RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
Pharmacists have warned against frequent and unsupervised use of sleeping medicines, particularly among night-shift workers who rely on them to induce daytime sleep.
The health professionals said repeated use of certain sleeping medicines could lead to tolerance, dependence and reduced concentration, while some could cause lingering drowsiness after waking.
They also cautioned against combining sedating medicines with alcohol or other substances that depress the central nervous system because the combination can increase the risk of serious adverse effects.
The risks vary considerably according to the medicine involved, dosage, duration of use and an individual’s health circumstances.
Superintendent Pharmacist at Engraced Pharmacy in Lagos, Jonah Okotie, said routinely relying on sleeping medicines could affect cognition and workplace safety.
“It will lead to dependence, addiction, loss or reduction in cognition, making them prone to accidents at work amongst other things,” Okotie said.
He advised night-shift workers experiencing persistent difficulty sleeping to seek professional medical guidance instead of routinely using medication without appropriate supervision.
SOME MEDICINES CAN CAUSE NEXT-DAY DROWSINESS
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Welnex Pharmacy, Chioma Omattah, said some sleeping medicines could leave users feeling drowsy or mentally less alert after waking.
She said this could affect concentration and the ability to perform tasks safely, particularly for people whose jobs require sustained attention.
Omattah stressed that sleeping medicines differ significantly, with some carrying greater risks of dependence and lingering sedation than others.
She advised people using such medicines to consult a pharmacist or physician about appropriate dosage, duration, possible side effects and interactions with other medicines.
ALCOHOL COMBINATION CAN BE DANGEROUS
Both pharmacists cautioned against combining sleeping medicines with alcohol.
Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of some medicines and, in certain combinations, dangerously suppress central nervous system functions.
People taking other medicines should also disclose them to a qualified healthcare professional before using sleep medication because potentially harmful interactions can occur.
WHEN DEPENDENCE BECOMES A CONCERN
An inability to sleep without repeatedly taking a particular medicine may be a warning sign that professional assessment is needed.
People who suspect they have developed dependence were advised not to make major changes to their medication without professional guidance, as the appropriate approach depends on the specific drug involved.
Treatment may include medical assessment, psychological support or supervised adjustment of medication.
IMPROVING DAYTIME SLEEP
For night-shift workers, the pharmacists recommended first improving the environment and routine surrounding daytime sleep.
A dark, quiet and comfortable room can make daytime rest easier. Reducing exposure to phones, television and other screens before sleeping may also help.
Workers were also advised to limit caffeine and other stimulants close to their intended sleeping period.
Persistent difficulty sleeping, excessive daytime sleepiness or a growing reliance on medication should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional rather than managed through repeated self-medication.
The pharmacists stressed that sleeping medicines are not a single category with identical risks and that decisions about their use should be based on the specific medicine and individual circumstances.
