Ask the doctor: Should I keep taking sleeping pills?
I have been taking a sleeping pill for about a year, and it has helped me get a good night's sleep. My doctor says he does not think it's a good idea for me to continue taking it. I'm worried that if I go off the drug, I won't sleep well. Should I stop?One of the normal results of aging is that our sleep architecture changes. We spend less time in deep, restorative sleep and more time in lighter sleep. Consequently, it's much easier to be roused from sleep and to feel less rested upon awakening in the morning. But it's important to talk with your doctor about why you originally started the medication and to determine whether those symptoms or circumstances still exist. My recommendation is to taper off of it, and then see what happens to your sleep. It will probably take a few weeks for you and your body to readjust. If, after stopping the medication, you are not feeling well rested when you wake up in the morning, you should see your doctor to investigate why that is.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
