Insomnia

When benzodiazepine-based sleeping pills and zolpidem are taken long-term (for more than 4 weeks), tolerance develops, reducing the effectiveness at the same dosage and leading to physical dependence. Cohort studies have shown that in the elderly aged 65 and older, the risk of falls and fractures due to muscle relaxation doubles, and the incidence of dementia is significantly higher in the long-term use group. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends CBT-I as a first-line treatment and medication as an adjunct for chronic insomnia.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic presents a stepwise dosage reduction roadmap while combining Korean medicine treatment for patients with high dependence on sleeping pills. Herbal medicines consist of natural ingredients with a low risk of developing tolerance or dependence. We primarily use herbal medicines that nourish both the mind and the spleen/stomach, as well as those that stabilize the mind to aid sleep, for which long-term safety has been clinically confirmed. Since arbitrarily stopping sleeping pills can lead to rebound insomnia, you must consult with a doctor of Korean medicine or your attending physician before reducing the dosage.