but when you look deeper, you see it lacks the authenticity of the real thing. Similarly, the sleep induced by sleeping pills is a fake version of true slumber, robbing you of the many advantages of genuine rest.
The Dangerous Cycle of Dependency
But it gets even worse. The use of sleeping pills often leads to a cycle of dependency, even among people who intend to use it for a short time. At first, these pills might seem like a miraculous solution, granting you the illusion of sleep you've been craving. However, the more you rely on these pills, the less your body remembers how to sleep naturally. You will begin to feel even worse, not getting the same sleep benefits. It's a cruel cycle and the fate of many: the more you seek proper deep sleep, the more you become reliant on artificial sedation. With time, your body builds tolerance to these pills, requiring higher amounts to get the same effect. This path leads you into a downward spiral – the very pills you thought were your saviors become controlling over you. If sleeping pills are continuously and regularly used, the lack of sleep leads to a severely weakened immune system, and people are 5.3 times more likely to die (from infection).
Sleeping pills cause your body to become even more fatigued, not from lack of “sleep”, but from lack of real, rejuvenating rest. It's like pouring water into a leaky bucket – you can keep filling it up, but it'll never truly be full. The bucket does work but over time you are losing a significant amount of water. Similarly, sleeping pills might seem like a solution, but they really just mask and cover the underlying issue. They can never truly replace the true gifts of natural sleep.
So, the next time you're tempted to use sleeping pills, remember the price you might pay. As noted, they might provide temporary relief, but they come with a heavy cost – a cycle of dependence, a deprivation of true sleep, and a detachment from the lively feeling that comes with authentic rest. In a world where quick fixes are all around us, such as in advertisements on social media and TV, it's crucial to remember that true healing lies in addressing the root causes rather than simply masking the symptoms.
Alternative Solutions
Instead of turning to the “fix” of sleeping pills, consider using the numerous methods that promote healthy sleep hygiene (see Sleep Hygiene: The Impact It Has On Sleep). Following a peaceful bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and embracing relaxation techniques can all pave the way for a restful night.(National Sleep Foundation, 2023).
In the end, it’s your choice - will you choose the illusion of sleep or choose truly soothing, restorative rest? Being able to consistently get a good night's rest might require patience and commitment, but the rewards are immeasurable – a well-rested mind, a rejuvenated body, and the satisfaction of knowing that you're caring for your mental and physical health in the most genuine way possible.
Work Cited:
Diekelmann, Susanne. “Sleep for Cognitive Enhancement.” Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2 Apr. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3980112/.
Feld, Gordon B, and Jan Born. “Neurochemical mechanisms for memory processing during sleep: basic findings in humans and neuropsychiatric implications.” Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology vol. 45,1 (2020): 31-44. doi:10.1038/s41386-019-0490-9
Hershner, Shelly, and Imran Shaikh. “Healthy Sleep Habits.” Sleep Education, 2 Apr. 2021, sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/.
“How Does Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/sleep.htm.
Olson, Eric. “Can Lack of Sleep Make You Sick?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757.
Pacheco, Danielle. “Children and Sleep.” Edited by Nilong Vyas, Sleep Foundation, 8 Aug. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep.
Suni, Eric, and Alex Dimitriu. “Mental Health and Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, Sleep Foundation, 8 Aug. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health.
Walker, Matthew. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner, 2017.