Everyone is always looking to get better sleep. Whether it’s initially getting to sleep, staying asleep longer, or getting more restful sleep, how we sleep can have a direct impact on how we go about our daily lives. It’s why so many mattress companies or sleep aid companies run advertising campaigns promoting better sleep.
While some people may turn to natural or holistic aids to try and get better sleep, others turn to sleeping pills. While these sleeping pills can certainly be effective, they also come with a number of risks, such as dependency or addiction, especially when misused. In fact, overdose from sleeping pills is far more common than many people think. Because they are unfortunately so common, and can come with life-threatening consequences, recognizing the signs of overdose, understanding what to do in an emergency, and knowing when to seek help can make a critical difference.
Keep reading to learn more about overdose of sleeping pill symptoms, including what to do should you or a loved one experience one.
What Are Sleeping Pills?
Simply put, a sleeping pill is any type of medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, that is taken to help people get to sleep and/or stay asleep. Prescription strength sleeping pills may be medically prescribed to those suffering from conditions such as insomnia or other medical or mental health conditions that can greatly impact a person’s sleep cycles.
While sleeping pills of all kinds are typically designed for short-term use only, most people who take sleeping pills do so regularly, which can often lead to issues such as dependency or addiction.
Sleeping pills typically work by targeting the brain’s neurotransmitters to induce a state of relaxation or sedation, making it easier to fall asleep. However, once the brain gets dependent on these pills in order to get to sleep, that’s when serious issues can arise, including overdose and even death.
Common Types of Sleeping Medications
As we mentioned, sleeping pills come in several different forms, both over-the-counter and prescription strength. The most common categories of sleeping pills include:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, act on the central nervous system to promote sleep but also carry a high risk of dependence and overdose. Examples of benzodiazepine sleeping pills include Temazepam (Restoril) and Diazepam (Valium).
Non-Benzodiazepine Sedative Hypnotics (Z-Drugs)
These are among the most prescribed sleep aids today. Though considered safer than benzodiazepines, they can still cause overdose when misused. Examples of Z-Drugs include Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), and Zaleplon (Sonata).
Antihistamines
These are the majority of over-the-counter sleep aids and substances such as Benadryl or Unisom. While over-the-counter, antihistamines can still present dangers when taken in high doses.
Melatonin Receptor Agonists
These mimic melatonin’s effects and, while they come with a lower overdose risk, misuse is still possible.
Antidepressants with Sedative Effects
These are sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia and can be harmful in large amounts. Examples include Trazodone and Mirtazapine.
How a Sleeping Pill Overdose Happens
Like any other form of substance overdose, a sleeping pill overdose occurs when too much of the drug is taken, either intentionally or unintentionally. Also similar to other types of substance overdoses, a sleeping pill overdose is most likely to occur as a result of the person becoming more and more tolerant to the sleeping pill, thus needing more and more to get to sleep and stay sleeping.
Some of the more common ways in which a sleeping pill overdose can occur include:
- Accidentally taking a double dose (usually the result of forgetting that the first dose was taken)
- Combining the sleeping pill with alcohol or other sedatives
- Recreational misuse
- Suicide attempt
Symptoms of a Sleeping Pill Overdose
Since a sleeping pill overdose is far more common than many people think, and sleeping pills are so commonly taken, recognizing the signs of a sleeping pill overdose is not just important, it can also potentially be life-saving.
Symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose can range from mild to severe and can include:
Mild Symptoms
- Drowsiness that doesn’t go away
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
Severe Symptoms
- Unconsciousness
- Slow or labored breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death (in extreme cases)
If you observe these symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.
Physical and Mental Health Effects
An overdose doesn’t just affect the body in the short term, it can have lasting impacts on your physical and mental well-being.
Physical Effects
- Respiratory depression
- Heart arrhythmias
- Organ damage from prolonged unconsciousness
- Risk of falling or injury due to disorientation
Mental Effects
- Memory loss
- Mood disturbances
- Increased risk of anxiety or depression
- Cognitive impairment from repeated overdoses
Risk Factors That Increase Overdose Potential
Just like other substances of abuse, certain risk factors can play a role in the increased likelihood of a sleeping pill overdose.
Some of these risk factors include:
- Taking multiple sedative medications
- Mixing with alcohol or illicit drugs
- History of substance abuse
- Mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
- Liver or kidney disease, which impairs drug metabolism
- Elderly age, due to increased sensitivity to sedatives
- Lack of medical supervision when using sleeping pills long-term
Mixing Sleeping Pills with Alcohol or Other Drugs
As we mentioned above, mixing a sleeping pill with another substance of abuse, such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, significantly increases the risk of overdose. That’s because each of those substances, on its own, depresses the central nervous system.
When combined, though, the results can be dangerous or even deadly, including:
- Respiratory failure
- Profound sedation
- Cardiac arrest
- Sudden death
Even something as “innocent” as an over-the-counter pain reliever can interact dangerously with sleeping pills. That’s why it is important to always consult with your doctor or primary care physician before combining any medications.
What to Do If You Suspect an Overdose
If you suspect a sleeping pill overdose, take immediate action:
- Call 911 or emergency services. Time is critical.
- Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them until help arrives.
- Try to determine what was taken, when, and how much. This information helps first responders act quickly.
- Do not attempt to induce vomiting. This could cause choking or further complications.
- If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking.
Prompt action can mean the difference between life and death.
Emergency Treatment and Medical Intervention
Once at the hospital, the following treatments may be administered:
- Activated charcoal to limit drug absorption (if caught early)
- Stomach pumping in certain overdose cases
- IV fluids for hydration and drug dilution
- Oxygen therapy or ventilator support for respiratory distress
- Sedative antidotes such as flumazenil (for benzodiazepines)
- Monitoring and supportive care until the drug is metabolized
If the overdose was deemed intentional, medical professionals may also conduct a psychiatric evaluation.
Long-Term Effects of Sleeping Pill Misuse
Even if a person doesn’t experience a sleeping pill overdose, or experiences one and survives, continued and repeated misuse of sleeping pills can have serious long-term mental and physical consequences.
Some of the more significant long-term effects of sleeping pill misuse include:
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
- Memory problems and cognitive decline
- Liver and kidney damage
- Increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts
- Higher tolerance, requiring larger doses for the same effect
Preventing Sleeping Pill Overdose
While the easiest way to prevent a sleeping pill overdose is to simply not take any sleeping pills, that’s not always realistic or an option. That being said, should you need to take sleeping pills, consider taking the following proactive measures in order to decrease the chances of an overdose:
- Use only as prescribed and never exceed recommended doses
- Avoid combining with alcohol or other depressants
- Do not share medication with others
- Safely store pills away from children and teens
- Discuss alternative sleep strategies with your doctor, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
- Review all medications with a healthcare provider to avoid harmful interactions
When to Seek Help for Sleeping Pill Dependency
If you find yourself needing higher doses, experiencing cravings, or unable to sleep without pills, it may be time to seek professional help.
In fact, many of those symptoms are signs of a sleeping pill dependency. Some other signs include:
- Taking pills longer than intended
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Obsessive thoughts about the next dose
- Using pills to cope with emotional distress
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms as a result of your sleeping pill use, it may be a sign that professional intervention is needed.
Learn More About Overdose of Sleeping Pill Symptoms at Agape Treatment Center
If you or a loved one is struggling with sleeping pill misuse, the expert team at Agape Treatment Center is here to help. Our compassionate professionals specialize in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions with personalized care plans that promote long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and to get started on the road to recovery.
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
