30/10/2021
Many Belgians are under stress every day. This stress can have various causes: stress at work, relationship difficulties, financial worries, health problems or worries about the children, ... Because of the pressure that goes with it, many people suffer from sleeping problems. They can no longer relax, feel constantly nervous, and therefore have difficulty falling asleep or continuing to sleep.
Therefore, sleeping pills and sedatives are often used. These can provide the most acute care and some short-term help, but they are not a sustainable solution. Their use involves numerous risks and there is also a risk of side effects.
Further in this article we discuss:
- Sleeping and sedating drugs: limit their use as much as possible
- Opt for a safe alternative and a long-term, sustainable solution
Sleep-inducing and sedative drugs: limit their use as much as possible
More than one million sleep-inducing and sedative drugs are sold in Belgian pharmacies every day. The older the age group, the more often sleeping pills and sedatives are used. They are also taken more often by women than by men.
The types of sleeping and tranquilizers most commonly taken are benzodiazepines. These are drugs that are known to have a number of side effects and unwanted effects, including:
- daytime sleepiness and drowsiness
- increased risk of falling, especially in older people
- headache
- dizziness
- cognitive problems such as memory loss and confusion
- depression
- habituation: so the strength of the effect decreases the longer you take them
- addiction
Those who have been taking strong sedatives for some time and wish to taper off should discuss this with their doctor. Stopping immediately can cause withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety and restlessness, negative thoughts and mood swings.
It is best to take a sleep or tranquilizer for a short period of time. Homeopathic sleep aids and tranquilizers are also best used with caution. Fortunately, there are many safe and natural alternatives that can also help you deal with sleep problems.
Ultimately, the best sleep aid is something that is safe to use in the long term and has no side effects. And that can vary from person to person.
Choose a safe alternative and a long-term solution
Even if you are going through a difficult period in your life, trying to maintain good sleep hygiene will have a positive effect on your sleep anyway. You may not feel this effect immediately, but in the long term a good sleep hygiene ensures a good night's sleep.
Those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep are usually overworked and have a hard time settling down. Therefore, try to consciously build in time to relax.
For example, the following things can help:
- hot bath or shower
- relaxing literature
- yoga or short meditation
- soothing music
- breathing exercises (abdominal breathing)
Find an evening ritual that you feel good about and try to stick to it. Your body and mind will adjust to it. A healthy lifestyle also ensures a good night's sleep. Eat healthy and make sure there is enough physical activity during the day. This will definitely benefit your sleep over time.
Do you still have sleeping problems despite your good habits? Then you can opt for a natural and safe, but effective alternative.
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