Many sleep aids, including dietary supplements, are available legally. Good sleep hygiene and experimenting with new approaches often help people get to sleep.
Whether you have trouble sleeping, you may have wondered if there was anything in your local drugstore’s over-the-counter sleep aid section that could help you get some rest. Are there any concerns associated with the use of over-the-counter sleeping aids? Let’s find out!
Which Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids Are Available Online?
Some examples of over-the-counter sleep aids you can get online are:
1. Antihistamine
Some antihistamines also work as sedatives. Nasal congestion and a persistent cough from the flu or other upper respiratory infection? Just try these out and see what you think!
Doxylamine succinate products are effective sleep aids at night, but they come with a laundry list of unwanted side effects, including daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and incontinence.
2. Melatonin
The hormone melatonin, which helps control your body’s sleep-wake cycle, is synthesized in a lab and sold over the counter. The body’s melatonin levels are at their maximum naturally at midnight.
Scientists have discovered that “night owls” who have trouble sleeping and those suffering from jet lag can benefit from melatonin. The effectiveness of insomnia, in general, is unclear. Some possible side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness.
3. Valerian
Although the exact mechanism of action of the herbal supplement valerian is unknown, it appears to slow down the nervous system and make you sleepy by acting on specific receptors in the brain. Drowsiness and dizziness are the only known harmful effects.
4. CBD/cannabidiol
CBD, a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, is now widely available without a prescription through various retail outlets. (It lacks the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana.) Pills, gummies, patches, and lotions are just some ways that cannabidiol (CBD) can be consumed. Although there is currently no clear data, CBD is being explored as a treatment for insomnia since several studies have suggested that CBD reduces anxiety, a significant factor in insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
Vital Precautions
Take the following precautions when using over-the-counter sleep aids:
- You should probably talk to your doctor first. Ask your doctor if there won’t be any adverse reactions between the sleep aid and your other prescriptions or health issues. Inquire about the recommended dosage.
- You should take safety measures. Some medical conditions, such as closed-angle glaucoma, gastric ulcers, and urinary retention, make it unsafe to take diphenhydramine or doxylamine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid sleep aids, and adults over 65 may be at an increased risk of side effects, such as dementia, from using them.
- You have to take one day at a time. Possible short-term help for insomnia from over-the-counter sleep aids. Unfortunately, they aren’t designed for continuous use.
- Don’t drink. Never combine alcohol with sleeping pills. The consumption of alcohol may amplify the sleepy effects of the medicine.
- The potential for adverse effects warrants caution. You should not engage in any activity that demands full mental focus and awareness while taking sleep medication.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
An overview of sedatives and hypnotics published in 2018 notes that while these drugs can be helpful in the short term, they have the potential to exacerbate insomnia if used regularly.
The FDA warns that using sedatives can make you feel sleepy the next day. One’s capacity to operate motor vehicles and participate in other activities requiring full attention may also be impaired.
Things like driving, walking, eating, and even making phone calls have all been related to sleepwalking. Sleepwalking describes this condition.
It’s also possible that some sleep aids could affect:
- maintaining a regular pill-taking schedule
- Heartburn medication (cimetidine)
- Drugs for treating yeast infections
Take no sedatives if you plan on driving or using heavy machinery.
When Should Someone Take a Sleeping Pill?
When to take melatonin is best determined by the specifics of the sleep disturbance:
- Insomnia medication: sleep aids like valerian and sedative antihistamines are recommended for people with trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Melatonin is a viable alternative for those seeking sleep aid to combat jet lag. Melatonin should be used daily, starting a few hours before night, during the vacation, and for a few days afterward.
- Melatonin may be the most effective sleeping aid for those dealing with shift employment. A dose of melatonin at the end of the shift can help wind down the body and prepare it for sleep.
Those who choose to use sedative antihistamines should adhere to the recommendations of their doctor or the instructions on the packaging.
The time of day one should take valerian depends on the valerian preparation one uses. A single dose of viola may be taken up to an hour before bedtime for the best sleep aid effects. When taking dietary supplements, it is critical to follow all directions provided by the manufacturer.
Are These OTC Sleep Aids Really Safe to Use?
Over-the-counter sleep aids provide few health hazards but should still be used cautiously. All over-the-counter sleep aids can cause daytime drowsiness, but antihistamine drugs’ side effects, such as blurred vision, disorientation, and constipation, can be more troublesome for the elderly. It is also wise not to mix them with anything else. Adding alcohol or other sleep medications can worsen their effects or induce problems. While tolerance to their effects does not usually lead to addiction, greater doses may eventually be required to achieve the same results. Never exceed the recommended dosage of a sleep aid.
Who Should Take Sleeping Pills?
Insomnia can manifest in a variety of ways, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, early awakenings, and a lack of reviving sleep after waking.
On the other hand, sleeping drugs might not be necessary for many persons with insomnia. A change in routine may be helpful for people who have difficulties sleeping.
Altering the surrounding sleep conditions, such as getting a new mattress, could be beneficial.
Conclusion
The value of getting enough sleep should not be underestimated. Visit your doctor and get zopiclone at medsforless uk if you still struggle to sleep. Your doctor may suggest behavior therapy in addition to making adjustments to your way of living. This treatment plan aims to help you develop healthier sleep routines and a more restful bedroom. Prescription sleep aids may be advised for short-term usage in particular situations.
