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Treatment area: Sleep

Address sleep problems with medical advice

Good sleep begins with consistent routines and understanding the underlying causes. If insomnia is causing you significant distress, our doctors will assess whether a short course of sleep medication is appropriate and justifiable.

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Ratgeber lesenRead the guideLire le guideGids lezen
  • online questionnaire
  • Medical examination
  • Discreet Shipping
  • Money back if not suitable

BehandlungsoptionenTreatment optionsOptions de traitementBehandelopties

Sleep aids for short-term treatment

All medications require a prescription and are intended for short-term treatment only. After making your selection, you will complete a medical questionnaire. A doctor will then decide whether the treatment is suitable for you.

Selbst einschätzenAssess it yourselfFaire le point vous-mêmeZelf inschatten

Which medication might be suitable?

  1. 1 If you have particular difficulty falling asleep A short-acting medication like zolpidem is quickly broken down by the body. Your doctor will decide whether it's suitable for you.
  2. 2 If you wake up frequently at night or have trouble sleeping through the night Medications with a slightly longer duration of action, such as zopiclone or temazepam, may be considered. However, a lingering effect in the morning is more likely with these. For individuals aged 55 and older, and those experiencing poorly restorative sleep for at least a month, melatonin in extended-release tablet form (Circadin) may also be an option. The doctor will make the final decision.
  3. 3 If your sleep problems have persisted for months or previous treatments have not helped The focus is then on determining the underlying causes and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I); sleep medication is only intended for short-term use. According to the prescribing information, promethazine is only considered if other treatments are not possible or have been unsuccessful. Speak with a local doctor. The doctor decides on every prescription.
  4. 4 If you regularly drink alcohol, take opioids, or have had an addiction Z-drugs, temazepam, and promethazine may pose a particular risk. Please indicate this openly on the questionnaire. The doctor will decide whether treatment is appropriate.

Diese Hinweise helfen bei der Orientierung und ersetzen keine ärztliche Beratung. Ob und welche Behandlung für Sie geeignet ist, entscheidet der Arzt anhand Ihres Fragebogens.This guidance helps you get your bearings and does not replace medical advice. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and which one, is decided by the doctor on the basis of your questionnaire.Ces indications vous aident à vous orienter et ne remplacent pas un avis médical. C’est le médecin qui décide, sur la base de votre questionnaire, si un traitement vous convient et lequel.Deze aanwijzingen helpen u op weg en vervangen geen medisch advies. Of en welke behandeling voor u geschikt is, bepaalt de arts aan de hand van uw vragenlijst.

Z-substances

Zolpidem and zopiclone act on the same receptors as benzodiazepines, but have a different chemical structure.

zolpidem RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Zolpidem

Short-acting Z-drug for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders in adults.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
15 minutes.
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
short (half-life approx. 2 to 3 hours)
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Zolpidem enhances the inhibitory effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at certain receptors in the brain. It acts quickly and is rapidly metabolized, which is why it can be particularly helpful for falling asleep.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have particular trouble falling asleep
  • If you prefer a short-acting preparation
  • If your sleep disorder is temporary and severely distressing
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: It should be taken immediately before bedtime and only once per night. The treatment should be as short as possible and not stopped abruptly.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 5 mg · 10 mg

At least 8 hours should pass between taking this medication and driving or performing other activities requiring attention; do not combine with alcohol. Complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking are possible. In this case, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

abfromà partir devanaf CHF 80,00 Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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Zopiclone RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Zopiclon

Z-drug for the short-term treatment of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep in adults.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
15 minutes.
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
short to medium length
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Zopiclone binds to the same site on the GABA receptor as benzodiazepines, thus enhancing the sedative effect of this neurotransmitter. Due to its short to medium duration of action, it can aid in falling asleep and staying asleep.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
  • If your sleep disorder is temporary and severely distressing
  • If you only need the treatment for a short time
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: The medication should be taken immediately before bedtime, only once per night, and only if sufficient time for sleep remains afterwards. The treatment should be as short as possible.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 3,75 mg · 7,5 mg

Dependence is possible, and reaction time and driving ability may still be impaired the following morning. Do not combine with alcohol. Not suitable for people with sleep apnea, severe respiratory or liver failure, or myasthenia gravis.

abfromà partir devanaf CHF 80,00 Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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Benzodiazepine

Temazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class and has a medium duration of action.

Temazepam RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Temazepam

Benzodiazepine for the short-term treatment of severe, highly distressing sleep disorders.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
about 30 to 60 minutes
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
medium length, several hours
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Temazepam enhances the effect of the body's own neurotransmitter GABA, which dampens the activity of nerve cells in the brain. This results in a calming, anxiety-reducing, and sleep-inducing effect. Due to its medium duration of action, it can help maintain uninterrupted sleep.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have particular trouble sleeping through the night
  • If your sleep disorder is acute, severely distressing, and temporary
  • If you do not have an addiction and abstain from alcohol
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: The medication should be taken shortly before bedtime and only if a sufficiently long night's sleep is possible. Treatment should be as short as possible and not stopped abruptly.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 10 mg · 20 mg

Even when used as directed, dependence can develop; do not combine with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. Not suitable for patients with sleep apnea, severe respiratory insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, or severe liver impairment.

abfromà partir devanaf CHF 80,00 Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that increases in the evening and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Circadin (Melatonin)

Melatonin as a sustained-release tablet for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders in people aged 55 and over.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
Highest blood levels after about 3 hours
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
Half-life approximately 3,5 to 4 hours
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets and extended-release tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that rises in the evening and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Circadin binds to melatonin receptors in the brain and releases the active ingredient as a sustained-release tablet over several hours.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you are 55 years or older and have been sleeping poorly for at least one month
  • If no other cause such as sleep apnea, pain, or depression is known
  • If a short-term treatment lasting a few weeks is planned
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: One sustained-release tablet once daily after a meal, 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, for up to 13 weeks.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 1 mg · 2 mg · 3 mg · 5 mg

Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in cases of liver disease, and in cases of autoimmune diseases. Melatonin can cause drowsiness, and fluvoxamine significantly increases melatonin levels.

abfromà partir devanaf CHF 46,20 Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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Sedating antihistamines

Promethazine works by suppressing histamine receptors in the brain and is only intended for use in sleep disorders when other treatments are not possible or have been unsuccessful.

Promethazine RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Promethazin

A strong sedative antihistamine in tablet form for sleep disorders when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
Highest blood levels after 1,5 to 3 hours
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
up to 12 hours, often until the next day
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Promethazine belongs to the phenothiazine class of drugs and blocks histamine receptors in the brain. This gives it a strong calming and sleep-inducing effect. It also has anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If other sleep aids or measures were not possible or unsuccessful
  • If no cardiac arrhythmia and narrow-angle glaucoma are known
  • If you do not drink alcohol and do not take opioids or tranquilizers
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: One tablet at night, about half an hour before going to sleep, for the shortest possible time and at the lowest effective dose.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 25 mg

Do not use in combination with MAOIs or in cases of severe blood disorders. Alcohol, opioids, and other sedatives dangerously intensify the effects; reaction time may be impaired the following day.

abfromà partir devanaf CHF 37,43 Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
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RatgeberGuideGuideGids

What you should know about sleep disorders

Occasional poor sleep is normal. However, if insomnia persists or interferes with daily life, it's worth taking a closer look at the underlying causes.

Causes of insomnia

Sleep disorders (insomnia) are diagnosed when falling asleep or staying asleep is difficult over a prolonged period, and you feel tired, irritable, or unable to concentrate during the day. Common causes include:

  • Stress, worries, or traumatic life events
  • Irregular sleep patterns, shift work, or screen use in the evening
  • Caffeine, alcohol, pain, depression, or other illnesses

Some medications can also disrupt sleep. Short-term sleep problems during stressful periods are common and often resolve on their own. Identifying the cause is the foundation of any treatment.

Treatment options

The most important foundations are good sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). CBT-I is considered the first-line treatment for persistent sleep disorders and is also offered as a digital program.

If sleep problems are a significant burden, sleeping pills can be used for a limited time:

  • Zolpidem and zopiclone so-called Z-substances
  • Temazepam: a benzodiazepine
  • Melatonin (Circadin): Extended-release tablet for ages 55 and up, for up to 13 weeks
  • Promethazine: A sedating antihistamine if other treatments have been unsuccessful

According to the prescribing information, Z-drugs and temazepam are generally intended for a maximum of four weeks, including the tapering-off period. Promethazine should also be taken for the shortest possible time.

Dependence and responsiveness

Z-drugs and temazepam can be addictive even when used as prescribed. After prolonged use, abrupt discontinuation can trigger withdrawal symptoms and increased insomnia. Promethazine is also gradually discontinued after prolonged use.

  • No alcohol: The dampening effect intensifies dangerously.
  • The next morning, reaction time and driving ability may be impaired; with promethazine, this often lasts until the following day.
  • Memory lapses, sleepwalking, and falls (especially in older people) are possible.

The combination with opioids such as tramadol can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. Promethazine can also alter the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Please list all medications in the questionnaire.

When to see a local doctor.

Have sleep problems checked out by a doctor in person if they persist for several weeks or if:

  • Someone has noticed you snoring loudly with pauses in breathing.
  • It happens that you unintentionally fall asleep during the day, for example while driving.
  • Sleep problems are accompanied by persistent low mood or anxiety.

If you have thoughts of taking your own life, or if you experience shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heartbeat or fainting after taking sleeping pills, call the emergency number 112 (Switzerland: 144). The telephone counselling service (0800 111 0 111) and in Switzerland the Dargebotene Hand (143) are also available around the clock.

sleep hygiene

Good habits are the foundation

Many sleep problems can be positively influenced with simple routines. The body needs a reliable rhythm, even on weekends. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is based on this principle: The therapy helps to change distressing thoughts about sleep and uses techniques such as adjusting bedtime to actual sleep duration. Unlike sleeping pills, it is also suitable for long-term use.

  • Fixed wake-up and bedtimes, and preferably no long naps during the day.
  • Avoid caffeine from the afternoon onwards, as well as alcohol and heavy meals in the evening.
  • Use the bed only for sleeping: If you lie awake for a long time, get up briefly and only go back to bed when you are tired.

Exercise and daylight during the day support the natural sleep-wake cycle, while bright screens late in the evening are less beneficial. If pain is disrupting your sleep, you can find information here: Pain. Our online doctor answers general questions..

Zu den BehandlungsoptionenView treatment optionsVoir les options de traitementNaar de behandelopties

AblaufHow it worksDéroulementWerkwijze

In vier Schritten zur BehandlungFour steps to your treatmentEn quatre étapes vers votre traitementIn vier stappen naar uw behandeling

Ärztlich geprüft, diskret und ohne Wartezimmer.Reviewed by a doctor, discreet and without a waiting room.Examiné par un médecin, discret et sans salle d’attente.Door een arts beoordeeld, discreet en zonder wachtkamer.

  1. 1Behandlung wählenChoose a treatmentChoisir un traitementBehandeling kiezenWählen Sie Ihr Anliegen und das gewünschte Präparat oder stellen Sie eine allgemeine Anfrage.Choose your concern and the medicine you want, or send a general request.Choisissez votre problème et le médicament souhaité, ou envoyez une demande générale.Kies uw klacht en het gewenste middel, of stuur een algemene aanvraag.
  2. 2Fragebogen ausfüllenFill in the questionnaireRemplir le questionnaireVragenlijst invullenDie medizinischen Fragen beantworten Sie online, vertraulich und in Ruhe.You answer the medical questions online, confidentially and at your own pace.Vous répondez aux questions médicales en ligne, en toute confidentialité et à votre rythme.U beantwoordt de medische vragen online, vertrouwelijk en in alle rust.
  3. 3Ärztliche PrüfungMedical reviewÉvaluation médicaleMedische beoordelingEin zugelassener Arzt prüft Ihre Angaben. Ist die Behandlung nicht geeignet, erhalten Sie Ihr Geld zurück.A licensed doctor reviews your answers. If the treatment is not suitable, you get your money back.Un médecin agréé examine vos réponses. Si le traitement ne convient pas, vous êtes remboursé.Een bevoegde arts beoordeelt uw gegevens. Is de behandeling niet geschikt, dan krijgt u uw geld terug.
  4. 4Diskreter VersandDiscreet deliveryLivraison discrèteDiscrete verzendingNach Ausstellung des Rezepts versendet eine EU-Partnerapotheke Ihr Arzneimittel meist innerhalb eines Werktages.Once the prescription has been issued, an EU partner pharmacy usually sends your medicine within one working day.Une fois l’ordonnance établie, une pharmacie partenaire de l’UE expédie votre médicament généralement sous un jour ouvré.Na het uitschrijven van het recept verstuurt een EU-partnerapotheek uw geneesmiddel meestal binnen één werkdag.

Häufige FragenFrequently asked questionsQuestions fréquentesVeelgestelde vragen

Questions about sleep aids

Haben Sie eine andere Frage? Unsere Ärzte und unser Service-Team helfen Ihnen gerne weiter.Have another question? Our doctors and our service team will be glad to help.Vous avez une autre question ? Nos médecins et notre équipe de service vous aident volontiers.Heeft u een andere vraag? Onze artsen en ons serviceteam helpen u graag verder.

Frage an einen ArztAsk a doctorPoser une question à un médecinVraag stellen aan een arts
How long can I take sleeping pills?

Zolpidem, zopiclone, and temazepam are intended for short-term treatment only. According to the prescribing information, treatment should be as short as possible and, including tapering off, should generally not exceed four weeks. Circadin (melatonin) is intended for up to 13 weeks, according to the prescribing information, while promethazine should be used for the shortest possible time. The doctor decides whether and for how long treatment is appropriate.

With zolpidem, zopiclone, and temazepam, withdrawal symptoms are possible, even when used as prescribed. The risk increases with duration and dose, as well as with a history of alcohol, medication, or drug abuse. After prolonged use, treatment should not be stopped abruptly, but gradually according to a doctor's instructions. This also applies to promethazine. According to the package insert, no withdrawal symptoms are known for Circadin (melatonin).

Sleeping pills can impair your reaction time even the next morning, especially after too little sleep. According to the product information, at least 8 hours should pass between taking zolpidem and driving. Do not drive if you feel tired or drowsy, and avoid alcohol.

Zolpidem and zopiclone (Z-drugs), as well as the benzodiazepine temazepam, enhance the inhibitory effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Z-drugs have a different chemical structure; temazepam also has anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing effects. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Promethazine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and therefore has a strong sedative effect. The doctor will decide which medication is appropriate.

In that case, no prescription will be issued, and you will receive a full refund of all payments made. Especially for long-standing sleep problems, a personal consultation with a local doctor and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may be the more appropriate approach. This can also help identify underlying causes such as sleep apnea.

Medizinische ExpertiseMedical expertiseExpertise médicaleMedische expertise

Jede Anfrage in ärztlichen HändenEvery request in a doctor’s handsChaque demande entre des mains médicalesElke aanvraag in medische handen

Dr. Viktor Simunovic
Medizinischer GutachterMedical assessorMédecin évaluateurMedisch beoordelaarDr. Viktor SimunovicAllgemeinmedizin & digitale GesundheitGeneral medicine & digital healthMédecine générale et santé numériqueHuisartsgeneeskunde en digitale zorg
Dr. Codruta Anca Pandalache
Medizinische GutachterinMedical assessorMédecin évaluatriceMedisch beoordelaarDr. Codruta Anca PandalacheReproduktionsmedizin & FrauengesundheitReproductive medicine & women’s healthMédecine de la reproduction et santé des femmesVoortplantingsgeneeskunde en vrouwengezondheid
Lernen Sie unsere Ärzte kennenMeet our doctorsFaites connaissance avec nos médecinsMaak kennis met onze artsenHintergrund, Erfahrung und FachgebieteBackground, experience and specialismsParcours, expérience et spécialitésAchtergrond, ervaring en vakgebieden

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