According to the reports, 80% state that they want improved sleep. A fast-paced UK lifestyle, stress, screen time, and shift work disrupt the natural sleep rhythms. And, to get rid of these, many find sleeping pills a common solution. But do you know that sleeping pills can provide short-term relief for insomnia and sleep disorders, but continued usage might affect brain health? Healthcare professionals have shown this concern. So, let’s explore how sleeping pills UK affect your brain over time and whether those should be taken regularly or not.
How Sleeping Pills Are Related to Short-Term Relief but Long-Term Risk?
Are you suffering from acute insomnia? Sleeping pills are used by many in both the short and long term. And, in the UK, some of the most commonly prescribed sleeping pills are benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. This is why many buy sleeping pills online and take them regularly. But many of you probably don’t know that these work in the case of short-term cases, but in the long term, these pills might bring neurological issues. So, let’s explore how these affect brain health:
1. Memory Impairment
Studies show that the long-term use of both benzodiazepines and Z-drugs can bring a negative impact on both short- and long-term memory. Also, it suppresses the REM sleep, which is vital for memory consolidation, often shows this effect. REM sleep is important because it happens when we process and retain what we have learned. However, having sleeping pills UK disturbs that cycle that disrupts the brain function too.
2. Increased Dementia Risk
A 2019 UK study has previously shown a possible link between prolonged benzodiazepine use and increased dementia risk while taking sleeping pills UK in the long term. Although the direct cause and the long-term after-effect connection between these two remain unproven, the correlation has alerted many.
3. Cognitive Decline
Sleeping pills have the potential to slow down the brain’s processing speed, impair attention, and reduce reaction times. Very common brain fog might linger, especially in older adults, even when the effects start to reduce.
Additionally, when you take sleeping pills night after night, your body starts showing dependency on them. Furthermore, when you stop the medicine, you might face more severe insomnia. Such a case is called rebound insomnia.
If you want to take sleeping pills UK or have already been taking them for a long time, talk to your healthcare provider because the expert can guide you on how to stop them safely. However, most of the time, it takes months to change the habit of taking sleeping pills fully. Additionally, not mix the sleeping pills with any other sedatives or alcohol. Overdosing might bring serious concerns and health issues.
Some Potential Risks of Having Prescription Sleeping Pills
Buying sleeping pills online is very common in UK. There are many patients who only use prescription medicines, but long-term usage of these might cause issues too, for example – a condition parasomnia. This is one type of disruptive sleep disorder that can cause dangerous issues while you are asleep.
People who take the Z-drugs may do different tasks besides being unaware. These tasks include sleepwalking, eating, taking medications, talking, or even driving. Your brain is not fully alert and working, though you seem awake. And, another shocking thing about having these sleeping pills is that most people don’t remember these things once they wake up.
Conclusion
Are you planning to buy sleeping pills online and want to make them a daily routine? However, people suffering from insomnia fall asleep at least 20 minutes faster compared to those who don’t face these issues. Then, ensure these pills are ideal for short-term use.
So, if you are feeling the need for sleeping pills due to a stressful life, you should consult a doctor first. Assessing your condition, they know when to start and stop. So, be aware and stay safe.
