Miya Pearson
Sleep is an important part of staying healthy, and occasional sleeplessness or long-term sleep problems can cause a range of issues beyond fatigue. Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are easily accessible and can help with sleep disorders, but it's important to be aware of possible side effects, risks, and drug interactions. OTC sleep aids include non-prescription sleeping pills, natural supplements, and antihistamines, which can make you drowsy. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is available in synthetic form as an OTC sleep aid, but it's important to follow the instructions to avoid overdose. Valerian, an herbal supplement, is also available OTC and is believed to aid relaxation and sleep by acting on receptors in the brain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids include non-prescription sleeping pills and natural supplements. |
| Availability | OTC sleep aids are available at drug stores, supermarkets, and online shops. |
| Intended Use | OTC sleep aids are intended for occasional sleeplessness and not for long-term use. |
| Effectiveness | Research indicates that melatonin can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. However, there is limited evidence that it can treat insomnia. |
| Side Effects | OTC sleep aids can have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, trouble peeing, headache, dizziness, nausea, and risk of dependency. |
| Precautions | Discuss with your doctor before taking OTC sleep aids to understand the risks, possible drug interactions, and side effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking sleep aids. |
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What You'll Learn
- Antihistamines: Doxylamine succinate, diphenhydramine, and other antihistamines can help you sleep
- Melatonin: A synthetic hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles
- Valerian: An herbal supplement that acts on brain receptors to slow the nervous system
- CBD: A cannabis plant derivative, now found in pharmacies without THC
- Prescription alternatives: Sleeping pills and Z-drugs are stronger prescription alternatives
Antihistamines: Doxylamine succinate, diphenhydramine, and other antihistamines can help you sleep
Antihistamines are a class of medications that treat allergies. They can also be used to help people sleep. Doxylamine succinate, also known by the brand name Unisom, is a medication that helps people sleep. It is an antihistamine tablet that treats insomnia by causing drowsiness. It is recommended that people remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication. Doxylamine should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. It is important to note that this medication may cause side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, and dizziness. It is advised not to drive or operate machinery after taking doxylamine succinate until you know how it affects you.
Diphenhydramine is another antihistamine medication that can be used to treat short-term insomnia and symptoms of allergies. Like doxylamine, it has a sedating effect that helps people fall asleep. However, it is important to consult a physician or sleep specialist to determine the most suitable medication for treating insomnia.
While antihistamines can aid in falling asleep, they may not improve overall sleep quality. Additionally, they are generally not recommended for long-term use, especially without medical advice. Side effects of antihistamines include an altered mental state, urinary retention, dry mouth, sleepwalking, and other parasomnias. These side effects are usually mild but can pose risks, especially for elderly individuals. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter sleep aids or supplements, including antihistamines.
Furthermore, antihistamines are not approved for sleep purposes in children. There is a risk of overdosing, and parents or caregivers should consult a pediatrician or pediatric sleep specialist before giving any over-the-counter medications to children.
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Melatonin: A synthetic hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles
Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally when it gets dark to signal that it is time to sleep. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter without a prescription from drug stores, supermarkets, and online shops. OTC melatonin is a synthetic version of the naturally produced hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is available in dosages of 1–10 mg, and people should take them at bedtime. The effects of melatonin depend on the dosage taken, and it is possible to overdose, so people should follow product instructions or consult a doctor.
Research has found that melatonin can be helpful for certain kinds of sleep problems, especially for "night owls" who have trouble falling asleep and for people with jet lag. However, the evidence is mixed regarding its effectiveness in treating general insomnia. Side effects of melatonin can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.
While melatonin can be purchased without a prescription, it is always recommended to check with a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter sleep aids or supplements, as they can have side effects and interact with other medications.
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Valerian: An herbal supplement that acts on brain receptors to slow the nervous system
Valerian root is a herbal supplement that has been used to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. It is derived from the valerian plant, native to Asia and Europe, and has been used medicinally since ancient Greece and Rome. The root is typically dried and made into a tea, tincture, capsule, or tablet. It is also available in the form of valerian oil.
Valerian root is thought to act on brain receptors to slow down the nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep. It is considered a safer alternative to prescription sleep aids and is widely used in Europe. In a 2002 national survey, approximately 2 million US adults reported using valerian in the past week.
While valerian root is generally well-tolerated and has been shown to improve sleep quality in some studies, there is limited evidence supporting its efficacy. The studies conducted on valerian root for sleep have had significant methodological problems, and the preparation, dosing, and treatment duration vary considerably. Additionally, some studies found that valerian root had no significant effect on sleep.
It is important to note that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) advises against the use of natural sleep aids, including valerian root, for treating chronic insomnia due to the lack of evidence for their effectiveness and safety. As with any supplement or medication, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking valerian root to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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CBD: A cannabis plant derivative, now found in pharmacies without THC
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are easily accessible at drugstores or other retail locations and can help people with insomnia or other sleep issues. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking them. OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make you drowsy, or natural remedies like melatonin or valerian supplements. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes sleep, and it is available in dosages of 1–10 mg. Valerian is an herb that is supposed to aid relaxation and sleep.
CBD, a derivative of the cannabis plant, is an increasingly popular substance in the US that is now available in pharmacies without THC. While the scientific validity of its effectiveness for various health issues is still unclear, preliminary research suggests that CBD can help with a number of sleep disorders, including insomnia. CBD may also help treat anxiety and substance use disorders. It is important to note that CBD can interact with other medications, potentially leading to dangerous side effects, so consulting a doctor before use is essential.
CBD products come in various forms, such as oils, creams, capsules, and gummies. For example, CBDistillery offers full-spectrum CBD oil with trace amounts of THC (less than 3%), while Medterra provides CBD oil drops with CBD isolate that do not contain THC. cbdMD offers a broad-spectrum, THC-free formula in the form of capsules, which some reviewers found helpful for sleep, relaxation, and muscle pain. CBDfx Mixed Berry Gummies are another option for those seeking a THC-free product, as they contain CBD isolate and are reported to be effective for relaxing and drifting off to sleep.
When choosing CBD products, it is crucial to exercise caution as they may contain higher levels of THC than reported or include THC that is not listed on the label. The FDA has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, which is prescribed for certain seizures. To ensure safety, always check that the company providing the CBD product has an up-to-date certificate of analysis (COA) to verify the ingredients and THC content meet legal requirements.
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Prescription alternatives: Sleeping pills and Z-drugs are stronger prescription alternatives
While there are a variety of over-the-counter options to aid with sleep, prescription alternatives are also available and may be a better option for those with more severe insomnia or sleep disorders. Sleeping pills and Z-drugs are stronger prescription alternatives that can be very effective in treating sleep issues.
Sleeping pills are a class of drugs that are specifically designed to help with sleep. They are typically prescribed for short-term use to help people fall asleep and improve sleep quality. There are several types of prescription sleep aids available, including benzodiazepines and
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Frequently asked questions
Some over-the-counter drugs that can be used as sleep aids include antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, melatonin, valerian, and CBD.
Over-the-counter sleep aids may cause daytime grogginess, blurred vision, constipation, confusion, and dry mouth. They can also increase the effects of alcohol or other sleep medications, and while they don't usually lead to dependency, your body can develop a tolerance to them over time.
People 65 and older should try non-drug treatments first because there may be safer ways to improve sleep, and sleep medications can have special risks for older adults, including confusion, memory issues, and balance problems. Parents should also be cautious about giving over-the-counter antihistamines to children to help them sleep, as there is a risk of overdose.
Yes, there are several alternatives to over-the-counter sleep aids. These include improving your sleep hygiene or habits, trying natural remedies like soothing teas, or cognitive behavior therapy to address specific issues that are keeping you awake.
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