Prescription Natural Medicine and Sleep Disorders

‍Living with a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or restless legs syndrome, can be an exhausting and frustrating experience. These conditions disrupt our natural sleep rhythms, meaning we not only don’t get enough sleep — but the sleep we do get tends to be poor quality too.

The effects of bad sleep go beyond just feeling tired. Sleep disorders can cause difficulties concentrating, mood swings, lowered immune function, and a higher risk of illnesses.

Insomnia treatment can be challenging too due to the many reasons why sleep problems happen. Stress, poor sleep hygiene habits, and medical and psychological conditions can all cause sleep issues. The duration and severity of your sleep disorders also play a role in how to manage them, with chronic cases often requiring more comprehensive or holistic treatment options.

Prescription natural medicine has shown promise as a potential natural and lower-risk option for some people with insomnia. The active ingredients found in the medication interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to help regulate sleep and other bodily functions.

Learn more about how prescription natural medicine may help with sleep disorders in some patients and discover options for legally accessing natural medicine treatments in Australia.

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve good quality sleep. Many factors, including stress, medical conditions, lifestyle habits, or even genetic factors can cause sleep disorders.

Some common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.

People with insomnia face ongoing challenges in falling asleep or maintaining sleep and are often accompanied by stress or anxiety.

Restless legs syndrome also causes disrupted sleep, however, sleep difficulties are caused by uncomfortable leg sensations and uncontrollable urges to move the legs.

Instead of trouble sleeping at night, narcolepsy causes sudden, uncontrollable episodes of daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy can also cause sudden muscle weakness or paralysis triggered by emotions, like laughter or surprise. Additionally, narcoleptics can experience vivid hallucinations (also known as hypnopompic hallucinations) upon falling.

Effective management and treatment of sleep disorders require accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans. 

Want to know more about sleep disorders? Talk to a doctor to receive a comprehensive assessment and achieve better sleep.

Why is Poor Sleep Such a Problem?

With how busy our daily lives can be, it’s easy to underestimate how important sleep is for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

During sleep, our bodies undergo essential processes that help repair tissue, strengthen our immune system, and regulate hormones. Additionally, sleep is vital for memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving, allowing us to process and make sense of the information we encounter throughout the day.

Getting enough sleep also stabilises mood and emotional resilience. Ongoing sleep deprivation (like what you would experience with chronic insomnia) has been associated with heightened stress levels and an increased susceptibility to mental health disorders.

Poor sleep can even affect our physical health and increase our risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Polln Doctor, Dr Melissa Catanzarite, MBBS believes that sleep is the single most significant component of our self care. “Sleep is the real miracle drug; it promotes healing, emotional stability and even weight loss. Without sleep we struggle to have meaningful interactions with those we love, our creativity is dampened or ceases altogether and we are at more risk for significant health disorders.

A person can take all of the medications, supplements and yoga classes in the world and their health will not improve until they prioritise sleep.”

Challenges of Traditional Sleep Disorder Treatments

Conventional treatments for sleep disorders that rely on pharmaceutical interventions (sometimes called “sleeping pills”) or behavioural therapies can be challenging for patients due to their possible side effects, dependency concerns, and varying levels of effectiveness.

While behavioural therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy, can be effective drug-free insomnia treatment options, they require commitment and patience as they often involve making long-term changes to sleep habits and routines.

Prescription sleep aids, like benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, on the other hand, help insomnia by boosting the calming effects of various brain chemicals. However, these medications are typically recommended for short-term use. 

Prolonged or excessive use of prescription sleep aids can lead to tolerance, where the effectiveness of the drug diminishes over time, or drug dependence. Additionally, when individuals stop using these medications after extended use, they may experience rebound insomnia, where their sleep problems worsen again.

Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics can also lead to issues such as daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and an increased likelihood of accidents or falls, particularly among older adults.

There is a significant need for natural sleep aids. Some alternatives include prescription natural medicine, relaxation exercises, and improved sleeping habits, such as taking daily exercises, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and making changes to your sleeping environment to promote better sleep hygiene.

How Prescription Natural Medicine May Support as a Natural Sleep Aid

Prescription natural medicine may help treat sleep disorders due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays an important role in regulating various bodily functions, including sleep.

The ECS has been found to influence sleep-wake cycles, sleep duration, and sleep quality through its modulation of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain. Some of the active ingredients that are found in prescription natural medicine may influence the quality and duration of sleep in some patients by:

• Reducing Anxiety: Prescription natural medicine may provide insomnia relief for some patients. Some of the active ingredients found within the medication have anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) properties that may help alleviate anxiety and stress, common contributors to sleep disorders like insomnia.

• Promoting Relaxation: Prescription natural medicine treatments have muscle relaxant and sedative properties, potentially aiding in relaxation and promoting sleep onset.

• Regulating REM Sleep: Certain active ingredients found in prescription natural medicine treatments have been shown to suppress REM sleep, which could be beneficial for those with conditions like nightmares or REM sleep behaviour disorder. Interestingly, reduced REM sleep has been linked to early-onset dementia and cognitive decline; however, some active ingredients may allow for more REM, potentially protecting brain health for some people.
  
  
• Pain Relief: Prescription natural medicine may alleviate pain in some patients, which is often a contributing factor to sleep disorders. By reducing pain, it may facilitate better sleep.

Therapeutic Effects of Prescription Natural Medicine on Sleep

When considering prescription natural medicine for sleep, it's essential to consult a doctor before starting a treatment course. Your practitioner can help you assess the potential risks and benefits, and decide if prescription natural medicine treatments align with your sleep disorder and overall health needs.

Prescription natural medicine offers several therapeutic effects that may set it apart from other sleep medications:

• Effective: Prescription natural medicine has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase the duration of deep, restorative sleep, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing sleep disorders for some patients.

• Natural: Unlike many traditional sleep medications, prescription natural medicines are derived from plants, making them a natural alternative that may appeal to those seeking natural, plant-based remedies without the side effects often associated with synthetic drugs. 

• Relaxing: The active ingredients in prescription natural medicine have shown potential for inducing relaxation and reducing anxiety in some patients. By promoting a sense of calm, these treatments can contribute to more tranquil sleep for those dealing with stress-related sleep disturbances.

• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to some pharmaceutical interventions, prescription natural medicine may have fewer side effects for some patients, particularly when used responsibly and under medical supervision. This can be appealing for those concerned about adverse reactions and dependency associated with traditional sleep medications.

Risks of Prescription Natural Medicine for Sleep

When deciding on any kind of medication, it's important to acknowledge any possible risks alongside their potential benefits.

Some risks of prescription natural medicine for sleep include potential side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and cognitive impairment, as well as the risk of developing tolerance, and dependence. 

Additionally, the psychoactive nature of some of the active ingredients found within prescription natural medicine may not be suitable for people with mood disorders, like bipolar or schizophrenia.

A comprehensive discussion with a caring medical professional can help you navigate these risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision about whether prescription natural medicine is a safe and effective option for you.

The Wrap Up

Sleep disorders can have a profound impact on both our physical and mental well-being, disrupting our natural sleep patterns and significantly influencing our overall health and quality of life. Traditional treatments, though effective for some, can come with some challenging side effects like dependence or rebound insomnia, and might not but suitable for everything.

Prescription natural medicine provides a safer, natural, sleep aid option. It can help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and even regulate REM sleep. 

Even though prescription natural medicine treatments have fewer side effects than other sleep medications, it’s still important to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the risks and benefits and decide if natural therapies are right for you.

Prescription Natural Medicine and Sleep FAQ

What Is the Most Effective Natural Sleep Aid?

One natural sleep aid is prescription natural medicine. While the effectiveness and safety of natural medicine as a sleep aid can vary from person to person, there is a growing body of research suggesting that this treatment method may improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase the duration of deep and restorative sleep.

Prescription natural medicine contains active ingredients that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including sleep. It's worth noting that other natural sleep aids, such as meditation, hypnotherapy, and melatonin, are also recognised for their potential in promoting restful sleep. Different individuals may find varying degrees of effectiveness with these options, and we recommend exploring what works best for your individual needs and preferences with an authorised prescriber, or a doctor who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines.

Can You Become Dependent on Sleep Aids?

Yes, it is possible to become dependent on sleep aids, including prescription natural medicine. Both over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids, as well as natural remedies, can lead to physical and psychological dependence if used improperly or for an extended period.

• Prescription Sleep Aids: Prescription medications like benzodiazepines and certain non-benzodiazepine drugs can effectively treat sleep disorders, but they carry the risk of dependence. Tolerance can develop over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication.
  
  
• Over-the-counter and Natural Sleep Aids: Even over-the-counter sleep aids, including herbal supplements, and natural options like prescription natural medicines can also lead to dependence. Using these aids regularly can create a psychological reliance on them to induce sleep.
  
  
• Prescription Natural Medicine: While the prescription of natural medicines has shown potential for improving sleep, prolonged and indiscriminate use can also lead to dependence. Regular use might lead to the body adapting to its effects, potentially requiring higher doses to achieve the desired sleep benefits. Learn more.