You've followed all the tips for getting enough sleep — sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Still, a good night's rest remains out of reach. You may be thinking about over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids or other sleep supplements. If your problem has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, ask your doctor for an evaluation. It's important to know what's causing your insomnia.
OTC sleep aids are effective for an occasional sleepless night. But the more often you take them, the less effective they become. And OTC sleep aids may leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day, particularly if you're an older adult. If you're considering sleeping supplements, it's important to understand that much is unknown about their safety and effectiveness.
Common OTC sleep aids
Various OTC sleep aids are available in any pharmacy. Most of these medications contain antihistamines, which induce drowsiness by working against the central nervous system chemical histamine. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC sleep aid if you're currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or did so as recently as two weeks ago. Also check with your doctor first if you take any drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease.
Diphenhydramine (Sominex, Nytol)
These may cause :
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Prolonged drowsiness lasting into the next day
They are not recommended if you're breast-feeding. They also may not be safe if you're pregnant or have a history of :
- Glaucoma
- Heart problems
- Enlarged prostate
Doxylamine (Unisom)
This may cause prolonged drowsiness. It also may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding or you have a history of :
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Peptic ulcer
- Enlarged prostate
With either type of OTC sleeping aid, don't drive or attempt other activities that require alertness while taking the drug.
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