Common Medications Used to Treat Sleep Disorders

This article explores common medications for treating sleep disorders, including benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and other specialized drugs. It highlights their uses and the importance of professional guidance for effective management, emphasizing that proper diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for improving sleep health and overall well-being.

Medications prescribed for sleep issues are highly effective when combined with regular sleep routines and healthy eating habits. Below are some commonly prescribed drugs for managing sleep disorders.

Benzodiazepines: These drugs, including clonazepam, diazepam, temazepam, estazolam, alprazolam, and lorazepam, belong to the hypnotic class. They are primarily used for parasomnia, but some physicians also prescribe them for short-term insomnia and bruxism.

Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics: Medications like zaleplon and eszopiclone are recommended for brief episodes of insomnia.

Anti-Parkinsonian Agents: Dopamine receptor stimulants such as levodopa, Sinemet, bromocriptine, ropinirole, rotigotine, and pramipexole help manage restless leg syndrome and other sleep-related movement disorders.

They are also used for periodic limb movement disorder and similar conditions.

Opiates: Including codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and dihydromorphine, these are occasionally prescribed for restless leg syndrome, even during pregnancy.

Melatonin Receptor Agonists: Rozerem, which contains ramelteon, is used to treat sleep-onset insomnia.

Anticonvulsants: Drugs like Depakene, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin are utilized for nocturnal eating syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and insomnia.

Anti-Narcoleptics: Modafinil and methylphenidate are used to enhance alertness during the day, especially in cases of shift work sleep disorder or sleep apnea. Sodium oxybate may also be prescribed to reduce daytime sleepiness.

Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Belsomra (suvorexant) is the only approved medication in this class, acting to maintain wakefulness by regulating the body's circadian cycle.

Over recent decades, research into sleep disorders in the US has grown. The use of sedatives for insomnia has decreased, but various sleep medications remain in use. Chronic hypnotic drugs are sometimes linked to mood disturbances related to sleep issues.

Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential since sleep disorders can significantly impact daily life. Consulting healthcare professionals for personalized management is highly recommended.