Don’t go to sleep…

Don’t go to sleep on the subject of sleep aids.  A number of my patients have posed questions about sleep aids, due to disturbed sleep from pain, anxiety, racing thoughts, etc. As a chiropractor, I talk about conservative solutions, but occasionally someone is already invested in a prescription medicine, like Ambien.  Now, the FDA released new dosing guidelines for Ambien and other popular sleep aids containing Zolpidem, the active ingredient in many sleep medications.

“Patients who must drive in the morning or perform some other activity requiring full alertness should talk to their health care professional about whether their sleep medicine is appropriate,” said Dr. Ellis Unger, a director in FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation.  Do you drive in the morning? I do…

The government agency will now require the recommended dose for women to be cut in half, from ten milligrams to five milligrams, and suggests that doctors consider doing the same for men. According to Dr. Carol Ash, “These drugs are staying in our system much longer than previously thought…It’s impairing your thinking as you’re getting up in the morning…it has the same impact on your thinking as driving drunk.”  Here is the quote.

Whether you are waking because you have neck or back pain, or have had a whiplash injury, or suspect you have a pinched nerve from a motor vehicle / car accident or a work injury, or are just dealing with everyday pain, we can help you find a solution that will work.  Loss of sleep, as you know, is a “symptom”, and if all we treat are symptoms, the cause will still express itself. Often the conservative solutions (ones with less impact) will require some thought, but that is what I am here for at Blue Heron Chiropractic in Portland.

Sleep is really important. Disturbed sleep cycles effect your brain function! And yes, even you need brain function. As a chiropractor, I can assist you with this. Speak with me about this at your next appointment!  Click here for to Request an Appointment.

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