During our Health and Wellness presentations, some members of our class presented how some sleep aids affect the body and mind. This topic interested me because we had talked about our natural sleep cycles during the middle part of the course, but this presentation included how big name sleep aids such as Ambien and NyQuil can actually have negative effects on the body. The group explained how Ambien, the most prescribed sleep aid in America, has been proven in some cases to disrupt the REM cycle of sleep. Not only can it actually worsen someone’s sleep pattern, but it can also become psychologically addictive to someone who feels that they need Ambien to sleep. On top of that, if these drugs are not taken properly, they can increase hypotension, tachypnea, and cause sleep disorder! This topic impacts my life because both of my parents are among the 44 million people who are prescribed sleep pills, one of which is on Ambien. One day, I may need to be prescribed Ambien and this group’s presentation has alerted me to facts that I would probably never have known. And, not only am I in need of this critical information, but the other 44 million people need to know about these hidden side effects as well! Although many Americans swear by the good nights of sleep they get from Ambien and Lunesta, most Americans who are prescribed are older and don’t exercise as much as younger adults. Many doctors agree that exercise can definitely increase sleep in older Americans, who could then stop being prescribed to a pill that could potentially harm them.
Question such as “how many people really don’t ‘need’ sleeping pills?” and “how many people actually know about these side effects?” are questions that need to be answered by the sleeping pill distributors so that people can make more informed decisions before they seek sleeping aid.
Question such as “how many people really don’t ‘need’ sleeping pills?” and “how many people actually know about these side effects?” are questions that need to be answered by the sleeping pill distributors so that people can make more informed decisions before they seek sleeping aid.
Group Members:
Morgan Pallimore
Nick Melton
Martina Vis
This was a very interesting topic. I was not aware the negative affects that Ambien and NyQuil could have on one's body. I never thought of the psychological dependence one might have to sleeping pills, and I have no idea that it actually disrupted your REM cycle. One would think it would do the exact opposite. I do not think many Americans are aware of this information, and I think when teachers teach about sleep they should tie in the affects on sleeping pills.
ReplyDeleteMeg Collins
Michael Clark
Haley McBay
I saw this post, and just has to stop and comment on the matter. I personally take sleeping aids almost every night and I have to say I love them. They make sleeping so much more enjoyable, and help someone like myself fall asleep faster than normal. I however haven't educated myself on the negative aspects of taking these aids. I have now begin to take sleeping aids in moderation instead of every night ,I only take them like once a week.
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