Non Prescription Sleep Aids

Non prescription sleep aids are available for purchase from most drug stores. You may also select to use non-medication sleep aids such as herbal products to help you get to sleep. Before you can select the right sleep aid for you, you'll need to consider the range of products on the market to select from.

Explore OTC sleeping aids

Over the Counter Sleep Aids

Medications sold over the counter (without prescription) specifically for the treatment of insomnia are an option for many. Use these medications according to their directions only. They are often not as powerful or helpful as prescription strength sleep aids, but they can give you short term help in falling asleep. They shouldn't be used regularly. If you have long-term insomnia (lasting more than three days a week), consult your doctor about other options.

The main ingredient found in most over the counter sleeping pills is antihistamine. These are the same types of medications used to treat allergies. In allergy suffers, these medications work to stop histamine, which is a chemical in the brain that sends messages. Histamine also keeps you awake. For this reason, some of the allergy medications can be in use as a tool to keep you awake.

Another ingredient in most non-prescription sleeping aids is pain reliever, known for its ability to relax the body and mind.

Some over the counter sleep aids are for sale under several brand names. For example:

• Diphenhydramine: Sold as Compoz, Sleepinal, Sominex and Nytol
• Doxylamine: Sold as Nightime Sleep Aid and Unisom

Warnings About Non Prescription Sleep Aids

Over the counter sleep aids are regulated less than prescription products mainly because their small dosages tend to make them harmless, when used as prescribed. These products work, but usually work only for a limited time as the body will adjust to them. Some people who rely on these medications regularly will need to take more, at dangerous levels, to get the same results.

Before taking any over the counter medication, especially sleep aids, talk to your doctor about it. They can recommend products or steer you clear of potential combinations with other medications you may be taken. For example, those who have glaucoma or breathing problems should not use these medications.

Side effects are another concern for over the counter medications:

• Dry mouth, painful throat
• Drowsiness that doesn't go away
• Dizziness, clumsiness, a sense of loss of balance
• Constipation
• Blurry vision

Natural Sleep Aids

Avoiding prescription-strength sleeping pills is a good route to take for minor cases of insomnia. While many people resort to non prescription sleep aids, you may also want to consider natural solutions. Natural solutions can help you to get to sleep without the after effects of medication.

• Melatonin: One option is melatonin, a hormone your body produces which helps to regulate the circadian rhythms, or your sleep cycle. Taking supplements can help you get improve sleep. Most studies show a small amount, 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams is all that's needed daily.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is a herbal remedy that's been used since ancient Chinese cultures which used it as a sleep aid. It offers a calming sensation for the body. Drink it as a tea or take a supplement before bed for the best results.
• Valerian: Valerian, an herbal extract, is used to help decrease the length of time it takes you to fall asleep. It can also increase the quality of your sleep. You may need to take it over a period of time, up to a month, before you see results. There are some that feel hung over after taking this herbal product.
• Kava Kava: Kava kava is an herbal remedy used to relief stress. It has shown evidence of relieving insomnia in some individuals. It works well to relax your mind without interfering with your motor skills. If you use kava kava, do so under doctor direction. Some studies have linked it to a number of problems with the liver, when used regularly.

Taking a warm bath and desensitizing your body and mind prior to bed can help you to relax, therefore encouraging sleep. Don't read a book your are passionate about and avoid the television right before bed. You may find this is all you need to relax and get to sleep.

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