Unilääkkeiden

Unilääkkeet, also known as hypnotics or sleeping pills, are medications prescribed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They work by affecting the central nervous system, typically by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. This inhibition leads to sedation and facilitates sleep.

There are several classes of prescription hypnotics. Benzodiazepines, such as temazepam and diazepam, are commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia relief. They are effective but carry risks of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, often called "Z-drugs" (e.g., zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone), are also GABA-ergic but have a slightly different chemical structure and may have a lower risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines, though this remains a concern.

Other types of sleep medications include melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., ramelteon) that mimic the body's natural sleep hormone, and certain antidepressants with sedative properties that can be used off-label for sleep. Over-the-counter sleep aids, often containing antihistamines like diphenhydramine or doxylamine, are also available but are generally recommended for short-term use due to potential side effects like next-day drowsiness and anticholinergic effects.

Unilääkkeiden use should ideally be short-term and under medical supervision due to potential side effects, risks of tolerance, dependence, and interactions with other medications. Addressing the underlying causes of insomnia through behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is often considered the preferred long-term approach.