Having just read the sad story in the news about the young woman from Bristol who walked out of the hospital with her newborn baby, and jumped off a cliff. One of her (many) problems was "severe sleep deprivation".
Doctors today seem terrified of prescribing sleeping tablets, and will try and use anti psychotics, anti depressants and anti histamines to help people sleep.
I was wondering what people thoughts on this problem are, is it better to take prescribed sleeping medications, which although effective, can be very addictive, or to let people get sleep deprived with the possibility of them taking some drastic action as a result?
Personally I would (and do) take sleeping tablets.
Leaving aside the unfortunate woman mentioned, (as pregnancy is a special situation) what are peoples thoughts in general?
In America they had prohibition with alcohol, it didn't work it just drive alcohol under ground. Nothing achieved.
The reclassification of drugs - the problem will go under ground,as many people are addicted.
The Drs issue " addiictive" drugs, now they are taking people off them, sometimes too quickly.
So where do people go, internet - could lead to two years in prison for importing drugs into the country.
Street dealers - do you know what you are getting.
As with internet and street drugs you don't know, it could be cut with other chemicals.
Who wins, drug dealers, who loses - the patient
Who is running to the bank laughinng - drug dealers and dispensers.
Re your thoughts on sleeping tablets. 40 odd years ago I had a minor breakdown due to a stressful job which caused me to be deprived of a decent night's sleep. i was given nitrazepam and told it was an excellent drug. I left the job 3 months later and tried to knock off the pills. Alas I could not sleep at all. I asked for help to withdraw but was told they were NOT addictive and would be best for my well being to take them each night.. Back then I did not question any medic. and over the years I have taken this drug every single night. Wish I could turn the clock back and would have fought harder for help but at least I can sleep and I think for anyone who has severe sleep deprivation they must have something to get a good sleep even if it be a sleeping pill. The only problem I have is at one time I could take 1 tablet or 2 each night and now after all this time I need 2 so I can get a decent sleep. This is my story and there must be many like me.
Its a balancing act and if you have a good gp they can control when you have sleeping tablets. Mine is happy to only give them to me occaionally. But i never bother her until I am really really tired ie less than 10 hours sleep in 7 days. And that extreme I would say
Thanks for all comments, and especially that there are none from the "holistic wing" who usually suggest some kind of foul tasting tea or whatever.
I am firmly in the if it works take it camp.
I was just interested in how important people felt a good nights sleep was compared to those who think all types of (possibly addictive drugs) were.
Persoanally, and through personal experiance, I know just how damaging sleep deprivation can be, and I would always chose chemical sleep above insomnia.
All opinions are welcome
all the best
Paddy
Sleep is very important xxx
I must admit that in the begining I found Nitrazapam to be close to a knock out drug, but it very quickly became ineffective for me.