In a population that has experienced unimaginable moments due to the Coronavirus pandemic, among the aftermath are people with anxiety and significant sleep deprivation. According to research by the Sleep Institute, more than half of Brazilians have started to sleep poorly and have fewer hours of sleep, and this continues to this day.
To alleviate the lack of sleep, many turn to sleeping pills, and their effects can be drastic, as warned by the president of the Brazilian Sleep Association (Regional ES) and Sleep Medicine specialist and pulmonologist, Dr. Jessica Polese.
"Sleeping pills that contain the substances zolpidem and temazepam can become addictive and promote various harms, such as causing sleepwalking, memory loss up to four hours after ingestion, can be dangerous if mixed with alcoholic beverages, cause daytime drowsiness, and even affect motor activities," explains the doctor.
Thus, accidents can occur at home, at work, and on the road, potentially leading to death due to the ingestion of these pills. According to the specialist, sedatives have been associated with hallucinations and dissociative behaviors.
For patients with insomnia, it is necessary to discover how their sleep routine is before we can determine if there is a need for medication after tests. "We will guide the sleep routine, learn about the patient's routine, their life moment, and any illnesses, before resorting to pills, and as a last resort," says Jessica. "The pill can be a palliative; in fact, we will guide first and test alternatives for the return of regular sleep," the doctor points out.
And always follow the tips for a good night's sleep: a cozy environment, partial lighting, and avoiding electronics like cell phones and televisions at least two hours before bed. The bedroom is a place to relax, rest, and sleep, so avoid distractions, blue screens, and heavy meals before sleeping.
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