Ambien, Zopiclone and Temazepam are some of the popular and clinically tested sleeping pills which alleviate the symptoms of insomnia and offer an interrupted and sound sleep at night. When taken under the supervision of a physician, they offer a quality rest of 7-8 hours to an insomnia patient. We will study the brief history and the role of the best sleeping pills UK in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
A Brief History of Sleeping Pills
A sound sleep is one of the easiest and the best methods for the relaxation of mind and body. It rejuvenates our bodies and prepares us for the challenges for the next day.
Ancient history is replete with the use of different products which allowed an insomniac to fall asleep easily. People during those days took the help of alcohol, natural herbs or smoked opium in order to induce sleep.
Improvement in medical science leads to the invention of new drugs which offered a better option to sleep deprived individuals. Either (diethyl ether) was an early an aesthetic in the 19th century which was mostly abused by the users. Therefore, It was rarely prescribed by the physicians.
Choral hydrate was the earliest drug used for insomnia. Other depressants used during this time for sleep problems were Sodium bromide, ammonium bromide and potassium bromide.
The first half of the 20th century witnessed the widespread use of Barbiturates (the salt of barbituric acid). It not only induced sleep in insomniacs but was also utilized for the treatment of anxiety and psychiatric conditions.
The 1960’s saw the use of Benzodiazepines such as Diazepam (Valium). Diazepam(safest sleeping pills) was developed in 1963 and was the most prescribed drug between 1969 and 1982.
Benzodiazepines were effective in curing insomnia and other sleep disorders. It impacted the functioning of GABA neurotransmitter in the brain and controlled the excessive activities in the central nervous system for a quiet rest at night. It was also utilized for the treatment of generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder. It even managed other health issues such as seizures, nausea, muscle spasms, vomiting, chronic attacks and depression.
Benzodiazepines not only made the users tolerant, dependent and addictive but also had withdrawal symptoms. Their long-term use even resulted in several side effects. All these factors compelled the users to search for a product which had greater benefits and lesser side effects.
Up to this time, no OTC sleeping pills were available and all sleep medications were prescription drugs. It was only in the 1970’s and 1980’s that antihistamines received certification from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as OTC sleeps aids.
The 1990’s saw the introduction of non- benzodiazepine medications such as Zolpidem (Ambien) and Zapelon (Sonata). Also known as “Z “drugs, they are dominant prescription pills. Like benzodiazepines, they were GABA agonists but had a shorter life and a different chemical structure. Non-benzodiazepines were mostly prescribed by the physicians as they were beneficial for elder patients.
In 2000 the drug companies saw the introduction of Eszopiclone (Lunesta). It’s an FDA certified medication and is prescribed for longer use than other sleep medications.
How to use sleeping pills safely?
Once in possession of the drug, the patients should ensure that they use it as per the doctor’s advice and store them in a safe place, out of reach of children. Read all the usage instructions from the medicine packet and avoid overdose or misuse of the same. Safest sleeping pills such as Ambien, Temazepam and Zopiclone can be easily procured from are a trusted medicine store in UK.
