Exploring the effects and risks of sleep aids, including the effectiveness of melatonin. Tips for stopping sleep aid use and gaining confidence in natural sleep. Stay tuned for episodes on sleep myths and sleep trackers.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Chronic use of sleep aids can lead to psychological addiction and a loss of confidence in one's ability to sleep without them.
Melatonin, a commonly used sleep aid, is not highly effective in helping people fall asleep compared to a placebo.
Deep dives
The Potential Downsides of Sleep Aids
Many people turn to sleep aids like supplements or medications to solve their immediate sleep problems. While these tools can be helpful for acute problems or short-term use, they can often become psychologically addicting, leading individuals to lose confidence in their ability to sleep without them. Chronic use of sleep aids can create a sense of always being on the defense and fearing the night. Tapering off these medications slowly, based on individual preference and confidence levels, can help individuals regain confidence in their ability to sleep without sleep aids.
The Effectiveness of Melatonin
Melatonin, a supplement commonly used as a sleep aid, is not highly effective in helping people fall asleep compared to a placebo. It is crucial to consult with a prescribing physician before stopping sleep aid usage and slowly decrease the dose under their guidance. Understanding that not all nights will be the same in terms of sleep quality and not attributing poor sleep solely to the reduction or absence of sleep aids is important for successful sleep aid withdrawal.
1.
Exploring the Effects of Sleep Aids and the Importance of Confidence in Sleep
We’re talking sleep aids – substances, supplements, pills, and potions. Many of us believe we need such assistance to reach the land of nod. But do we?