So what's left to be said about what we're Zz Snore Review likely to face throughout 2009Most experts agree that we are facing the worst financial crisis in recent history. Extreme stock market swings, the collapse of the housing industry driving widespread foreclosures, failing banks, growing job losses and rising consumer prices are affecting the financial and emotional stability of many Americans.
A survey of 2,500 people by the American Psychological Association found that 80% of respondents say the economy is a significant source of stress and that it's taking a toll on their health. Respondents alluded to experiencing a general sense of fear and concern, while nearly one in five reported suffering insomnia. One person surveyed said this: "I don't sleep more than four hours a night. I get headaches. I worry that my kids can't go to college, and my doctor now has me on anti-anxiety medication." So what about these anti-anxiety medicationsAre they effectiveEven more importantly, are they effective and at the same time SAFEIf you're noticing an upswing in phone calls to your agency, clinic or private practice about these drugs as I have over the last few months, here's some pertinent information about them along with some common sense, non-pharmacological tips for improving sleep hygiene to share with your clients:
Benzodiazepines can trigger addictive behavior in susceptible people. These medications are all essentially the same and prescriber decisions as to which benzodiazepine to use are typically based on the anxiety disorder being treated as well as the drug's onset of action and rate of elimination from the body. Examples include: Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). For the most part, they are quite safe unless mixed with alcohol or other sedatives, but they can cause euphoria leading to habituation in vulnerable individuals. Also, prolonged use has an adverse effect on sleep architecture, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Benzodiazepines can cause "foggy thinking syndrome" in that they are linked to cognitive dysfunction. Recommend intermittent short-term use of these drugs.
