World sleep day: Experts warn against use of over-the-counter sedatives for sleep disorders

NEW DELHI: In this fast-paced world the place the fixed hustle and worries in regards to the future can result in sleepless nights, many individuals flip to over-the-counter (OTC) sedatives to assist them sleep. While sedatives could appear a simple answer, consultants, citing critical long-term dangers, warn against the use of the medicines with out correct consultations from well being professionals.
Dr. Mir Faisal, a pulmonologist specialising in sleep medication, expressed his concern over the widespread misuse of OTC sedatives.
“Many people use these medications without consulting a healthcare professional. While they may provide temporary relief, sedatives come with a host of adverse effects,” stated Dr Faisal in an interview to PTI Videos on World Sleep Day.
He harassed that these medication can hurt numerous methods within the physique, from the mind to the guts and kidneys.
World Sleep Day is noticed yearly on the Friday earlier than the Spring Equinox. It serves as a reminder of the significance of wholesome sleep.
Established by the World Sleep Society in 2008, the day goals to lift consciousness about sleep well being, educate the general public about sleep disorders, and encourage higher sleep habits. The theme for this World Sleep Day this 12 months is “Make Sleep Health a Priority”.
The negative effects of OTCs, Faisal warned, usually start as delicate however can develop into extreme over time. “When we go on taking them, then there’s another issue. When we take it for a long time, they don’t then affect it much [sic]. So a person goes on taking higher and higher doses. And with higher doses, we have more side effects. And these side effects then become irreversible if the patient is taking it for a long time.,” he added.
The knowledgeable says that poor sleep is not only a small inconvenience however can result in critical well being points comparable to coronary heart illness, diabetes and psychological well being challenges. The significance of “World Sleep Day” lies in its message: “Sleep is essential for health.” It encourages individuals to prioritise sleep, develop wholesome bedtime routines and search skilled assist when coping with sleep disorders.
Despite the temptation of fast fixes like OTC sedatives, consultants stress that the true answer to sleep issues lies in understanding the underlying points. “Sedatives may, for the time being, solve the problem, but it comes with long-term risks and doesn’t address the root causes of sleep disorders,” Dr Faisal highlighted.
“Proper treatment of sleep disorders requires professional evaluation and a tailored approach to managing sleep health.”
In addition to the dangers posed by OTC sedatives, there’s rising consciousness about situations like sleep apnea, insomnia and parasomnias – sleep disorders that may considerably have an effect on high quality of life.
In a quickly altering world, World Sleep Day serves as a significant reminder to take sleep well being severely and to hunt the right steering from healthcare professionals.