Sleep and sedatives are not permanent

When sleep and sedatives turn from helper to tormentor

04/07/2014

In Germany, many people suffer from sleep disorders and resort to sleeping pills and tranquillizers. About 1.2 million Germans are dependent on such drugs. An expert explains why they are not suitable for long-term use.

Effect of the drugs can reverse
As the „pharmacy magazine“ (4/2014 A) reported, about 1.2 million Germans are dependent on sleep and sedatives. At first, these would have a calming effect, for example in mental crises. However, the effect does not last. „The drugs are gradually losing their effect, or even a reversal of action is taking place: symptoms such as anxiety and inner restlessness against which they are supposed to help are intensified“, explains the head of the department addiction medicine of the LWL clinics Lippstadt and Warstein, Dr. med. Rüdiger Holzbach, in the health magazine. Many sufferers who are aware of this connection are becoming more willing to reduce the dose. However, this must always be done slowly and under medical supervision.

Natural aids against sleep problems
Almost half of the population worldwide is struggling with sleep disorders. which can lead to chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of performance, increased risk of accidents and depression. In addition, chronic insomnia can also promote the onset of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease such as heart attack or gastrointestinal disorders. However, people who suffer from sleep problems should not resort to chemical sleeping pills because there are also natural remedies, such as sleep aids made from valerian extracts alone or in combination with hops, lemon balm and passion flower. Since stress is also a common cause of sleep disorders, relaxation exercises, exercise and physical activity will also help resolve sleep problems. (Sb)