Though this drug works well for sleep problems in the short term, some studies have found that an alarming amount of older adults use diphenhydramine for self-care or insomnia treatment. Though most people recognize this drug marketed as Benadryl, it’s also contained in other OTC sleep aids like Nytol, ZzzQuil, Advil PM, Tylenol PM, and Excedrin PM. Diphenhydramineĭiphenhydramine, or its most common brand name Benadryl, is an FDA-approved antihistamine.
It’s also great for travelers who are suffering from jet lag. This includes sleep disorders in children, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work disorder, and delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. Available over-the-counter, this sleep aid is often prescribed or recommended to treat some conditions. When this occurs, many people turn to melatonin supplements for help. As the sunlight fades, the pineal gland receives signals to secrete melatonin to make you feel relaxed and tired.Ĭertain factors can lead to a decrease in melatonin levels.
When it’s daytime, the retinas can sense natural light, which tells the brain to secrete hormones such as cortisol that promote a feeling of alertness and wakefulness. Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally produced within the brain’s pineal gland. It’s important to mention that while these products usually come in a wide variety of brand names, they all fall into one of the four categories below. Now that you understand the risks and side effects when using sleeping pills and aids, let’s discuss what options are available on the market.
Yet, there are other risk factors that you should always be aware of, which include: It’s important to understand that most medications come with side effects, which will vary depending on the classification of the drug, dosage, and how long it lasts in your body.Ĭommon side effects of sleeping aids include: But when you choose to take OTC sleeping pills over long periods of time, it can lead to a high tolerance and dependence. For example, if you’re traveling across time zones and need to adjust. Generally, sleep aids and sleeping pills are highly effective when used for short-term problems. We’re just saying that you need to weigh the benefits and risks. Now, this isn’t to say that non-prescription sleeping pills are never a good option. At best, they provide temporary relief, but at worst, they are addictive and can make insomnia worse over time. Yet, regardless of what the problem is, sleeping pills and aids are rarely the cure. But other times, it can signify an underlying psychological or medical problem. Sometimes, it’s something small like too much television watching or caffeine before bed. However, while it may work at that moment, taking them regularly can be a signal that something is wrong. The truth is that when you can’t fall asleep, it’s easy to grab sleeping pills for relief. It’s 2 AM, and rather than sleeping, you’re lying awake in bed thinking about work, bills, kids, or other issues. Are Sleeping Aids or Pills Right For You? The following information will discuss everything you need to know about over-the-counter (OTC), non-prescription sleeping pills, and aids. Though these medications are helpful for treating sleep issues such as insomnia, it’s essential to exercise caution and speak with your doctor about side effects, risk factors, and other concerns before taking them.
However, other types of sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) and do not require a doctor’s prescription. Some medications, like benzodiazepines and orexin receptor antagonists, require a prescription. Many rely on sleeping aids to fall asleep more easily at night and enjoy more restful slumber.
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