Many people take for granted the issue of sleep deprivation. For one reason or another, some of us find it difficult to catch even e few hours of sleep at night. If this continues for long periods of time, the functioning of the body could be compromised. Sleep allows the body time to grow and recover from injuries sustained during the course of each day. This makes it essential to have those eight hours or more of sleep time every day.
One can either have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Or it could be both. Fortunately, these days, you can get over this problem through over-the-counter sleep aids. It’s as easy as that. There are no wires or gadgets or machines that could offer you that ticket to dreamland. Visit your friendly drugstore and inquire about sleep aids. There is a wide assortment available.
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Somnapure PM Natural Sleep Aid
This natural over-the-counter sleep aid will help you fall asleep and stay asleep all throughout the night. Each capsule contains an effective blend of ingredients which will enhance the different aspects of your sleep cycle. With this sleep aid, you also won’t have to worry about tossing and turning all night because of aches and pains.
With the Somnapure PM Natural Sleep Aid, you’ll wake up in the morning feeling energized and refreshed. It contains melatonin along with other essential ingredients which will help regulate the body’s natural patterns of sleep. Also, this product will help you fall asleep faster because of the key ingredients it contains such as l-theanine and valerian root.
This sleep aid contains ingredients which have been clinically-tested and which will help you stay asleep for a longer time. It’s a non-habit-forming product which means that you won’t get addicted to or dependent on it. It doesn’t contain any controlled substances either so your safety is definitely guaranteed.
Pros
- Non-habit-forming sleep aid which will help you fall asleep faster.
- You will stay asleep for a longer time.
- With this product, you’ll awaken feeling energized and refreshed.
Cons
- Some don’t appreciate the smell.
- The capsules are quite big.
Zenwise Health Natural Sleeping Aid
This is another natural over-the-counter sleeping aid which is suitable for both men and women. With this, you can achieve a deep, restful sleep without feeling sluggish the next morning. It’s a non-habit-forming sleep supplement which will promote a steadier and easier slumber. It also promotes a balanced and healthy cycle for sleeping.
The Zenwise Health Natural Sleeping Aid will help you rest easy and keep calm. It contains soothing components which will make your mind more settled in order to encourage a better-quality sleep so you can feel well-rested the next day. It will definitely help reduce the frequency of your sleepless nights.
The sleep aid contains 5-HTP and magnesium glycinate which will settle you down by releasing tension. It also contains other relaxing ingredients such as melatonin, chamomile flower extract, GABA, and l-theanine. This product serves as an optimizer which also supports the natural sleep cycle of the body. All you need to take is a single pill before going to bed and you can enjoy all its benefits.
Pros
- Help you rest easy and keep calm throughout the night.
- Supports the natural sleep cycle of the body.
- Contains natural ingredients which will help calm you down to prevent anxiety and stress.
Cons
- Some say it may cause headaches.
- Also, some claim that it contains too much melanin.
Vicks ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid
This sleep aid will also help you get a good night’s sleep. It will provide you with relief when you experience occasional sleeplessness. The sleep aid will help you sleep soundly so that you’ll wake up the next day feeling refreshed. The Vicks ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid makes it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep so you get enough rest at night. However, this non-habit-forming sleep aid isn’t for pain, it’s just for sleep.
Pros
- Fast-acting sleep aid which will help you fall asleep in less than half an hour.
- A non-habit forming product which is specially designed to help you sleep.
- Allows you to get enough sleep throughout the night.
Cons
- Some say it might cause weird dreams and nightmares.
Natural Vitality Sleep Support
This sleep aid contains key ingredients which will help give you a better-quality sleep. For one, it contains suntheanine which is a form of l-theanine that will relax the body. It also contains magnesium glycinate which will promote better rest and GABA which enhances calmness. The Natural Vitality Sleep Support is another excellent product which comes in an organic berry flavor and gets its sweetness from organic stevia.
Pros
- Helps restore the levels of magnesium while supporting the health of the bones and the immune system.
- All-natural sleep aid which comes is also gluten and GMO-free.
- Helps relax the body to promote a restful sleep.
Cons
- May cause bloating in some people.
- Some people don’t appreciate the taste.
Pure Naturals Melatonin
Melatonin is a common ingredient added to sleep aids because it’s very effective. Studies have proven this which is why doctors often recommend melatonin supplements to those who have trouble sleeping. The Pure Naturals Melatonin will help you fall asleep quicker and it will also help you stay asleep all through the night. This product can also aid in the maintenance of the body’s regular sleep cycle while producing a calming effect.
Pros
- Contains melatonin which helps induce as well as maintain sleep.
- Doesn’t contain any preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and the common allergens.
- High-quality sleep aid which provides a relaxing effect on the body.
Cons
- Some don’t appreciate the smell.
- Some issues with the coating of the tablets.
LUNA Natural Sleep Aid
This is a powerful over-the-counter sleep aid even though it doesn’t contain melatonin. Therefore, it’s perfect for those who have a melatonin-sensitivity. The LUNA Natural Sleep Aid contains a harmonious combination of l-theanine and relaxing herbs which promote an ease and restful sleep. It won’t cause restlessness or strange dreams and it won’t cause grogginess the next morning either. This product contains valerian root, lemon balm, chamomile extract, hops, and passionflower.
Pros
- Potent sleep aid which is made with all-natural ingredients.
- Contains an herbal blend which helps induce sleep naturally.
- Also, contains l-theanine which soothes the body to promote relaxation.
Cons
- It may cause headaches for some people.
- Some say that it’s not as effective as the non-melatonin-free version.
Sleep MD-NightTime Sleep Aid
This sleep aid will deliver a restful sleep sans the drugs whenever you need it. If you’re one who suffers from infrequent sleeplessness, then the Sleep MD-NightTime Sleep Aid is right for you. This drug-free product was developed by medical doctors to help tackle this issue. It’s effective and it will allow you to wake up the next morning feeling more refreshed.
Pros
- Helps deliver a restful sleep without having to take drugs.
- Perfect for those who experience occasional sleeplessness.
- Will help you sleep faster and wake up refreshed.
Cons
- May cause lethargy in some people.
- Some claim that it causes weird dreams and nightmares.
Ambitropin – Sleep Aid
This product is an all-natural answer to your sleepless nights. It’s specifically designed to be effective and it doesn’t come with any harmful side effects. The Ambitropin – Sleep Aid is made with a perfect balance of nature and science. It’s formulated with ingredients that are powerful and help with sleep. It will help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep all night. The all-natural sleep aid won’t leave you feeling drowsy the next day either.
Pros
- All-natural sleep aid which is also non-prescription.
- Specially designed to help you fall asleep without causing harmful side effects.
- Helps you stay asleep throughout the night.
Cons
- Not very effective for those who suffer from chronic insomnia.
Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid
This over-the-counter sleep aid comes from a well-known brand. With it, you will be able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. The Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid is safe to take and proven quite effective. All you need to take is a single tablet and it will help you with your sleeplessness. You can take this product if you’re having difficulties falling asleep or you frequently wake up during the night.
Pros
- Effective sleep aid which will help you fall asleep fast.
- It’s safe and you only need to take a single tablet.
- Comes from a well-known brand in the industry.
Cons
- May cause dizziness in some people.
- Some don’t appreciate the morning-after feeling.
Tylenol Simply Sleep Nighttime Sleep Aid
Finally, this is another great product which will provide you with relief for occasional sleeplessness. Everyone has this problem every now and then and it’s beneficial to have an over-the-counter sleep aid on-hand so you can take it as needed. The Tylenol Simply Sleep Nighttime Sleep Aid is non-habit-forming and it will help you sleep better so you can wake up the next morning feeling fresh.
Pros
- Effective, safe, and non-habit-forming sleep aid.
- Helps you fall asleep fast so you can awaken refreshed the next morning.
- Contains a special sleep ingredient preferred by pharmacists.
Cons
- Some claim that it’s not very effective.
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Who Needs Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?
Each of us has experienced what a good night’s sleep can do. We wake up feeling refreshed, alert, and in a pleasant mood. This is carried over to the office where we can perform better. Sadly, a lot of us are not getting that required sleep time and the condition is prevalent.
Insomnia happens when there is a disturbance in the quality and quantity of sleep, whether it’s occasional or chronic. This is further manifested by awakenings at night. This, in turn, can lead to fatigue, anxiousness, irritability, sleepiness, depression, and difficulty in paying attention or focusing during the day. Often, one may even experience gastrointestinal issues and headaches.
The human body requires a number of hours of sleep and this can vary with each individual. On the average, seven to eight hours is considered normal. The main culprit of insomnia is stress but other factors can also cause the disorder. These can include anxiety and depression, health conditions which may cause discomfort and pain, and even medications being taken.
The functioning of the brain is immediately affected when one is deprived of sleep. Some studies have indicated that there is a link between chronic insomnia and certain conditions. These include a weakened immunity, greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, heart attacks, and weight gain.
If you are experiencing insomnia that lasts for more than four weeks, it’s recommended you visit your doctor. Earlier would be better, especially when you start feeling insomnia’s daily symptoms. The doctor will usually make sleep performance assessments to find out if you will need a sleep specialist. However, if the sleeplessness should last for only a couple of days, over-the-counter sleep aids can be a ready solution. Just make sure you strictly follow the instructions and warnings on the package.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?
The feeling of frustration always comes to haunt you when you cannot fall asleep, more especially if you are expecting a busy day ahead. Sometimes, one pill is not enough and you would be reaching out for another. This is a natural reaction to the stress brought about by sleeplessness. When the condition lingers, you would be looking for a fix that is quick and effective.
As mentioned earlier, sleep is important for the normal functioning of the body. Definitely, you will get benefits when you use sleep aids to help you through the night.
One excellent benefit of such products is that they work quickly. Taking sleep aids offers a fast and effective relief. Not much effort spent, just read the directions, follow them, and wait for sleep to come. Taking these aids can also help you in breaking sleeping habits. There is no problem sleeping with aids and their use can break bad sleep patterns.
They’re great for those experiencing sleep maintenance insomnia. There are sleep aids that can target the exact cause of sleep maintenance insomnia. For instance, there is a sleep aid which can easily and effectively solve the problem of those who often wake up in the middle of the night.
Convenience is another benefit of sleep aids. You can acquire them as over-the-counter items or even order them through the internet. Health problems brought about by sleeplessness can be remedied with sleep aids. Because they are being used by millions, the risks and side effects are well-known. It’s best to consult your doctor about using sleep aids. They usually will tell about the risks.
Of course, like any other products out there, sleeping aids can also have potential negative effects. For one, they may have troublesome effects on the health and might even increase the risk of cancer or death. When taken frequently, the body might rapidly build a drug tolerance. This means that for the drug to work effectively, you will have to increase the dosage.
Some drugs may have an addictive effect and, eventually, will be hard to stop taking them. Insomnia can become even worse if you decide to stop taking the drug and this can have an effect on your mental state. You will experience lower concentration levels which can lead to a higher risk of accidents.
Sleeping pills may help you fall asleep and also stay asleep. But are you getting the right kind of sleep? There is no guarantee that you are. For instance, taking sleep aids can lessen the quantity of deep and restorative sleep because they may interact with other medications you are taking. You must then be careful with sleep aids if you are on other medications. Best consult with your physician.
Taking sleeping pills while drinking alcohol is often a very bad idea. We have heard about the effects of combining these. It’s a formula for disaster. Make it a point not to drink if you decide to take sleep aids for your insomnia. Sleep is very important, especially for those who have required daily routines. It’s no wonder that despite the side effects and risks of drugs, millions of people still depend on them for those much-needed sleep hours.
Using sleep aids will definitely help you fall asleep easily and quickly, even though the quality of sleep falls short of the ideal. They’re easy to use, as aforementioned. Just strictly follow the directions and the pills will do the rest. There are no other redundant routines that need to be done.
What Are Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?
Many of us want to live a healthy lifestyle, complying with the needs of the body. Regular exercise, healthy diets, avoiding caffeine, taking a shower before bed, and more. Yet despite all these, many cannot get a good night’s sleep. Often times, we run out of sheep to count and are still wide awake. Perhaps this is one reason why many resorts to pills to get their necessary rest.
Millions now take pills to help them sleep. Doctors usually recommend them to help one fall asleep, stay asleep longer, wake up in the middle of the night less frequently or improve their sleep’s quality. After trying behavioral changes as well as other methods of treatment which are non-medical with no effective results to cure your insomnia, then sleep aids can be good for you.
Sleep aids are recommended for short-term insomnia. For instance, you may find it difficult to fall asleep after a short-term change in your work schedule or when experiencing jet lag or when you’re preparing for a special event in advance. Your doctor can prescribe a specific sleep aid once he has determined the probable cause of your insomnia.
Talk to your doctor about any health or psychological consequences that can arise because of your lack of sleep. Always keep in mind that healthy sleeping habits cannot be replaced by sleep aids. For one, these habits are the basis for the treatment of insomnia. This is especially helpful for those whose insomnia is long-standing where there is a need to use approaches which are non-medical like sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral treatments.
Many believe that combining behavioral and medical treatments is one of the best ways to manage the symptoms of insomnia. Others adhere to the use of sleeping aids at the start of the treatment then behavioral treatments could come later as part of a long-term treatment.
How to Safely Use Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?
There are several factors which should be taken into account to make sure that you are using the right sleep aid. First of all, it’s best to ask your doctor what type of aid should be used, the proper dosage, and a good treatment plan. In doing this, the doctor will consider how old you are along with other factors related to your health and to the core cause of your insomnia. All this data will determine the sleep aid that would best suit you.
Aside from the sleep aid suggested, always make it a point to also apply approaches to insomnia which are non-medical. These can include cognitive behavioral treatments, exercises for relaxation, and general tips for sleep that can help in establishing healthy patterns for sleep. Approaches with a number of components to facilitate and maintain your sleep are generally accepted as an excellent approach in the treatment of insomnia.
Although sleep aids are helpful in giving primary relief for insomniacs, most doctors will not recommend them for indefinite use. Based on observations, the doctor may help you determine how long you have to take sleep aids. Ideally, it should be for the shortest possible duration without depriving you of the benefits of proper sleep.
Those sleep aids acquired over-the-counter are meant only for short-term purposes. They are never meant for long-term use or as a permanent solution to insomnia. To be sure you are on the safe side when using sleep aids, follow the directions and guidelines which can be found in the product’s packaging. If the language is too complicated, ask your physician about precautions that you should know which could affect your health.
At times, taking over-the-counter sleep aids will not help or improve your insomnia. The doctor, at this point, may recommend treatment at a sleep clinic. Whatever sleep disorders you may have will be diagnosed after you’ve had a complete medical and psychological evaluation and after examining a week’s journal of your sleep performance. The most common treatments of long-term insomnia are behavioral techniques which include relaxation exercises, scheduling of sleep, and even cognitive therapy.
Medical prescriptions may also be required for some patients. These can include benzodiazepines, temazepam or zopiclone. These should be administered to patients at the lowest possible dosage for only a short time. Patients who have complicated psychiatric conditions may be needing different kinds of drugs long-term.
What Are Some Important Facts to Know About Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids?
Never try to abuse using over-the-counter sleep aids. Just because they are available without prescriptions, that doesn’t mean you should buy and use them at will. As we have mentioned earlier, these sleep aids can be harmful to the body. Remember that these are drugs and frequent use may lead to addiction.
Antihistamine is often the main active ingredient found in sleep aids like Benadryl. Taking this may help you get some shut-eye but it has its side effects like dry nasal passages and mouth, and sinus headaches. Taking too much of the drug can damage the liver. This is also true with prescription sleep aids and in some cases, the side effects could be worse.
The danger of taking sleep aids have been researched on and their use has been linked to many traffic accidents caused by drivers falling asleep while driving. The same study has indicated that many such accidents account for thousands of deaths yearly.
Psychological dependence is also becoming a problem with OTC drugs. This means that those who take the drug will start to believe that without sleep aids, they won’t be able to sleep or stay asleep. Insomnia is a problem that can cause many health problems. Moreover, depending too much on drugs can lead to another more serious problem. Try looking for a better solution, like herbal remedies or natural sleep aids.
Before starting to use sleep aids, try to identify first what’s causing your sleeplessness. For many, it’s what’s known as “poor sleep hygiene.” When treating insomnia, doctors will usually include a number of factors when assessing a patient’s sleep hygiene. This may not even happen at all if your doctor is the type who just reaches for his prescription pad.
For doctors who really care about their insomnia patients, they will recommend other alternatives before suggesting the use of over-the-counter sleep aids or some other drugs. Again, this should only happen after all venues to cure insomnia have been exhausted, the last resort. Furthermore, doctors should also provide follow-up care for their patients.
It’s wrong to assume that OTC drugs are completely safe because they can be purchased without prescriptions. For most OTC sleep aids, there will always be side effects. Taking sleep aids can prove even more harmful if used by persons who have health problems like sleep apnea. This is a disorder where breathing intermittently stops while the person is asleep. The additional relaxation caused by sleep aids could lead to death. This is a case which demonstrates that OTC sleep aids aren’t completely safe. That’s why it’s best to consult with a doctor before using OTC sleep aids.
Important Factors to Keep In Mind
Type of Over-The-Counter Sleep Aid
Let’s take a look at some of the more common over-the-counter sleeping aids. Antihistamine-based sleeping remedies are familiar medications which we take for allergies. Unknown to most, this remedy contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine with sedative powers which directs brain receptors to relax. Its effect usually last between six to eight hours.
Sleep aids which are melatonin-based are available too. Melatonin is naturally found in the human body. It’s a hormone that’s secreted by your pineal gland which helps in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle. The levels of melatonin in the body increase in the evening so we can fall asleep then they drop off during the daytime.
Two different types of synthetic melatonin formulas are available and are used to remedy insomnia: those that are released all at the same time and those that are time-released, where the release happens over a number of hours. Presently, there is no data yet on which type is more effective and how long will the effects of both types last.
Melatonin formulas do have their side effects and these can include drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness. Contrary to some reports, melatonin isn’t linked to any type of severe toxicity. Again, it would be best to consult with your doctor, especially if you are on other medications. Some studies have shown that melatonin can make the symptoms of depression worse. Logically, this shouldn’t be used on those who have depression or have a history of seizures.
You may also try mineral and herbal sleep aids. Almost all the remedies in this category contain some form of magnesium. This is an important mineral which is part of different chemical reactions in the human body and many of these related to relaxation and sleep. Unknowingly, a lot of us are magnesium deficient and this is because of stress and poor diet.
Again, it’s important to consult your pharmacist or doctor on this remedy, especially if you’re taking other types of medications. Using this aid may leave you with a headache or feeling groggy in the morning. The sleep aid’s full potency can be felt after a couple of weeks.
Safety of the Over-The-Counter Sleep Aid
Always be in-the-know about an over-the-counter sleep aid. How safe are they and what do they contain are factors to consider. Read the labels. Some types of sleep aids have antihistamines which may have an effect on your body. Be on the side of caution by talking to your doctor when using over-the-counter drugs. This will prevent any allergic reactions to the sleep aid’s contents. Again, comply with instructions, especially if you’re taking other medications.
Effectiveness of the Over-The-Counter Sleep Aid
The effectiveness of the over-the-counter sleep aid is also important to consider. When you’re looking at different products, you’ll see that the descriptions are all positive. This is understandable, of course, since the manufacturers are trying to market their products in the best possible way. If you want to know the effectiveness of the product, try reading the customer reviews.
When purchasing over-the-counter sleep aids on Amazon, there’s a section there where you can read the different customer reviews. This is a convenient section as you can read what real people have to say about the product. If a lot of people have a lot of good things to say about the sleep aid, then chances are, it’s pretty effective.
Negative Aspects of the Over-The-Counter Sleep Aid
Not all sleep aids have positive aspects that can help you get over sleeplessness. Some of these can be addictive. Many sleeping pills can lead to addictions, sometimes even those using them are not cognizant of it. Many have tried a number of times to quit. But they crave for sleep medications and will try their best to acquire more than a single prescription. These are addictive behaviors and the users may be suffering from addiction. Doctors may help prevent such pill addictions.
Much worse to overdosing on sleep aids is mixing them with alcohol or other medications. If you don’t know how effective or how potent the sleep aid is, this can result in overdosing. Patients who overdose have almost always the same symptoms. Seizures can also happen when sleep aids are abused. One needs to know and understand these symptoms to prevent fatal consumption.
Ingredients of the Over-The-Counter Sleep Aid
Melatonin, a hormone which is naturally produced by the brain, is important to get a good night’s sleep. For some reason, if there are any natural ingredients in sleep aids, these may not be revealed to consumers. If you are curious as to what types of natural ingredients the sleep aids contain, you can ask your doctor.
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Conclusion
Not getting enough sleep for one night can make one feel restless and irritable the next day. What more if this happens for long periods? For whatever reason, sometimes it gets really difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s a good thing that today, we have medications which can help us get those precious sleeping hours.
Sleep aids are now available at your local drugstore and many can be purchased over-the-counter. Relief is easy and fast. Just follow directions and in no time, you will be snoring. Sleep aids, as much as they can help you with insomnia, have also their downsides. They have their limitations and side effects.
The best thing that an insomniac can do is to consult with the doctor on the type of sleep aid he/she will need, the proper dosage and for how long it should be taken. Just follow directions on the labels, coupled with your doctor’s recommendations. You should come out sleeping soundly tonight.
