Sleep aids are medications, herbs, and supplements that can help alleviateinsomniaand improve your sleep.
Medications may be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription.
Getting good sleep is important.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Bouts of insomnia can have a major impact on your health and quality of life.
Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids
OTC sleeping pills cause sleepiness as a side effect.
They’re a common choice for people who have trouble falling asleep.
Many of these products claim to provide immediate results.
However, few can deliver on their promises.
Advil PM andZzzQuilare two of many diphenhydramine products.
Diphenhydramine is the drug in Benadryl, anantihistamine.
Typically used to treat allergies, diphenhydramine and other first-generation antihistamines can also cause sleepiness.
Diphenhydramine can cause serious side effects, including difficulty urinating and vision problems.
If you experience either of these side effects, call your healthcare provider.
An antihistamine, doxylamine causes sleepiness and is commonly used for short-term relief of insomnia.
Doxylamine can cause serious side effects, including difficulty urinating and vision problems.
If you experience either of these side effects, call your healthcare provider.
Experts don’t recommend using alcohol as a sleep aid.
Several classes of drugs are used for sleep.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepinesare anti-anxiety medications sometimes prescribed to treat insomnia.
Like some sedative-hypnotics, they enhance the effects ofgamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA).
Benzodiazepines aren’t recommended for long-term use.
They may also cause daytime drowsiness, problems with thinking and memory, and rebound insomnia.
Other side effects of benzodiazepines may include:
Warning About Benzodiazepines
Do not abruptly stop taking benzodiazepines.
It could cause seizures and other serious side effects.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how to wean off of these drugs.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants sometimes target brain chemicals in a way that slows the brain and helps with sleep.
These medications help to induce sleep and regulate the circadian rhythm, or internal body clock.
Melatonin-receptor agonists work to regulate the sleep-wake cycle by targeting specific melatonin receptors in the brain.
Common melatonin-receptor agonists prescribed in the United States to treat insomnia include Rozerem (ramelteon).
After taking the medication, limit your activities to preparing for bed.
People who shower before bed should wait to take this medication until after their shower.
Rozerem can also cause severe adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis, amnesia, hallucinations, mania, and agitation.
Sedative-Hypnotics
Sedative-hypnotics are another class of prescription sleep aids.
They work in various ways.
Several of them enhance the effects of GABA, which helps your brain and body relax.
These drugs include:
Other sedative-hypnotics target different brain chemicals and are associated with fewer side effects.
Each sedative-hypnotic drug has its own list of side effects, but they also have many in common.
Dangerous Combinations
Never combine two or more kinds of sleeping pills without medical supervision.
Do not take sleeping pills with alcohol.
Both of these increase the risk of overdose, breathing problems, and death.
It’s especially helpful if your circadian rhythm is off.
Melatonin supplementsare generally synthetic or made from animal sources.
They’re widely available in stores and online.
Its active ingredient is valerenic acid, which has sedative effects.
Valerenic acid is thought to act similarly to benzodiazepines and other sleep medications.
It affects GABA receptors to help calm and slow the brain.
It also interacts with the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is also involved in the sleep-wake cycle.
Research shows chamomile may help to improve sleep quality in people without clinical insomnia.
If you have trouble sleeping from time to time, a cup of chamomile tea atbedtimemay help.
Kava
Kava (Piper methysticum)is an herbal remedy used to promote sleep.
Other purported natural sleep remedies include:
Talk to your healthcare provider before trying a natural sleep aid.
If you take any prescription medications, check with your pharmacist before taking any supplements.
Always check that to follow the instructions on the label.
Things to Avoid
Treating insomnia isn’t always about what you take.
It may help to avoidcaffeine,alcohol, andeatingor exercising just before bed.
These can all disrupt your sleep.
If you’repregnant, they may harm the developing fetus.
You may also be concerned about the potential for addiction.
Or, you may dislike the side effects.
Fortunately, there are other ways to manage insomnia.
You may find it helpful to simplychange your sleep habits.
Start by talking to your primary care doctor.
If you need more specialized help, you may be referred to asleep specialist.
Seek help at once if your insomnia makes you feel depressed or suicidal.
Obstructive sleep apnea(breathing pauses during sleep) is a common cause of long-term insomnia.
When apnea wakes you up, you may have trouble getting back to sleep.
This condition requires special treatment.
You may also benefit from sleep therapy.Cognitive behavioral therapyfor insomnia (CBTI) is one example.
A professional therapist can also help you get started.
Summary
Insomnia affects nearly everyone at some point.
For chronic or clinical insomnia, prescription medications can help.
If insomnia is keeping you up at night and OTC treatments arent helping, talk to your healthcare provider.
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