Sleeping Smart

It is very important to take all medications, including sleep aids, as directed by a healthcare professional and as described in the prescribing information.

While taking sleep aids, be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Until you know how a sleep medication will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. As with any sleep medication, do not take with alcohol.

Patients should speak with their healthcare professional before taking sleeping medications at a dose other than the one that was prescribed, longer than the period prescribed, or in combination with any other medication (over-the-counter, prescription, or alternative/herbal therapies).

For More Information

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sleep and Public Health Web site
2. Institute of Medicine's Report, Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem
3. National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
4. National Institute on Aging Senior Health Page
5. NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Statement on Manifestations and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults