In recent years, researchers have focused on the quality of sleep. Sleep is a complicated process, with many different stages. Researchers have discovered that many of the drugs that are used in hospitals, in prescriptions, and over the counter, can change the sleep process. This can create challenges for the healing patient, because good sleep is an important ingredient in the recovery process. 

30 years ago, the practice of medicine ended when the patient fell asleep. It is only in the last 25 years that cleep research has become important. There is now the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that has been researching many aspects of sleep. The sleeping person is now a legitimate object of study.

Modern sleeping medicines, such as Ambien, and Sinada, are considered to be completely safe. Some doctors say about the only way to be hurt by these medicines is if a truck full of the medicine runs over you.

Years ago Halcion caused a lot of trouble. Dalmane was also very difficult, as it was very long acting with a 40 hour half life. Before that were the barbituates, and they were very difficult. Compared to the past, we are very fortunate to have safe non-addicting sleeping medicines available to us.

A lot of myths continue about sleeping medicines. When people are asked "Are sleeping pills addicting?", 90% of people will agree. But there is no evidence that sleeping pills are addicting.

A major use of sleeping pills is to treat transient insomnia. This treatment is very important especially if the individual is going through period of sleep deprivation and is also having a personal crisis. Some people have been killed while driving, because they fell asleep at the wheel during a period of personal trauma where they were not getting enough sleep.

Nightly use of sleeping medicines can be controversial. But some patients have been on sleeping medicines for 2 to 5 years, and the quality of their life has been improved greatly.

In general, stimulants should be avoided for six hours before sleeping. Stimulants include:

• Caffeine  - This is found not only in coffee, but also in many teas, and even in snack products as a flavoring.
• Nicotine - While many people feel that smoking is relaxing, in fact, nicotine is a central nervous system stimulant.
• Strenuous exercise

Alcohol, while it is a depresent, causes changes to the deep sleep rhythms. Several drinks just before bedtime can causes changes to half a nights sleep, leading to drowsiness the next day.