What Are the Requirements for Purchasing Sleeping Pills?

Nowadays, people are facing increasing pressure, leading to frequent insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. Poor sleep quality can have numerous negative impacts on physical health. Therefore, many people consider purchasing sleeping pills to address their sleep issues. However, it's important to note that sleeping pills are a type of psychotropic drug and cannot be purchased freely. Typically, a doctor's prescription is required to obtain them. Moreover, prolonged use of sleeping pills can lead to drug dependence.

Conditions for Purchasing Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills are actually a type of psychotropic drug that can have significant effects and potential harm on the body. They directly act on the central nervous system of the brain, controlling its functions. Continuous use can lead to dependence and addiction. Therefore, many organizations implement strict controls when selling these drugs, requiring a doctor's prescription for purchase.

Types of Sleeping Pills

There are several types of sleeping pills available:

• Phenobarbitals: These drugs can be used as an alternative or tapering treatment for benzodiazepines and other hypnotic drugs. They can also be used to treat conditions such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and nightmares in children. Additionally, they can antagonize the excitatory adverse effects of ephedrine, amphetamine, and aminophylline.
• Benzodiazepines: This class includes drugs like estazolam, alprazolam, diazepam, and clonazepam. These drugs can quickly induce sleep, reduce the number of nighttime awakenings, prolong sleep duration, and improve sleep quality. They also alter the usual sleep pattern, extending light sleep and reducing or eliminating dreams.
• Atypical Benzodiazepines: This group includes drugs like zolpidem and zopiclone. Zolpidem significantly shortens the time it takes to fall asleep, reduces nighttime awakenings, increases total sleep time, and improves sleep quality. It has minimal adverse effects the next morning, does not cause "hangover" sleepiness, and does not affect morning mental activity or motor dexterity. It is considered a relatively safe sleeping pill that does not cause rebound insomnia or significant drug accumulation with repeated use.

Side Effects of Sleeping Pills

Here are some potential side effects of sleeping pills:

1. Drug Addiction: Although sleeping pills can help with sleep, they can also lead to drug dependency. Prolonged use can easily trigger addiction and increase the risk of various health issues.
2. Diminished Mental Agility: Regular use of sleeping pills can lead to slowed reactions and a significant decline in memory. Long-term use may even induce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Liver and Kidney Damage: Most sleeping pills are metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Prolonged use can increase the burden on these organs, especially for those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.
4. Convulsions and Tremors: Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to drug addiction, and withdrawal symptoms may include convulsions and tremors. Prolonged use can be harmful to the body, similar to drug abuse.
5. Abnormal Sleep Patterns: Sleeping pills can cause nightmares and daytime drowsiness, which are not beneficial for physical recovery. Long-term use can lead to abnormal sleep patterns, which are medically recognized as a sleep disorder.
6. Respiratory Difficulties: For individuals with respiratory dysfunction, taking sleeping pills may trigger respiratory failure, severe breathing difficulties, and even death.
7. Death: Overdosing on sleeping pills can lead to cardiac arrest and respiratory difficulties. If timely cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not performed, there is a high risk of death.

It's crucial to consult with a doctor before using any type of sleeping pill and to follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with these drugs. Always prioritize your health and safety when considering the use of any medication.