Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Sleeping Pills Addiction | Types, Symptoms & Effects

Sleep is essential, and a lack of it can wreak havoc on a person’s emotional and physical well-being. Sleeping pills are a common aid to treat sleep disorders, helping millions of people across the globe function and get the vital rest they need. However, taking sleeping pills in excess or over the long term can quickly lead to addiction. Realising that you or your loved one has a sleeping pill addiction can be confusing and scary, but acting as soon as possible is vital to help minimise the impact of the disorder.

What are sleeping pills?

Sleeping pills, also known as sedative-hypnotic medication, are medicines that help people with insomnia and similar conditions fall asleep and stay asleep. While they can be very effective, sleeping pills also have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

In terms of recreational abuse, if you take sleeping and overcome the urge to sleep, they can produce euphoria and hallucinatory effects. The medication is often mixed with alcohol to exacerbate these qualities though this is highly dangerous and carries a real risk of a fatal overdose.

What is a sleeping pill addiction?

Addiction – also called substance use disorder – is a mental health condition which causes people to take drugs uncontrollably even if they want to quit. Dealing with sleeping pill addiction can be extremely difficult, impacting an individual’s health, personal and professional life and their relationships with loved ones..

Sleeping pills are widely prescribed across the UK, though this does not mean they are entirely safe. Sleeping pills are central nervous system depressants and activate GABA receptors in the brain, resulting in reduced levels of anxiety and increased relaxation. When these drugs are taken over the long term, the body gets used to their presence and needs them to function normally – forming physical and mental dependency.

People in this position commonly develop a sleeping pill addiction, a disorder that takes over the decision-making and reward centres of the brain. The powerful condition causes people to repeatedly take drugs, despite their desire to stop and the negative impacts on their lives.

Signs of a sleeping pill addiction

It can be difficult to spot when medication use has spiralled out of control into substance abuse. Many people with a sleeping pill addiction will hide their drug-taking behaviour from their loved ones and may be in denial about their issue. However, there are numerous signs to look out for to indicate if you or your loved one should seek professional help for sleeping pill addiction.

These include:

Running out of the prescription early
Reliance on sleeping pills every night over more than a few weeks
Cravings to use sleeping pills during the day
Slurred speech
Uncoordinated and unsteady movements
Inability to focus
Impaired memory
Unusual euphoria
Inability to uphold responsibilities
Issues in relationships, work, finances, or legally
Lying about drug use
Mood swings
No longer engaging in previously enjoyed activities

What causes sleeping pill addiction

Sleeping pill addiction is a complex disorder with each person’s path to developing the condition specific to their situation. However, there are various underlying issues at the core of most people’s addiction to sleeping pills. These include:

Co-occurring mental health conditions

According to a National Health Service (NHS) survey, nearly one in four people experience some kind of mental health struggle each year. Despite these disorders being so common, most people do not receive treatment for them due to the stigma surrounding these conditions and the lack of access to treatment. This can lead to individuals using substances like sleeping pills as a way to self-medicate and manage their condition.

To cope with stress

In our modern world, there is an increasing amount of external pressure and stress that can influence our internal landscape. Many people turn to sleeping pills as a form of escapism, allowing them to switch off from outside stressors. This pressure may come from school, work, the political climate, relationship issues, personal struggles or unresolved trauma.

Genetics

Some studies have found that genetics contributes to around half of a person’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.

Environment

If an individual is surrounded by others who are abusing drugs, this will increase their chances of developing an addiction to sleeping pills. This includes childhood experiences and being surrounded by peers who take drugs.

Types of sleeping pill addiction

Zaleplon addiction

Zaleplon addiction involves compulsive use of the sedative, leading to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive issues. It can cause significant health problems, making professional treatment essential for recovery.

Zaleplon addiction →

Zolpidem addiction

Zolpidem addiction involves compulsive use of the sleep aid, leading to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive impairment. It can cause severe health issues, making professional treatment crucial for recovery.

Zolpidem addiction →

Zopiclone addiction

Zopiclone addiction involves compulsive use of the sleep medication, leading to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive issues. This addiction can cause serious health problems, requiring professional treatment.

Zopiclone addiction →

Side effects and dangers of a sleeping pill addiction

Abusing sleeping pills can have serious short and long-term health implications for users.

Short-term side effects

The initial euphoric and relaxing effects of abusing sleeping pills can motivate many to start taking them.

However, the wide range of unpleasant effects is not usually considered when making this decision. These can include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Constipation
Dizziness
Headaches
Balance issues
Heartburn
Allergic reactions: itching, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, pounding heart
Impairment the next day
Mental slowing or problems with attention or memory
Stomach pain or tenderness
Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
Weakness
Parasomnias: sleep-walking, sleep-talking, sleep driving, sleep-eating, sleep-sex

Long-term side effects

Sleeping pills are usually not recommended for long-term use as this can lead to dependence and a range of dangerous side effects. When the drugs are abused over a long time period, this can result in:

Hallucinations
Impaired motor skills and lack of coordination
Depression
Seizures
Depressed breathing
Increased risk of dependency and addiction
Increased risk of a fatal overdose

Sleeping pill addiction and the family

Sleeping pill addiction is commonly described as a family disease, taking over the lives of both the person dealing with the disorder and those closest to them. For this reason, family therapy is vital for loved ones to be educated on substance abuse and how to avoid the enabling roles that they may play. Sessions with a mental health professional can also be useful for families to work through trauma associated with sleeping pill addiction, learn how to best support each other and prevent relapses.

What is the next step?

Linwood House is an established addiction treatment centre situated in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. We offer affordable yet high-quality care to assist people with a wide range of substance use disorders towards a life of sobriety.

This involves:

Sleeping pill detox – the process of breaking physical dependence on sleeping pills
Sleeping pill rehab – a programme of therapy, support groups and ongoing aftercare that helps you address the causes of your sleeping pill addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Contact us today to find out more information about our treatment programmes and take that first step in overcoming sleeping pill addiction.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of my addiction to sleeping pills?

Sleeping pill addiction is a powerful condition that often requires a lifelong battle. Seeking out professional help at a dedicated centre like Linwood House is extremely important for long-term recovery.

What happens if you constantly take sleeping pills?

Taking sleeping pills too frequently or beyond the guidance of your prescription can have negative effects. This is especially true if you are taking benzos or Z drugs, which can lead to dependence if taken too frequently. If you are worried about sleeping pill addiction, then contact Linwood House today to learn more about how we can help.

Are sleeping pills the same as sedatives?

Sleeping pills and sedatives are similar but not exactly the same. Sleeping pills, such as zolpidem, are specifically designed to induce sleep, while sedatives, like benzodiazepines, calm the nervous system and can also induce sleep but are used for anxiety, seizures, or relaxation.