Sleep meds may do more harm than good for some

Posted: Dec 26, 2008 08:18 AM

Updated: Dec 26, 2008 08:18 AM

NATIONAL (NBC) – The World Sleep Foundation says more than 70 million of us in the U.S. have occasional insomnia.

For one in ten, the problem isn’t occasional, it’s chronic.

We spend 98 million dollars a year on over the counter sleeping aids, and another 50 million on caffeine tablets, just to stay awake!

Roy Hall hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in nearly five years.

"Usually I try to go to sleep four or five times a night and I’m back up again. Sometimes I just wander around or I’ll get a glass of warm milk I’ll do anything I can," said Roy.

His wife, Rosanne, says Roy’s insomnia is taking a toll.

"He is very irritable his memory is not very good," said Rosanne.

Like many of us, Roy sought relief from over the counter sleep medications.

Doctor Reena Mehra at University Hospital’s Sleep Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio said it’s not wise to just reach for a pill.

They have side effects too.

"People can actually have difficulty focusing or concentrating during the daytime. In older folks it can precipitate falls because it affects cognition," said Dr. Mehra.

Studies show herbal remedies like valerian root may help induce sleep and melatonin is naturally produced in the body.

But buyer beware.

"It’s not FDA regulated so you don’t know about the quality or purity of what you’re getting," said Dr. Mehra.

Roy’s problem became so bad he started using prescription meds.

The four most popular sleep medications include Lunesta, Rozerim, Sonata and Ambien.

Roy tried them all in vain, then he tried the updated Ambien C-R.

The medication made Roy sleep walk, so he tossed the pills and is now trying a drug-free method, one that Doctor Mehra likes to try on patients first.

"Relaxation strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation stimulus control techniques where you’re trying to associate the bedroom with sleep (edit to) and then cognitive behavioral therapy," said Dr. Mehra.

Roy’s taking part in a first of a kind sleep group therapy.

Hopefully he’ll learn the tools to take control of his rest and get what he needs most, a good night’s sleep.

Posted by Logan Smith