| Sleep deprivation affects millions of people around the | | | | induce sleep include over the counter sleeping pills such |
| world. Long-term lack of sleep can lead to very | | | | as: Valium ( Diazepam), Unisom, Stilnox, Calm's Forte |
| serious health problems. A 2000 study conducted by | | | | (herbal products), Compoz, Sominex, among others. |
| the University of California in San Diego showed that | | | | These drugs are considered safe and have gained |
| the activities of the brain's prefrontal cortex increased | | | | wide public acceptance as a commercial product. |
| due to sleep deprivation. The research also indicated | | | | But not all sleeping pills can be purchased over the |
| that the brain region called temporal lobe, which is | | | | counter or in your local pharmacy. To purchase some |
| responsible for language processing, is activated during | | | | types and brands of sleeping pills, a medical |
| a verbal learning session among respondents who | | | | prescription from a doctor is required. These |
| were well-rested. Those who lacked sleep showed | | | | prescription sleeping pills are made from a variety of |
| little activity in this brain region. The Harvard Medical | | | | active ingredients and sold by different drug |
| Institute also published its research in 2001 about the | | | | companies. Since these products do not have the |
| possible links of sleep deprivation to heart disease. | | | | same ingredients and dosage, it is important for a |
| Clearly, to avoid the hazardous effects of long-term | | | | person to consult a doctor before using any sleeping |
| sleep deprivation, a person must do one thing: get | | | | pill. |
| some sleep. A person who suffers from lack of | | | | Research shows that the known side effects of |
| sleep or even insomnia often resort to the use of | | | | sleeping pills may be very uncomfortable to some |
| sleeping pills. Others take sleeping pills when traveling | | | | individuals, or worse, can even be dangerous to |
| since the difference in time zones cause jet lag and | | | | others. The usual side effects of sleeping pills include |
| the alteration of sleeping patterns. | | | | drowsiness, loss of memory, poor coordination, and |
| Lack of sleep, apparently a very common malady in | | | | slurring in speech. The lethargy that may tend to |
| different parts of world, has become a source of | | | | slow down a busy homemaker who used a sleeping |
| enormous profit for the drug companies. | | | | pill may be potentially life threatening to a worker using |
| Pharmaceutical companies have made millions by | | | | an industrial-grade chainsaw who is experiencing the |
| catering to the strong demand from a tired, weary, | | | | side effects of sleeping pills. |
| sleep-deprived market. Their products now occupy a | | | | Therefore, it is important to have the right and |
| niche not only among the insomniacs but also in people | | | | adequate information about medications that induce |
| with serious emotional problems. Many over the | | | | sleep. Whether these drugs will be used as a means |
| counter sleeping pills are now bought and used to | | | | to get some sleep or to control anxiety, one must |
| control anxiety and fear. These over the counter | | | | always consult a doctor before the actual use of |
| sleeping pills come in many shapes and sizes, with | | | | these drugs. Aside from medications, a person who |
| each product commanding its own price based on its | | | | has a hard time getting to sleep should also do regular |
| popularity or "signature drug" status. | | | | exercise, have a balanced diet, and lead a healthy |
| Among the most commonly prescribed medications to | | | | lifestyle. |