What potential side effect is associated with the use of sleep medications?

The use of sleep medications is often associated with fatigue and altered sleep architecture, which makes this answer particularly relevant. Many sleep aids, including benzodiazepines and certain non-benzodiazepine agents, can affect the natural structure and cycles of sleep, leading to changes in how restorative sleep is achieved.

These medications may increase the duration of time spent in non-REM sleep while decreasing REM sleep, which is crucial for cognitive functions and emotional regulation. As a result, even though a person may spend more hours asleep, the quality of that sleep can be compromised, leading to feelings of fatigue upon waking.

Furthermore, some individuals might find that they feel drowsy or less alert during the day after using these medications, contributing to a cycle where they might need to rely on the medication for sleep, thus further complicating their natural sleep patterns. Understanding this side effect is essential for recognizing the balance between achieving sleep and maintaining overall sleep health.