ANALYSIS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEPING PILLS IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS THE DISADVANTAGES AND SIDE EFFECTS OF THEIR USE

Abstract

One controversial topic is the pharmaceuticalization of sleep. The possibility for dependence and other adverse effects, including studies showing higher mortality risks for long-term users, give sleep aids a "bad press." However, comparatively little qualitative social science research has been done on how people comprehend and deal with using or not using sleep aids in their daily lives. This study uses data from focus groups conducted in the UK to gather opinions and experiences on prescription hypnotics in a variety of social settings. We demonstrate that respondents used a variety of moral repertoires to present themselves and their connections to hypnotics in various ways. The "deserving" patient, the "responsible" user, the "compliant" patient, the "addict," the "sinful" user, and the "noble" nonuser are the six different repertoires regarding hypnotic use that are recognized in this context. These users and non-users are formed using ambivalence, reflexivity, and cross-cutting themes of addiction and control. These topics are then examined in light of current sociological discussions about the pharmaceuticalization and de-pharmaceuticalization of daily life and medicine use in the UK.