People will do anything to get better sleep. And sometimes, that might not be good.

The 1990s and 2000s saw an explosion in the mainstream use of prescribed pills to combat sleep deprivation — you might have heard of names like Ambien, Sonata, or some other anti-anxiety pills, like Xanax or Valium, that can double as drowsiness aids if taken. 

In recent years, a greater body of science has come out about these prescribed sleeping pills, and their dangerous side effects. That has led hordes of sleepers to smartly seek out natural alternatives to ease the body into a healthy rest.

But before diving into those, it’s worth going over the five biggest side effects of prescribed sleeping pills, and how to call out the symptoms when you see them.

1. Addiction

One of the most controversial side-effects of prescribed pills — especially those that are not intentionally meant for sleeping, like benzodiazepines, including Xanax or Valium — is that they are potentially addictive, and cause physical dependence. Experts say these drugs are dangerous for those with substance abuse issues, or addictive tendencies. If that’s the case for you, then they should be avoided at all costs.

2. Over-drowsiness

This side-effect is commonly associated with sleep-inducing drugs, like Ambien. There have been a number of reported cases of users taking too much of said sleeping pills, and then waking up still in a dream-like state, which can be heavily disorienting. Not remembering events in an act similar to sleep-walking, this side-effect can turn dangerous fast.

3. Memory loss

Since we’re on the topic, memory loss is one of the most serious side effects of prescribed sleeping pills. Many of the pills mentioned — Xanax, Ambien, Valium — have been linked to short- and long-term memory loss. Experts say users attribute the pills to short-term success, without recognizing the long-term damage done.

4. Interference with other substances

One thing every prescribed sleeping pill user should know is just what exactly they can and cannot take otherwise while using it. Can you drink? Probably not. Do you have asthma? Then be careful. Pregnant? You might want to speak to a doctor. If you don’t ask these questions, they can prove dangerous later on. 

5. Appetite changes

While prescribed sleeping pills are intended to combat sleep deprivation, and help you get much-needed rest at the end of the day, they might have the unintended consequence of affecting your everyday life in negative ways. Take appetite, for example — certain prescription sleep aids have been linked to cutting hunger during the day, which prevents your body from procuring the vitamins and minerals it needs to recharge. In that way, a vicious cycle forms that result in needing the pill more and more to regulate your body.

What other natural alternatives exist?

So with all of this talk about prescribed sleeping pills and their serious side-effects, it’s worth examining the non-chemical alternatives that exist that may be safer and more effective in the long run to take, based on your condition. (Although keep in mind that everyone is different.)

Natural supplements, like Dream EZ, solely rely on the most organic and pure ingredients out there that are not linked to any serious side-effects like the ones detailed here, but rather, are scientifically proven to gradually calm down your body before bedtime. So no addiction, appetite changes, over-drowsiness, memory loss, or interference with other substances. None of it.

Instead, the only side-effect you should know is a more energized morning, a more positive outlook, and a greater potential to live each and every day to the fullest with natural energy supplements. Sound good?