Sleep problems are becoming more common among adults and children. As a result, many people turn to sleeping pills without proper medical advice.
Sarah’s Story: Relying on Supplements
Sarah Alamin, a 29-year-old marketing professional in Dubai, started using herbal melatonin supplements to help her fall asleep faster. She thought it was a simple fix for her sleepless nights. However, experts warn that depending on such pills can cause memory problems in adults and impact brain development in children.
Sarah purchased these supplements from pharmacies to stay alert for her demanding job. Over time, she realized she was using them out of habit, even when she felt naturally sleepy, not understanding the risks involved.
“I began taking them as a supplement,” Sarah explained. “At first, they helped, but now I rely on them even when I’m not restless. I just want to make sure I sleep well for work.”
Expert Advice on Supplements
Pharmacists advise caution when using over-the-counter herbal supplements. Ola Anwar, a licensed pharmacist, explains, “While melatonin supplements are a natural option, they can interact with other medications and aren’t suitable for everyone. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to find the safest choice.”
Dr. Salman Kareem, a psychiatrist at Aster Clinic, highlights the difference between prescription sleeping pills and melatonin supplements. “Prescription pills are FDA-approved and prescribed only after a thorough medical evaluation,” he says. These are often used for conditions like chronic insomnia or anxiety-related sleep issues.
Long-Term Risks
According to Dr. Eman Ahmed, a family medicine specialist at Aster Hospital Sharjah, long-term use of sleep aids can lead to dependence, tolerance, and cognitive decline in adults. For older adults, the risk of falls and accidents increases.
“For children, the effects are more severe, potentially harming brain development, behavior, and mood,” she warns. Dr. Eman recommends alternatives like cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and lifestyle changes, such as sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and reducing caffeine and screen time.
Signs of Dependence
Dr. Kareem identifies signs of dependence, including needing higher doses or feeling anxious without the pills. He advises seeking medical help if these symptoms appear.
Exploring Alternatives: Sleep Patches
Some residents are turning to alternatives like sleep patches. Hessa, a 32-year-old mother in Dubai, tried sleep patches she found online. After experiencing better deep sleep, she let her 13-year-old son use them occasionally, though she worried about dependency.
Dr. Shadi Sharifi, a sleep specialist at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, says, “Sleep patches release melatonin directly through the skin, helping people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.” However, she cautions against long-term use, as melatonin’s effectiveness may decrease over time.
She adds that melatonin isn’t recommended for children under three and suggests professional advice for children with ADHD, autism, or similar challenges.
Takeaway
Melatonin supplements and patches can be helpful in the short term, but long-term use carries risks. Always consult a healthcare provider to find the best and safest solution for your sleep needs.
