short term problems and have relatively few side effects when used correctly. They reduce the time for sleep onset and increase sleep efficiency. Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence and abruptly discontinuing their use may cause symptoms of withdraw. (Zammit 132-135). Gradually tapering off the drug is recommended to prevent rebound insomnia. The possible side-effects of benzodiapines include inducing anterograde amnesia, excitability, agression, and symptoms of depression. (Longo 2121). Benzodiapines can be especially harmful for the elderly. They can heighten the symptoms of demensia related disorders. Pregnant women are also discouraged from taking benzodiapines because they are considered teratogens (substances that can reach a fetus and cause harm) (Myers 118). A secondary option to benzodiapines is sedating antidepressants. These drugs can “promote sleep onset and maintain sleep (Zammit 136),” but they have not been scientifically proven to treat insomnia. There is no risk of dependence on antidepressants but it is possible for them to become ineffective after a very short time. The third drug option is antihistamines, which besides helping with allergies, are said to decrease sleep onset and reduce time in REM sleep. Many antihistamines are available without a prescription. They are not recommended for treating insomnia because they are not sedatives and very few studies have been done to show their effectiveness. There are also side effects such as dry mouth and urinary retention associated with antihistamines (Walbroehl 1911).In addition to drugs, there are other sleeping pills available. These natural remedies are not regulated by the FDA and it is difficult to accurately jusdge their effectiveness and safety. One of these remedies, which has gained a lot of attention recently, is melatonin. This hormone, naturally secreted by the pineal gland, helps control the sleep-wake cycle. It...
