Articles Index

Sleeping Pill Use - On the Rise
Insomnia is an ever-increasing problem, it seems, worldwide. This use is no longer confined to older adults and senior citizens. The largest increase is in children and young adults with a growth of 855 to 100% since the year 2000.

Counseling Vs. Pills
For older adults suffering from insomnia, there may be a better and safer solution than sleeping pills.

Ambien and Bizarre Behavior
The sleep aid, Zolpidem, sold under the trade name Ambien, is the best-selling prescribed sleeping pill in the US. It's estimated that over 25 million prescriptions for this drug were filled last year, and usage is growing. Lately it's been linked to some very bizarre behavior.

Herbal Remedy Database
Database of herbs for sleep disorders and problems that disrupt sleep.

Insomnia Treatment
Over the centuries, a variety of cures for insomnia have been tried. These range from alcohol and laudanum to the modern drugs, including Sonata, Ambien and Lunesta.

Side Effects of Ambien
If you suffer from insomnia, and millions of people do, then the prescription drug Zolpidem, commonly called Ambien, might just give you the relief you need. But, if not taken as directed, it could have serious side effects.

The Newer Sleeping Pills
Since about 1992, new sleeping pills have been gradually edging out the older benzodiazepines, including Halcion, ProSom and Restoril in the insomnia market. These new pills, Sonata, Ambien and Lunesta, are proven effective treatment for insomnia. But which one is the best for you?

Eminem and Insomnia
Elvis Presley suffered from severe insomnia. Singer Ozzy Osbourne has had similar problems. Another star that has admitted to suffering sleep deprivation because of insomnia is Drew Barrymore. The latest to come to our attention is the rap superstar, Eminem.

Unethical Medical Practices?
A letter I received from a reader has me a bit concerned. If the facts,as he states them, are true, this is a situation that does indeed warrant investigation. JBFields wrote: "Are doctors being rewarded for using patients as unknowing guinea pigs?"

Fruit Flies and Meth
Recent studies reveal methamphetamine causes fruit flies to experience frenetic brain activity and sleepless nights. The drug works on the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical produced by the adrenal glands. It controls the pleasure centers of the brain and decreases the need for sleep.

The Mad King Of England
Did King George III suffer from arsenic poisoning? Was it the cause of his bouts of madness? This brought to mind an earlier article I wrote on another famous man, Abe Lincoln who suffered violent mood swings because of a medication prescribed by his doctor. His blue mass pills contained a high percentage of lead.

Lunesta and Prozac
Sepracor, a research-based pharmaceutical company, has continued testing Lunesta and presented data at the 2005 Associated Professional Sleep Societies Meeting. This research evaluated the results of administrating Lunesta with Prozac.

Mix With Care
A recent news item reports: "Researchers in Arizona warn that sleeping pills and sodas do not mix, and can in fact cause heartburn at night so severe that it disrupts sleep on a regular basis."</I> This is, according to the researchers, because of the high acidity level in carbonated beverages.

New Sleeping Pills
An article in the American Medical news announces that FDA approval has been given for the sleep drug eszopiclone (brand name Lunesta.) Lunesta is a hypnotic, the first sleep medication that is approved for long-term use.

Nytex : The Natural Science Of Sleep
On January 7, 2005, Tharos Laboratories, Inc., announced the introduction of a new supplement to aid in sleep problems called Nytex(tm). It contains Procidin(tm), an antioxidant derived from fruit, and other ingredients, including melatonin, vitamin E, vitamin B complex and valerian.

Melatonin
According to a study test conducted by a University of Alberta research group, melatonin may not be as effective as once thought. It may help people with primary sleep problems fall asleep a bit easier, but may have little or no effect on those with secondary sleep problems.

Sleep Medicine
There are more drugs, herbal remedies, hormones and other medications on the market that claim to cure sleep disorders than there are sleep disorders. Some are prescription drugs and some are over-the-counter remedies, but all have the potential to be dangerous and should be treated with caution.