Q I've taken sleeping pills every day for over 15 years-can something this long-term still be reduced?
A Even long-term use can be tapered, but it requires an even slower, smaller-increment reduction to withstand the rebound. The longer the use, the more important it is not to rush, and the tapering plan must always be made together with the prescribing doctor.
Detailed Answer
Even after 15 or more years of daily use, tapering is not impossible. However, the longer the use, the more deeply the body has adapted to the medication, so reducing too quickly causes severe rebound insomnia and withdrawal. That's why very small reductions with sufficient intervals, taken step by step, and the flexibility to slow down or maintain the dose if sleep worsens, are necessary. All these adjustments are made together with the prescribing doctor.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Dongjedang takes a fully patient approach to restoring the natural ability to fall asleep that has been suppressed by long-term use. We calm the fluctuating sleep at each tapering stage and gradually build balance, supporting even long-term use so it can smoothly enter the path of tapering. The pace and extent of tapering always follow the judgment of the prescribing doctor.
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