This article explores various medications used to treat sleep disorders, including benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and anti-parkinsonian drugs. It emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis and professional guidance for effective management of sleep issues, highlighting recent trends and medication classes that aid in sleep regulation and quality of life.

Medications play a crucial role in managing sleep disturbances, especially when combined with consistent sleep schedules and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some of the primary drugs used for sleep disorder treatment.

Benzodiazepines: This class includes medications like clonazepam, diazepam, temazepam, estazolam, alprazolam, and lorazepam. They are mainly indicated for parasomnias, with some doctors also prescribing them short-term for insomnia and teeth grinding.

Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics: Drugs such as zaleplon and eszopiclone are recommended for short-term insomnia episodes.

Anti-Parkinsonian Medications: Dopamine stimulants including levodopa, Sinemet, bromocriptine, ropinirole, rotigotine, and pramipexole assist in treating restless leg syndrome and related movement disorders during sleep.

They are also effective against periodic limb movements during sleep and similar conditions.

Opiates: Including drugs like codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and dihydromorphine, these are occasionally used for restless leg syndrome, even in pregnant women.

Melatonin Receptor Agonists: Rozerem, containing ramelteon, is utilized to promote sleep onset.

Anticonvulsants: Medications such as Depakene, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin are prescribed for nocturnal eating syndrome, periodic limb movements, and insomnia.

Anti-Narcoleptics: Drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate improve daytime alertness, especially for shift workers or sleep apnea patients. Sodium oxybate may also help reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.

Orexin Receptor Blockers: Belsomra (suvorexant) is the only approved medication that helps regulate the sleep-awake cycle by targeting orexin receptors.

Recent research in the US has expanded understanding of sleep disorders. Usage of sedative medications for insomnia has declined, but many sleep-related drugs are still common. Chronic use of hypnotics can sometimes affect mood and mental health.

Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital, as untreated sleep disorders can significantly impair daily functioning. Consulting healthcare providers for personalizedtherapy is strongly advised.