How Long Do Sleeping Pills Stay in Your System?

If you are discontinuing the use of sleeping pills, remember that they can still be detected in your system for multiple days and even weeks after your last consumption. The exact detection time will depend on the type of test used. 

Quick Facts About Sleeping Pill Half-Life

How Long Are Sleeping Pills Detectable on Drug Tests?

The time frame during which sleeping pills will show on drug tests depends on the type of drug test used.

• Urine test: Sleeping pills are detectable on urine drug tests for up to three days following the most recent use. Results are most reliable within 24 to 48 hours of use.
• Saliva test: The active ingredient in Ambien, zolpidem, can be detected in the saliva within one hour following consumption. It is detectable for approximately 24 hours after last use. 
• Blood test: Sleeping pills are cleared from the bloodstream relatively quickly in comparison with other areas of the body. For example, Ambien is detectable via blood testing for about 12 hours after last use. 
• Hair test: Traces of sleeping pill ingredients like zolpidem can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after last use. 

Standard drug tests don’t test for sleeping pill use, but specialized tests can be used to detect use. Urine drug tests are most commonly used.

This chart breaks down how long you can expect sleeping pills to be detected on various types of drug tests:

Factors That Influence How Long Sleeping Pills Stay in the Body

Numerous factors can affect how long sleeping pills remain within your system, including these: 

• Height: In general, taller people have greater mass, so sleeping pill ingredients will remain in the body for longer periods of time. 
• Weight: As with height, more weight generally means more mass. This means sleeping pills will remain in one’s system for a longer period of time. 
• Age and genetics: Familial history and genetic factors influencing physical health, such as organ functioning, can affect the length of time sleeping pill ingredients remain in one’s system. Metabolism and organ function also progressively decline with age and increase the length of time needed to clear sleeping pills from the body. Zolpidem clearance is also lower in women than men, on average. 
• Dosage: Higher doses of sleeping pills require more time to be eliminated from the body than lower doses. 
• Frequency of use: Consuming sleeping pills for longer periods of time and more frequently will leave traces of these medications in the body for longer periods of time. 
• Consumption of other medications: The use of some medications can influence the amount of time sleeping pills remain in the body. For example, consuming St. John’s Wort may decrease the amount of time needed to eliminate sleeping pills from the body. 

Food can influence how quickly sleeping pills take effect, but not the duration of time needed for them to be eliminated from the body. 

How Do Sleeping Pills Affect the Body?

Sleeping pills affect the body by activating the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical messenger that regulates communication between brain cells. Activating this neurotransmitter blocks certain signals sent to the brain and reduces central nervous system activity, creating a sedative effect that allows consumers to fall and stay asleep while the drug remains in the system. 

Signs of Sleeping Pill Abuse

Many sleeping pills are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia. However, they can create tolerance and dependence, leading to the potential for abuse and addiction. 

The following may be indications of sleeping pill abuse:

• Memory problems
• Slurred speech
• Reduced coordination
• Lack of balance
• Difficulty concentrating or maintaining conversation
• Unusual level of elation

The clearest indication of sleeping pill abuse is using the pills outside the bounds of a prescription. If someone is using pills that aren’t prescribed to them, using them more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, or combining their use with other substances like alcohol, this is sleeping pill abuse.