A type of medication known as sleeping pills is used to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder that causes difficulty falling or staying asleep. While sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term, they can also have serious side effects, particularly if taken frequently or in large quantities.

It’s crucial to be aware of the possible hazards because a sleeping pill overdose can be fatal. We’ll talk about the symptoms of sleeping pill overdose in this blog post, along with what to do if you think someone may have overdosed.

What Happens If You Take Too Many Sleeping Pills?
The kind of medication taken, the amount taken, and the general health of the person can all affect the side effects of a sleeping pill overdose. Still, a few of the most typical adverse effects are as follows:

  • confusion and drowsiness
  • slurred words
  • Decrease in coordination
  • respiration slowed
  • low BP
  • Death in Coma
  • People who overdose on sleeping pills occasionally also experience cardiac issues, seizures, or hallucinations. It is crucial that you contact 108 Ambulance Service right away if you think someone has overdosed on sleeping pills.

How to Proceed If You Think Someone May Have Overdosed on Sleeping Tablets
It is crucial that you contact 108 (Ambulance Service) right away if you think someone has overdosed on sleeping pills. Never attempt to treat the overdose on your own. Treatment may require the patient to be admitted to the hospital.

You can engage in the following activities while you wait for emergency assistance to arrive:

  • Keep an eye on the person’s breathing and pulse while you stay with them.
  • If the person is unconscious, speak loudly and give them a gentle shoulder shake in an attempt to rouse them.
  • Give the person no food or liquids.
  • To avoid a choking incident, turn the person who is vomiting onto their side.
  • In case the person stops breathing, be ready to administer CPR.

How to Avoid Taking Too Many Sleeping Tablets at Once
The best defence against a sleeping pill overdose is to take the recommended dosage as directed by your physician. Avoid taking them for longer than your doctor has prescribed and avoid taking more than the recommended dosage.

Additionally, since taking sleeping pills with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of overdosing, you should avoid doing so. Tell your doctor about any other medications you take so they can look for possible interactions.

There are several non-pharmaceutical methods you can try to enhance your quality of sleep if you suffer from insomnia. Among them are:

  • creating a regular sleep schedule and doing your best to follow it.
  • establishing a calming nighttime routine.
  • avoiding alcohol and caffeine right before bed.
  • exercising on a regular basis.
  • minimising screen time in the evening.
  • Consult your physician if you have tried these solutions and you are still having problems falling asleep. They can assist you in receiving the necessary treatment if you have an underlying medical condition that may be the cause of your insomnia.

In summary
In the short term, sleeping pills can be a useful treatment for insomnia, but they can also have serious side effects, particularly if taken for long periods of time or in large doses. It’s critical to take precautions against sleeping medication overdose and to be aware of the possible risks. It is crucial that you contact 108 right away if you think someone has overdosed on sleeping pills.

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