A 30-year-old member asked:
side effects from taking otc sleeping medications for long periods of time?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michelle Zetoony answered
Sleep Medicine 18 years experience
OTC medications: Residual side effects from the actual medication. Also most are antihistamines that are sedating so there is tolerance and dependence potential. You may need more over time and if you stop taking them the insomnia gets worse.
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Similar questions
A member asked:
Is co-sleeping a good idea?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marcus Degraw answered
Pediatrics 22 years experience
No: The medical community is pretty united that, under the age of 1 year, this is dangerous and should be avoided. The data is pretty clear that this creates sleep conditions that often turn deadly for children. I personally sit on a pediatric death review board we have 5-10 deaths each month from co-bedding incidents.
Some groups strongly advocate it however and claim it should be a choice.
6708 views
A member asked:
Is co-sleeping safe?
9 doctor answers • 19 doctors weighed in

Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky answered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
No: It is actually a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome, not to mention rollover suffocation.
6720 views
A member asked:
Is it important to stick to a sleep schedule?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Pappas answered
Pediatrics 23 years experience
Yes: Absolutely. We all know the answer to that one anyway. We need a rhythm in our life. We need a schedule to tell our bodies when to wake, eat, poop and sleep.
When we have schedule, we always know what's coming and what to get ready for. Start your babies early with their sleep routines, and they will make a lot easier for you to put them to bed at night.
6690 views
A member asked:
When is a good time to start doing sleep training?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Patricia Vuguin answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Sleep: It is important to start a routine as as early as possible, by six to eight weeks of age. Your baby can see color and detail, also hold his/her head up, and will recognize your voice and be sooth by it. Once you notice these changes, it’s time to introduce healthy sleep routine.
6642 views
A 21-year-old member asked:
I have a herniated disc; can I sleep on the couch or is that bad?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marcel Hungs answered
Neurology 26 years experience
Comfort: You can sleep on the couch while recovering from the herniated disk. It is important to return to the regular bed routine asap to avoid the development of insomnia.
6412 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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