Sleeping pills, also known as sedative-hypnotics, are medications that are used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. They work by helping to calm the brain and relax the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. While sleeping pills can be effective in helping people get a good night's rest, they also come with some potential risks and side effects.

One of the main concerns with sleeping pills is that they can be habit-forming. When taken regularly over a long period of time, the brain can become dependent on the medication to fall asleep, leading to the need for higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped, and can also make it difficult to stop taking the pills once they have become a regular part of a person's routine.

In addition to the risk of dependence, sleeping pills can also cause side effects such as dizziness, grogginess, and impaired memory and coordination. These side effects can be especially dangerous for people who drive or operate heavy machinery, as they can increase the risk of accidents.