Medication interactions are possible as well and much remains unknown about the safety and effectiveness of over the counter sleep aids.
Over the counter sleep medicine that works.
Active ingredients in these sleep remedies are gentler than those found in prescription strength pills.
Many americans turn to sleep aids to relieve their insomnia.
In addition some over the counter sleep aids can leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day.
In the doses that are available over the counter antihistamines are relatively safe and they work for a lot of people says pradeep bollu m d a board certified sleep specialist and.
Accordingly many people feel safer choosing over the counter sleeping pills instead of going to their physician for medication.
This is the so called hangover effect.
Over the counter sleep aids are more readily available than prescription products and they are generally considered safe for short term use.
Numbers vary but up to a quarter of americans use some sort of sleep aid to help them fall asleep according to the american academy of sleep medicine between 6 and 12 percent of americans use over the counter otc sleep aids specifically.
But in my opinion if melatonin works well enough on its own there s no need to add more and more ingredients.
Also prescription drugs and over the counter sleep aids may interact with other medications.
Otc sleep aids vs.
Otc sleep aids generally contain one of two primary active ingredients.
Most of these sleeping pills are antihistamines.
Sleep isn t just important it s necessary.
There are options available for people in search of a good night s sleep.
So on balance natrol has been the most reliable over the counter sleep aid for me for some time now and is the one i m most likely to use when i have a bad patch of insomnia.
And taking certain prescription sleeping pills can lead to drug abuse or drug dependence so it s important to follow your doctor s advice.
There is no proof that they work well for insomnia and they can cause some drowsiness the next day.
Look we get it.
Laying in bed and not being able to fall asleep can be super uncomfortable.
Luckily there are plenty of over the counter options that can help you take back your full night of rest.
