Popular OTC Sleep Aids for Insomnia

The main purpose of this drug is to induce sleep. The journal _SLEEP _reported taking 50mg over two weeks can reduce insomnia and increase sleep, compared to a placebo. This drug is normally well-tolerated with little in the way of side effects. However, some have reported feeling groggy or having a “hangover” feeling the day after using antihistamines for sleep.

Doxylamine is touted as one of the more hypnotic drugs on the market available without a prescription. A study inClinical Pharmacology and Therapeuticssuggests that 25mg doses of Doxylamine can also enhance sleep quality. The study noted that sleep effects were greater when paired with one gram of acetaminophen.

Valerian is made from roots of theValeriana officinalisplant and can be purchased in most health food stores. A study published in _SLEEP _suggests this drug can help reduce insomnia after 28 days of use. No harmful side effects were seen during the study.

Similar to Valerian, Kava can be found in most health food stores, but is made from thePiper methysticumplant. In a study, over a six-week period, 120mg was shown to help improve sleep and decrease stress. But 42 percent of the participants in the study reported dizziness and other minor side effects. Kava can also be hard on the liver and comes with safety warnings.

Melatonin is normally released from the brain’s pineal gland, but can be purchased as a supplement at health food and drug stores. A study inAging: Clinical and Experimental Research, reported that five mg over 60 nights decreased depression and increased sleep for older adults with insomnia. It had no apparent side effects.

Over-the-counter sleep aids are not intended for long-term use. They should be viewed only as a temporary solution. You should also avoid mixing alcohol with OTC sleep aids, as it can increase their sedative effects.

Antihistamine sleep aids should not be taken by those with glaucoma, asthma, liver disease, urinary retention, or obstructive pulmonary disease. They should also be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep in mind that a tolerance to antihistamines can develop quickly. So the longer you take these, the less sleepy they will make you.

While sleep aids can be purchased without a prescription, it’s best to let your doctor know that you are taking them. Your doctor will know if a particular sleep aid will interact with any prescription medications you are taking. He or she may also give you special dosage instructions.