Are economic troubles keeping you up at night? Citing a poll from the National Sleep Foundation, the L.A. Times reports that more people are experiencing sleep difficulties related to economic stress—and they’re filling prescriptions for sleeping pills. The Times reports that prescription sleep aid sales reached a record high in 2008, and could continue to grow through 2009.

But according to a poll from Consumer Reports last year, many of those new sleeping pill takers may be unnecessarily adding to their economic woes. We found that nearly as many people reported getting sleep relief with a less expensive sound machine as with sleeping pills, and without the risk of side effects.

CR’s Take: Sleeping pills are probably overused. They all can cause dependency, and all have side effects that can include daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, dizziness, unsteadiness, and rebound insomnia. They can also actually worsen sleeping problems when abused or misused. People with mild insomnia might be better off trying non-drug measures. Even those with chronic insomnia may be best served with behavioral therapy to improve sleep habits—possibly combined with cautious sleeping pill use.