Miya Pearson
Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. However, sleep disorders like insomnia can prevent our body and mind from performing essential tasks. Sleeping pills are one solution to this problem. While there are many over-the-counter options available in Canada, such as Sleep-eze, Unisom, and Amazon best-sellers like Sleep-Fx Natural Sleep Aid for Adults, it is important to remember that all sleeping pills have risks, especially for older adults. It is recommended that you try other solutions before resorting to drugs, and that you consult a doctor if your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, as it could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sleep-eze, Unisom, Sleep-Fx, AzmaBiotech Hops Sleep Aid, 3 Brains Restful Sleep, Natural Factors Regenerlife Sleep Better, Maxion SleepAid Extra |
| Dosage Form | GelCaps, tablets, capsules, patches, sprays, tape, devices |
| Dosage Amount | Regular, Extra Strength |
| Ingredients | Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, GABA, L-Theanine, Melatonin, 5-HTP, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Ashwagandha |
| Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, excitation, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, difficulty urinating |
| Precautions | Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, elderly patients with confusion, those with glaucoma, asthma, chronic lung disease, or difficulty urinating |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Unisom® SleepGels® Extra Strength
Potential side effects of Unisom® SleepGels® Extra Strength include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and memory problems. If you experience any of these side effects, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, Unisom® may cause excitation rather than sedation in the elderly population, so it should be avoided in this age group.
A Sleeping Mask for the Perfect Morning Skin Glow
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![GenCare Maximum Strength Nighttime Sleep Aid Supplement for Adults Deep Sleep Pills with Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg to Fall Asleep Faster- Strong Non-Habit Forming PM Sleeping Relief [96 Softgels]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WC6IGWvcL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Sleep-eze® Extra Strength GelCaps
It is important to take only one gel cap (50 mg) at bedtime and not to increase this dose unless advised to do so by a doctor. If you feel drowsy in the morning after taking Sleep-eze®, consult a doctor or pharmacist as you may need to switch to a regular-strength product or try the liquid dose.
Exploring Sleep: Methods for Studying Patterns
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Over-the-counter sleep aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills are available without a prescription to anyone aged 18 and over in Canada. They are typically antihistamines, which cause drowsiness by blocking histamines—the substances in your body that cause alertness. Common antihistamines found in OTC sleep aids include diphenhydramine and doxylamine.
OTC sleep aids may also contain natural remedies like melatonin and valerian. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes sleep. Valerian is an herb that is believed to aid relaxation and sleep.
It is important to exercise caution when taking OTC sleep aids, as they can interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse. Side effects may include constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and worsened snoring and sleep apnea. They can also cause a "hangover effect," with people feeling drowsy, experiencing muddled thinking, and having balance problems the next day.
If sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, it is recommended to consult a physician. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition. Sleeping pills are not recommended for elderly patients experiencing nighttime confusion, as they may cause excitation rather than sedation in this demographic.
Stilnox Sleeping Pill: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prescription sleep aids
There are various over-the-counter sleeping pills available in Canada, such as Sleep-eze and Unisom. Sleep-eze is available in regular or extra-strength dosage, while Unisom is available in SleepGels Extra Strength capsules or Extra Strength tablets. Both Sleep-eze and Unisom contain the active ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which has been used effectively in Canada for over 50 years. However, diphenhydramine can also be purchased over the counter under the names Benadryl Allergy, Nytol, Sominex, and Gravol, and may be especially risky for seniors due to possible side effects like next-day drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Therefore, it is recommended to try other solutions before resorting to drugs, and to consult a doctor if sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, as it could be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical issue.
For those seeking natural sleep aids, Amazon offers a variety of options, including vegan capsules, pillow sprays, and sleep patches. Some of these natural alternatives promote relaxation and mood support, while others help relieve nervousness and insomnia.
If over-the-counter options are ineffective or unsuitable, prescription sleep aids may be considered. These are typically sedative-hypnotic drugs that should be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider to ensure they are helping and not causing adverse side effects. Antipsychotics or antidepressants may also be prescribed primarily for sleep.
Moringa Oil: A Natural Sleep Aid
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural sleep aids
There are a variety of natural sleep aids available in Canada. While some experts question their effectiveness, many people are willing to try them in the hopes of getting a good night's rest. Here are some options for natural sleep aids:
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain to regulate sleep. It can also be taken in pill or gummy form. Melatonin is known to improve sleep quality and increase sleep time, helping to reset the body's sleep-wake cycle. Some popular brands offering melatonin gummies include Dream Water Sleep Aid, OLLY Sleep Gummy Supplement, and Jamieson Melatonin.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, such as chamomile tea, are commonly used as natural sleep aids. They are easily accessible in pharmacies, grocery stores, and health food shops across Canada.
CBD Drinks
CBD drinks are a newer trend in the sleep aid space. While manufacturers may not explicitly claim that their products induce sleepiness, they often market them as having calming properties.
Natural Supplements
Natural sleep supplements are also available in the Canadian market. A.Vogel Deep Sleep, for example, is a natural remedy made from valerian root and hops. It claims to improve sleep quality, promote longer deep sleep, and decrease sleep onset time. Other natural supplements may contain ingredients such as L-Theanine, chamomile, magnesium, and passionflower.
Unisom®
Unisom® is an over-the-counter non-prescription sleeping pill available in most pharmacies and drugstores in Canada. It contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which has been used effectively and safely in the country for over 50 years. However, it is important to note that Unisom® should only be used to relieve occasional sleeplessness, and long-term insomnia may indicate a more serious underlying issue.
When considering natural sleep aids, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or taking other medications. While these products may offer a natural alternative to traditional sleeping pills, it is important to remember that their effectiveness may vary from person to person.
Sleep Sacks: Summer Comfort for Babies
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some over-the-counter sleeping pills available in Canada include Sleep-eze, Unisom, and Sleep-Fx Natural Sleep Aid.
Unisom contains 50 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride per tablet or capsule. Sleep-Fx Natural Sleep Aid contains GABA, L-Theanine, Melatonin, 5-HTP, Valerian Root, and Lemon Balm.
Unisom may cause drowsiness and should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals unless directed by a doctor. Sleep-Fx Natural Sleep Aid is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, suggesting it may have fewer side effects than other sleeping pills.
Yes, there are several alternatives to sleeping pills in Canada. Some options include sleep patches, natural supplements, pillow sprays, and sleep aid devices.
