Last Updated:

June 3rd, 2025

Sleeping Pill Addiction | Signs, Causes and Types

Sleeping pills are prescribed to more than a million people in the UK each year, reflecting a global pattern of heavy reliance on these medications. As the use of sleeping pills climbs so does the risk of sleeping pill addiction, a problem that has become very serious both domestically and worldwide. The dangers of sleeping pills addiction can be just as perilous as an addiction to illicit drugs. Understanding how and why sleeping pill addiction develops and where to get help is crucial for managing and mitigating the risks.

What are sleeping pills?

Known in the medical world as hypnotics or sedatives, sleeping pills have been helping people overcome sleep issues for decades. Over that time, sleeping pills have evolved and expanded in variety, and there are now a number of natural, prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills available. Each type is designed to help tackle different sleep issues and include:

Prescription sleeping pills
These days, the main two types of prescription sleeping pills are benzodiazepines and “Z-drugs”. Benzodiazepines have been around for a long time and while they are very effective for deep-seated insomnia, they also come with significant addiction potential. To try and reduce this risk, newer non-benzodiazepine sleep aids or “Z-drugs” were created. These include zolpidem (Ambien) and zopiclone (Imovane), which are less risky but can still be addictive without careful use.
Over-the-counter sleeping pills
For less severe sleep issues, you can also buy a sleeping pill over the counter like diphenhydramine or doxylamine. These are usually not addictive and can provide temporary relief but they don’t usually work for chronic insomnia.
Natural sleeping pills
Some people use substances like valerian root or Circadin for a natural route to better sleep. Valerian root has been used for centuries to soothe anxiety and promote sleep, offering a non-addictive way to wind down at night. Circadin contains melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns without the dependency risks associated with prescription drugs.

What is a sleeping pill addiction?

A sleeping pill addiction means being stuck in a cycle where you can’t stop taking sleeping pills, even though they are doing more harm than good. While this is typically seen when people become addicted to their prescription sleeping pills, it can also arise from using pills to feel high, cope with unhappiness or alleviate stress.

When you use sleeping pills for a long time, they might start to lose their effect. The natural response might then be to increase your dosage which can cause the medication to accumulate in your system. Over time, this builds a physical dependency which conditions your body and brain to rely on the drug for normal operation. Should you decide to stop or reduce your use, you will experience withdrawal symptoms like rebound insomnia, intense cravings and severe anxiety.

But a sedative addiction is also a mental battle. When you use sleeping pills heavily over an extended period, you can begin to believe they are vital for your life. This creates a major barrier to stopping as the fear of facing a day (let alone a night) without sleeping pills can become too much to cope with.

Some common sleeping pill addictions include:

Zolpidem addiction

Zolpidem addiction

Zolpidem (Ambien) is an effective sleeping pill but it carries a significant risk of addiction if misused. Taking it without following medical advice or in doses larger than prescribed can lead to rapid addiction development.
Zolpidem addiction

Zopiclone addiction

Zopiclone addiction

Similarly, Zopiclone (Imovane) can become addictive if you misuse it by increasing the dosage beyond what is prescribed or using it to feel high or to manage stress or other issues.
Zopiclone addiction

The warning signs of sleeping pill addiction

If you are worried you may be developing a problem, watch out for these key addiction signs and symptoms:

  • Feeling like you need sleeping pills to cope with daily life
  • Craving sleeping pills when you haven’t taken them for a few hours
  • Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit or reduce your usage
  • Concealing your sleeping use from friends and family
  • Obsessing over obtaining and taking sleeping pills
  • Taking more than prescribed or without a prescription
  • Not quitting, even though these problems are obvious

If these behaviours sound familiar and stopping on your own feels impossible, it is time to seek professional help for sleeping pills addiction.

What causes a sleeping pill addiction?

On a chemical level, sleeping pill carry a built-in risk of dependency, especially if you don’t use them correctly. But there are some other things that can greatly up your chances of becoming addicted:

  • Not following your doctor’s instructions on how to take sleeping pills.
  • Having sleeping pills too easily available makes it easy to take more than you should.
  • Using them to cope with things other than sleep, like sadness or anxiety.
  • Lacking knowledge about their dangers and how they should be used safely.
  • No support from friends or family for stress or life’s difficulties.
  • Chronic stress or unresolved trauma.
  • Previous experiences with addiction or substance abuse.
  • Chronic sleep issues and relying purely on sleeping pills for relief.

The mental and physical dangers of a sleeping pill addiction

The repercussions of becoming addicted to sleeping pills are profound, with both mental and physical harm possible. Being informed about the potential risks is key to using these drugs responsibly:

Sleeping pill overdose
Excessive use of sleeping pills or mixing them with alcohol or different drugs can end in a potentially fatal overdose. Symptoms such as severe drowsiness, slow or laboured breathing, confusion or unconsciousness require urgent medical attention.
Respiratory dangers
Sleeping pills might exacerbate or trigger respiratory issues, particularly in older people who are generally more susceptible to the side effects of sleeping pills.
Cardiac concerns
Some sleeping pills can reduce your heart rate which can lead to critical heart issues and even fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Mental and memory issues
Abusing sleeping pills can cloud your thinking, harm your memory and sometimes even cause hallucinations. If you misuse them over a long period, you could also worsen any mental health issues you have, like depression or anxiety or even develop new ones.

Sleeping pill addiction treatment in the UK

Treating sleeping pills addiction begins with a carefully monitored prescription drug detox. In this stage, your dosage is methodically reduced to help your body adapt gradually, minimising the shock often experienced with abrupt cessation. Your doctors may also administer supportive treatments to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making your transition out of dependence as smooth as possible.

After successfully detoxing from sleeping pills, the next essential step in recovery is to understand what led to the addiction in the first place. This exploration takes place in prescription drug rehab with UK options ranging from private facilities to free NHS services.

Although each programme has its unique approach, opting for an inpatient rehab facility is often recommended. These facilities offer intensive care and create an environment free from everyday distractions, allowing you to focus fully on recovery.

Where to get help for sleeping pill addiction

If you are struggling with an addiction to sleeping pills, know that there is strong support available. Addiction Helper is your gateway to the right recovery programme for you. Reach out to us today to discuss your options and start on the path toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sleeping pill is the most dangerous?
Prescription sleeping pills like benzodiazepines (benzos) and non-benzodiazepine sleep aids (Z-drugs) generally carry the most significant risks if not used properly. Benzos, including drugs like Valium and Xanax, can be particularly dangerous due to their high potential for addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms. Z-drugs, such as Ambien and Imovane are intended to be safer alternatives but still pose serious risks, especially when misused.
How long does a sleeping pill last?
The duration that a sleeping pill lasts can vary widely depending on the specific medication and its formulation. For example, short-acting sleeping pills like zolpidem Ambien are designed to help you fall asleep quickly and might wear off in just a few hours so you don’t feel groggy in the morning. Longer-acting pills can help you stay asleep longer but might make you feel sleepier the next day.
Can you overdose on sleeping pills?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on sleeping pills, and it can be extremely dangerous. Symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include severe drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slurred speech, slowed or difficulty breathing and unresponsiveness or coma. In severe cases, an overdose can lead to respiratory failure and death, especially if the sleeping pills are mixed with other sedatives like alcohol. If you suspect someone has overdosed on sleeping pills, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately.

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