About Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids
- The most common over-the-counter sleeping aid is sleeping pills. Most of these pills contain antihistimines such as diphenhydramine, which is found in Benadryl, and doxylamine, but others contain the neurotransmitter melatonin. Some popular examples of OTC sleeping pills are Tylenol PM, Sominex, Unisom, Equate, Nytol, Sleepinal and Nighttime Sleep Aid.
- All OTC sleeping pills should only be taken if a person can sleep for at least 8 hours due to the risk of drowsiness and grogginess. However, these side effects can occur whether a person has allowed enough time for 8 hours of sleep or not. Other possible side effects are similar to the effects from a hangover, including dizziness, forgetfulness, clumsiness, blurred vision and dry mouth.
- Unfortunately, all OTC sleeping pills have a risk of dependency. Over time, the body will develop a tolerance to the medication, which then will cause users to increase the amount taken.
- Numerous plants have sedative effects that can be found in herb medications such as St. John's Wort and melatonin herbal supplements. Herbal teas are also just as effective, especially chamomile, lime blossom, valerian, skullcap and passionflower teas (see Resources).
- Sleep aids, even herbal supplements, should always be stopped gradually. Sudden stops in treatment can cause a few nights of severe insomnia, often more severe than the insomnia experienced before treatment.
- Before considering any sleep aid, talk to your doctor first. She may have recommendations of over-the-counter treatments to try, and she may want to monitor your progress to ensure that you do not have a more serious condition, such as clinical depression.