What are Sleep Inducers?
Sleep inducers (sleeping pills) are medications that support sleep by promoting natural drowsiness or calming brain activity, depending on the symptoms of insomnia. Broadly, there are two types: those that "suppress brain function to induce sleep" (e.g., benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine systems) and those that "act on the body's natural sleep mechanisms" (melatonin receptor agonists and orexin receptor antagonists). At our clinic, we primarily recommend the latter, which have a lower risk of dependence and are relatively safer.
Types and Differences of Sleep Inducers
|
Category |
Representative Medications |
Mechanism of Action |
Characteristics |
|
Melatonin Receptor Agonists |
Rozerem (Ramelteon) |
Works like the hormone "melatonin" to regulate the body's internal clock and promote natural sleepiness. |
Mild effect, not highly fast-acting, but virtually no dependence, making it easy to use for the elderly. |
|
Orexin Receptor Antagonists |
Belsomra (Suvorexant), Dayvigo (Lemborexant) |
Blocks the action of "orexin," a substance that awakens the brain, and calms the waking state. |
Relatively strong sleep-inducing effect can be expected, and dependence is considered low. |
Differences between Rozerem and Belsomra/Dayvigo
Melatonin receptor agonists (Rozerem) work by regulating the sleep-wake rhythm, so it may take several days to several weeks to feel the effects, and the immediate effect is not very high. On the other hand, orexin receptor antagonists (Belsomra/Dayvigo) tend to show effects from the day of administration and are used for both difficulty falling asleep and nocturnal awakenings. While Belsomra and Dayvigo have the same mechanism, Dayvigo is said to have a slightly stronger effect and a faster onset of action.
Recommended for these types of insomnia
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Difficulty falling asleep even after getting into bed (sleep-onset insomnia)
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Waking up multiple times during the night (middle-of-the-night awakening)
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Wanting to adjust a reversed day-night sleep cycle
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Wanting to hasten recovery from jet lag
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Have previously used sleeping pills and were concerned about dependence
How to take
All are medications to be taken immediately before bedtime. After taking the medication, please ensure you have finished bathing and eating, and are ready to rest immediately. Continuing activities after taking the medication may lead to symptoms such as partial memory loss (a state of haziness).
About Side Effects
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Residual drowsiness (grogginess until the next morning, lingering fatigue)
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Dizziness, headache, malaise
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Weight gain and increased appetite may be reported with Dayvigo (not frequent)
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Rarely, an increase in prolactin (a hormone involved in milk secretion) (Rozerem)
Caution is advised for the following individuals:
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Those with severe liver dysfunction
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Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
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Those currently taking other sleeping pills or tranquilizers (watch out for interactions)
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Those currently taking the antidepressant fluvoxamine (Luvox, Depromel) (co-administration with Rozerem is contraindicated)
Online Treatment Flow
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① Provisional payment/pre-consultation: Please enter your insomnia symptoms, lifestyle, etc.
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② Online consultation: The doctor will confirm your symptoms via video call and propose suitable medication.
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③ Fastest shipping on the same day
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④ Follow-up on effects and side effects with regular consultations
In the following cases, face-to-face consultation or specialist advice is recommended:
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If insomnia has been prolonged or significantly impairs daily life
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If accompanied by depressive symptoms or severe anxiety
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If sleep apnea syndrome is suspected (e.g., snoring, breath cessation)
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If already using highly addictive sleeping pills long-term
