In a study published in the medical journal Sleep, insomnia is said to create a “significant economic burden” because sufferers tend to miss work more often. Insomnia patients also ran up higher medical expenditures. The study cites lack of awareness about sleep and health and urges improved national public education.Insomnia May Cost Less to Treat Than to Ignore
Use of certain prescription medications can sometimes cause insomnia; or difficulty in sleeping and/or staying asleep. Although the drug is prescribed for a specific medical condition, it may have unintended and unavoidable side effects. One such class of medications that may cause insomnia are diuretics.
What Is A Diuretic?
To understand the connection between diuretics and insomnia it is important to know what a diuretic is. A diuretic is a substance or medication that increases urinary output. There are many kinds of prescription diuretics, but the generic drug hydrochlorothiazide, often abbreviated HCTZ and sold under brand names such as Esidrix, Carozide, HydroDIURIL or Diaqua, is one of the most commonly prescribed diuretics in the US.
A diuretic can also be part of an individual’s daily dietary intake. Sometimes an individual consumes a food or beverage without knowing it may have diuretic effects. Three common diuretic beverages consumed daily by many are coffee, tea and alcohol. We already know that the caffeine in coffee and tea, and the stimulant effects of alcohol, can disrupt sleep. But what do these drinks have in common with thiazide diuretics and insomnia? Plenty, as we shall see. (more…)
The US Food and Drug Administration has ordered drug manufacturers to post stronger warning labels on 13 popular sleep medications, including Ambien and Lunesta. Widespread reports of severe allergic reactions, as well as bizarre behaviors including hallucinations, sleep driving and binge eating by sleepwalking patients who had taken the drugs before bedtime prompted the new labeling requirements. It appears that the risk of these behaviors may be increased by drinking alcohol (such as a glass of wine) before or after taking the pills. Despite the strengthened warnings, the FDA is not ordering the drugs off the shelves at this time.
F.D.A. Warns of Odd Effects of Sleep Pills
A recent poll of American women by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) reveals that over 60% say that they frequently experience sleep problems. And 43% say that daytime sleepiness interferes with daily activity - work, driving, and socialization. NSF has released the 2007 Sleep in America poll findings as part of its 10th annual National Sleep Awareness Week(R) campaign, held March 5-11th. The nonprofit organization offers good tips for healthy sleep.
Stressed-Out American Women Have No Time for Sleep
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