What Is New In Sleep Medicine?

What’s New in Sleep Medicine?

Sleep medicine research is constantly changing how doctors understand and treat sleep disorders. Over the years, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) became the first-line treatment for dealing with insomnia. Sometimes, a doctor may include insomnia medication if therapy alone is insufficient. 

Many people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep all night, which can lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. According to the Centers for Disease Control¹ (CDC), sleep-related problems affect 50–70 million adults in the United States. Sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and depression.

What are common sleep disorders?

There are several different sleep disorders, but the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome.

Insomnia

Insomnia² makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. With insomnia, you may struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently during the night, feel fatigued in the morning, and have trouble concentrating on tasks. Insomnia can be short-term or long-term, lasting from a few days to years. 

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing during sleep. It is a severe condition associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you have sleep apnea, you’ll typically snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods during the night.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that causes you to fall asleep unexpectedly during the day. The cause is a dysfunction in your brain's ability to regulate sleep. As a result, you’ll often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep during activities such as driving, working, or eating.

Restless legs syndrome

This condition causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by crawling or tingling sensations. This typically occurs at night or while you’re resting or sleeping.

What are the main causes of sleep disorders?

One of the most common complaints doctors hear is that their patients are not getting enough sleep. While occasional sleepless nights are typical, chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences. Various factors can cause sleep disorders, including: 

• Allergies and respiratory problems can make breathing tricky, causing restless nights.

• Chronic pain can make it hard to find a comfortable position, resulting in insomnia.

• Stress and anxiety can lead to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep.

• Environmental issues like noise and light pollution can disrupt sleep.

• Genetics can cause some sleep disorders.

• Medications may cause insomnia because of their stimulating effects. These include some antidepressants and steroids.

• Aging can impact sleep quality. Melatonin (the ‘sleep hormone’) production naturally drops as we age, which may contribute to sleep difficulties. 

Do underlying conditions cause sleep disorders?

Several things can cause insomnia, including stress, medical problems, and poor sleep habits. Underlying health conditions can make it more challenging to treat sleep disorders effectively.

Some people can attribute their sleep problems to an underlying condition, such as anxiety or depression. Others may find that more than one factor causes their sleep issues. 

In some cases, treating the underlying condition can improve sleep quality. However, not all sleep disorders have a known cause. As research continues, underlying conditions may be identified as a cause of more sleep disorders.

Who is at risk of developing sleep disorders?

About 1 in 4 Americans³ develop insomnia annually. Although anyone can develop a sleep disorder, certain groups of people are at greater risk. For example:

• Shift workers and people who often travel across time zones.

• People with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

• Older adults are likely to experience insomnia, while younger adults are more likely to develop sleep apnea. 

• Women are more likely to experience insomnia than men, although men are more likely to develop sleep apnea. 

Fortunately, treatments are available for people with chronic sleep disorders. 

What are common prescription sleeping medications?

There are several different types of prescription sleeping medications, and they all work differently. Some of the most common include:

Benzodiazepines

These medications can promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep. Doctors often use them for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Common benzodiazepines include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and temazepam (Restoril). Some countries, like the UK, rarely prescribe benzodiazepines for insomnia as they can have unpleasant side effects and cause dependence.

Nonbenzodiazepines

These drugs work similarly to benzodiazepines but are less likely to cause drowsiness during the day. Common nonbenzodiazepines⁴ include zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata). Nonbenzodiazepines can also cause dependence. 

Antidepressants

Doctors can use some antidepressants to treat insomnia, although they are not always the first choice. Common antidepressants for insomnia include trazodone (Desyrel) and amitriptyline (Elavil).

How do sleeping pills work?

Benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptors in the brain, increasing the neurotransmitter GABA's activity. GABA makes it easier to relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Nonbenzodiazepines bind to the omega-1 receptor in the brain to increase GABA activity. 

In contrast, antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which promotes relaxation and makes it easier to fall asleep.

What are sleeping aids?

Sleeping aids are substances that help people to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are many sleeping aids, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and home remedies. 

Some people create a soothing bedtime routine that includes winding down for an hour before lights out. Others find a warm bath or reading helps them to relax and fall asleep more easily.

The most common type of sleeping aid is an antihistamine, which blocks the body's histamine production. Histamine is a chemical that helps keep us awake during the day. By blocking it, we feel more relaxed and fall asleep more easily. 

Additionally, some sleeping aids may cause side effects, such as drowsiness during the day or morning headaches. They may also interact with other medications you’re taking. Therefore, speaking with a doctor before taking any sleeping aid is crucial.

What is the newest sleeping medication? 

Daridorexant (Quviviq) is a new insomnia medication, FDA-approved in 2022. Dayvigo is another new FDA-approved sleep medication released in December 2020.

What is Quviviq (daridorexant)?

Quviviq is a medication for insomnia that inhibits the action of wake-promoting neuropeptides. 

How does daridorexant work to treat insomnia?

Daridorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist. It restores the balance of orexin, a sleep-regulating neurotransmitter that regulates arousal and wakefulness. In clinical trials, it improved sleep quality and duration in people with insomnia. In addition, it is generally well-tolerated; the most common side effects are headache, nausea, and fatigue. 

How do you take daridorexant?

You take this medication once a day at bedtime. It is crucial to take Quviviq precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take only one dose at a time.

How effective is daridorexant?

Daridorexant effectively reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and increases deep sleep. In addition, daridorexant improves daytime functioning and quality of life in people with insomnia.

Dayvigo

Dayvigo is a medication that helps people fall asleep and stay asleep. It works by promoting slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest and most restful stage of sleep. In addition, Dayvigo also decreases the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. 

How Dayvigo is different from other sleeping pills

The active ingredient in Dayvigo is lemborexant⁵. It reduces the function of wake-promoting chemicals in the brain, making it easier to fall asleep. Dayvigo is also different from other sleep medications because it is not addictive. As a result, Dayvigo is a safe and effective way to improve sleep quality and may help people feel more alert during the day.

The safety and side effects of Dayvigo

As with any medication, there are potential side effects associated with Dayvigo. The most common side effects are dizziness, headache, and nausea. These side effects usually go away after a few days of taking the medication.

Some people may also experience hallucinations or changes in mood or behavior. Dayvigo is generally considered safe for most people, but it is essential to consult your doctor before starting any new medication.

What is the most effective prescription sleep medicine? 

Some of the most common and effective sleep medications include Dayvigo, Quviviq, Ambien, trazodone, and eszopiclone. However, everyone responds differently to medication, so what works for others may not work for you. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action.

The lowdown

Insomnia is a severe medical condition that can have a detrimental effect on your health. Be sure to practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding caffeine late in the day, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. You should avoid electronics in your bedroom as they stimulate your brain rather than relax it.

Creating a supportive environment for sleep will increase your chances of getting a good night's rest.

Dayvigo and Quviviq are the newest sleep medications on the market and have shown promise in clinical trials. If you are struggling with insomnia, consult your doctor to see if these medications may be right for you.