There are various sleeping pills available in the market that help insomniac people get relief. Ambien is a sleeping pill that calms your mind and helps you feel relaxed and have a proper sleep. But it does have a dangerous side.Long term usage may lead to various serious mental health problems.

What is cognitive decline?

Cognitive decline means gradual loss of a person’s ability to think,forget things,attention, reasoning. It may be due to medications or due to old age.

Short term ambien effects and its mechanism

Ambiens generic name is zolpidem. It excites and targets GABA receptors thus promoting sleep. Researchers have concluded long term usage of ambien as the most harmful step in ruining mental health as well as physical health. Long term usage may lead to amnesia and strange behaviour like sleep walking.

Short term side effects include

• Amnesia (a state in which people can’t remember what happened or what they did a few minutes ago)
• Sleepless nights
• Sleeping disorder
• Daytime drowsiness
• Hangover

Is there any long term side-effect of ambien?

Yes,there are various possible long term side-effect. Studies have shown ambien usage for long term showed memory related problems. People after consuming it, tend to forget things that happened to them after taking it. It disturbs the natural cleansing process of the brain and may lead to accumulation of toxic substances in the brain.

Studies have shown people who use it for long term have a possible risk of developing Alzheimer’s and also dementia. It may lead to memory loss and issues with brain functioning leading to confusion.

What do the studies and researches explain about ambien usage?

There are various authentic studies and researches made that explains how it can be a curse to one’s body. Researchers have concluded that long term usage of ambien can cause serious health issues. People who think taking extra doses of it or without doctors prescription is no harm are running to the emergency with complaints of panic attacks and memory problems. In one research paper, it stated that older people who used to take it before sleeping had higher possible chances of getting dementia.

How to manage ambien usage ?

For short term using an ambien is no harm,that is for a few nights or during a very tough stressful time. Small dose is safer for use. Be cautious and take only when required. Immediately go to bed after taking it. Never eat empty stomach. Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery until you are awake in a proper way. If you are using it very often or on a daily basis then be careful.

Using Ambien for a long term makes our brains a little disturbed. You may face memory issues,problems in remembering things. It may also lead to brain fog or confusion and dementia in later stages. If an elderly is using it for a long run they may suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Are there any alternative ways to sleep better without using heavy sleeping pills?

Yes, there are various other ways which one can work to sleep without taking any pills. Try cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. It is an alternative way which is as effective as sleeping pills such as ambien. It does not have any side effects.

• Try improving your sleep hygiene such as going to bed early and waking early at the same time.
•  Avoid screen time that is do not use mobile,laptop or T.V for half an hour before going to bed.
• Make the room quiet and dark to boost melatonin function.
• Avoid sipping coffee or tea before bedtime.
• Try Aroma therapy as it calms the mind and helps in sleeping.

Conclusion

There are proofs showing how ambien can cause Cognitive decline if not used in a proper manner. There are various cases of its abuse. Higher dose, immediately lead to long term side-effects. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the most common side effects caused due to long term usage. It disturbs the whole brain mechanism if used for a longer run leading to accumulation of toxic substances. The right amount of ambien usage is good for consumption but only if your doctor has prescribed it after knowing your condition.