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May 16, 2025•7 min read

Sleeping Pill Overdose; What You Need to Know

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a sleeping pill overdose, call emergency services (911) immediately.

In today’s fast-paced world, sleep doesn’t always come easily. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or a diagnosed sleep disorder, the temptation to reach for a sleeping pill can be strong. While sleeping aids—both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)—can be helpful when used responsibly, they can also pose serious health risks when misused. One of the most alarming dangers is the risk of a sleeping pill overdose.

Whether you're concerned about your own use or that of someone you care about, understanding how sleeping pill overdoses happen—and how to prevent them—is critical. This guide provides a look at what happens when sleeping pills are taken in excess, and how you can protect yourself or a loved one.

Types of Sleeping Pills

The term “sleeping pill” refers to a wide range of substances that promote sleep. Some are available without a prescription, while others are classified as controlled substances due to their strength and potential for misuse. Understanding the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription sleeping pills is essential in recognizing the risks of overdose.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sleeping Pills

OTC sleep aids are typically used for short-term relief from occasional sleeplessness. They often contain antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl and ZzzQuil) or doxylamine succinate (found in Unisom), which have sedating effects.

Common OTC sleep aids include:

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Sominex)

  • Doxylamine (Unisom)

  • Melatonin (a natural hormone supplement)

  • Combination products (e.g., Advil PM, Tylenol PM)

Although these drugs are generally considered non-habit forming, they can still be misused. At high doses, side effects intensify and can become dangerous. The risk increases significantly when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Risks of OTC sleeping pill misuse include:

  • Confusion

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Extreme drowsiness

  • Respiratory depression (especially when mixed with alcohol)

  • Unintentional overdose

Prescription Sleeping Pills

Prescription sleep medications are typically more potent and are reserved for those with diagnosed sleep disorders, such as insomnia. These drugs fall under the category of sedative-hypnotics and work by acting on the brain’s GABA receptors to slow activity and promote rest.

Common prescription sleeping pills include:

  • Zolpidem (Ambien)

  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

  • Temazepam (Restoril)

  • Triazolam (Halcion)

  • Zaleplon (Sonata)

Some antidepressants, like trazodone, are also prescribed off-label for sleep.

Unlike OTC options, these medications have a higher risk of dependence, tolerance, and overdose, especially when used improperly or mixed with other substances.

Risks of prescription sleeping pill misuse include:

  • Physical and psychological dependence

  • Withdrawal symptoms

  • Memory loss or confusion

  • Risk of overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or opioids

  • Parasomnias (like sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating)

Whether you’re using OTC or prescription sleep aids, it’s critical to follow medical guidance and avoid mixing them with other drugs or alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleeping Pill Overdose

Recognizing the signs of a sleeping pill overdose can save a life. Because these medications are designed to slow down brain activity and induce sleep, overdoses may not appear as dramatic or obvious as other types of drug overdoses. That’s why it’s crucial to know what to look for—whether in yourself or someone else.

General Symptoms of Overdose

The symptoms of an overdose may vary depending on the specific sleeping pill taken, the dose, and whether other substances (like alcohol or opioids) are involved. In general, a sleeping pill overdose depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

Common signs of sleeping pill overdose include:

  • Extreme drowsiness or inability to stay awake

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Slurred speech

  • Slowed or shallow breathing

  • Weak pulse or slowed heart rate

  • Bluish lips or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen)

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Unresponsiveness or difficulty waking up

  • Loss of consciousness or coma

In severe cases, especially when other substances are involved, an overdose can lead to respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and death.

When to Call for Help

You should never wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken too many sleeping pills—or has mixed them with alcohol or other drugs—call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.).

Do not assume they are just sleeping. A person who is unresponsive and has irregular breathing may already be experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

While waiting for help:

  • Try to keep the person awake and responsive if possible.

  • Turn them on their side to prevent choking if they vomit.

  • Provide emergency responders with as much information as you can: what was taken, how much, and when.

Time is critical. Prompt medical attention can mean the difference between recovery and a fatal outcome.

A Word of Caution

You might think that taking “just one or two pills” with a glass of wine isn’t a big deal. But this combination can severely impair your motor functions, slow your breathing, and reduce your awareness of what’s happening—making it difficult to seek help if something goes wrong.

If you’re taking a sleep aid, avoid alcohol completely, and never combine it with any other drug unless explicitly cleared by your doctor.

Getting Help and Moving Forward

If you or someone you care about is struggling with sleeping pill misuse or suspects a dependency has formed, seeking help is a powerful and brave first step. Recovery may feel overwhelming, especially when you're exhausted—physically, mentally, or emotionally—but you’re not alone.

There are compassionate professionals and evidence-based resources ready to help guide your path forward.

When to Seek Help

It’s time to reach out for support if:

  • You’re taking sleeping pills more often or in higher doses than prescribed

  • You’ve tried to stop and couldn’t

  • You’re mixing sleeping pills with alcohol or other drugs

  • Your sleep problems are getting worse, not better

  • You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms

  • You're concerned about your health, behavior, or safety

Even if your use started with a legitimate need, it’s okay to ask for help if things have changed.

Treatment Options for Sleeping Pill Misuse

The right treatment depends on the level of misuse and any underlying health conditions, including anxiety, depression, or trauma. The goal is not just to stop the pills, but to restore healthy sleep patterns, improve your mental health, and build long-term wellness.

Common treatment options include:

  • Medical Detox: For moderate to severe dependence, medically supervised detox ensures safety during withdrawal.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A highly effective, non-medication-based treatment that addresses the root causes of poor sleep.

  • Inpatient Rehab: Provides 24/7 support in a structured environment for those with more complex or severe addiction issues.

  • Outpatient Programs: Allow you to attend therapy and support sessions while continuing with daily life.

  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly healing and empowering.

A holistic approach often works best, addressing not just your symptoms, but your lifestyle, stressors, sleep environment, and emotional wellbeing.

Supporting a Loved One

If you suspect someone close to you is misusing sleeping pills, approach them with compassion, not judgment. Express your concern, listen without criticism, and offer to help them find resources or connect with a healthcare provider. Intervention can be lifesaving, but it must be done gently and respectfully.

Reclaiming Your Sleep—and Your Life

You deserve rest, not just from sleepless nights, but from the cycle of fear, anxiety, and dependence. With the right support and treatment, it's absolutely possible to recover from sleeping pill misuse and find healthier, sustainable ways to sleep better.

Sleep is a vital part of your health. So is safety. If you're ready to take back control, there are people and programs ready to walk with you—every step of the way.

Find the help you deserve on Therapy Radar.