Should You Take OTC Sleeping Pills?

Over-the-counter sleeping pills in Chattanooga, TN are seemingly everywhere you turn. You can find them in the pain management aisle of most stores, which is fairly fitting given how painful it can be to struggle with sleep. As you look through the many brand names and the unpronounceable active ingredients, though, you might wonder whether they’re safe to take. Below, we’ll look at a few details and what you should know about the effects.

Talk to Your Doctor

You can purchase sleeping pills without a prescription, so it’s easy to pick up a few tablets without consulting anyone. However, while you certainly can take these pills without talking to a doctor, some ingredients can either interfere with current medications you’re taking or make other health conditions worse.

How Do Sleeping Pills Affect Your Sleep?

It depends on the person, but the official studies aren’t very promising. Most people report feeling hungover after they’ve taken OTC sleeping pills and they may have trouble sleeping through the night. That said, there’s a market for OTC sleeping pills, so there must be some people who count on them for a better night’s rest.

Are Natural Sleeping Pills Better?

Pills that contain natural remedies, like melatonin or valerian, can potentially promote sleep for people, and they’re generally considered safer than traditional sleeping pills. Of course, much like the standard sleeping pill results, your mileage may vary with natural remedies. The effects may be described as minor at best, and may not be the best choice for those with serious insomnia. Plus, even if natural pills are safer, that doesn’t make them safe. You’re still encouraged to speak to a doctor before you pick up a few packages.

Why Talk to a Sleep Expert in Chattanooga, TN

There’s a lot to learn about sleep medicine, whether you’re looking for a prescription or not. The right solution for you isn’t as easy as copying what a friend did or reading a few blogs online. If you really struggle with sleep, there’s more to the story than you may realize. Talking with the right sleep expert in Chattanooga, like the staff at Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions, can help you avoid making a habit-forming mistake.

Understanding the Field of Sleep Medicine

Sleep is a natural function, and many people take falling asleep at night and not waking up until morning for granted. However, sleep does not come easy if you struggle with insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or another condition that makes getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night challenging.Sleep medicine in Chattanooga, TN, can help you get the needed rest.

Sleep Medicine as a Medical Discipline

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines the field as a medical sub-specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Left untreated, sleep disorders increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and depression. The organization further states the following:

  • 20 percent of teenagers get only five hours of sleep each night
  • 25 percent of adults have sleep apnea
  • 30 percent of adults struggle with insomnia

Fatigue also contributes to 20 percent of car accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities.

As you can see, sleep disorders are serious and can have devastating consequences. Working with a specialist at our sleep center can help you understand your sleep disorder and receive treatment for it.

Oral Appliance Therapy

While all patients are unique and receive a customized treatment plan, using an oral appliance for sleep is the standard way to treat sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy can also be ideal for people who have temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that causes them to grind their teeth in their sleep. Other conditions, such as restless leg syndrome, require diagnosis by a medical doctor and the use of prescription medication.

Reach Out to Schedule a Sleep Study

The results of a sleep study are critical to help us understand what is causing your disrupted sleep. Please contact Choo Choo City Sleep Solutions to learn more aboutsleep medicine in Chattanooga, TN, during a one-on-one consultation.