OTC Sleep Aids

OTC sleep aids or over-the-counter sleep aids are products that help people achieve a good night’s sleep. From specialized pillows to sleep masks to nature sound machines to candles and to products like Unisom and Tylenol PM, the number of "help you get a better night’s sleep" products on the market is astounding.

Sleep Hygiene

Having trouble drifting off? Take a sleeping pill. Are you too uncomfortable to sleep? Buy a special pillow. Is it too bright to sleep? Sleep masks can help create a night time facsimile. OTC sleep aids are exactly what they sound like – products designed to help aid sleep.

Most over-the-counter products help reduce episodic or periodic insomnia, but are not a treatment for chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders. If you suspect you suffer from a sleep disorder, you should consult a physician.

Disruptions to your schedule (stress, travel, and holidays) can make it difficult to sleep. Sleep aids are ideal to help neutralize the problems that are keeping you awake. White noise, for example, from a humidifier or air purifier can help block out street noises. This can be useful for people who have trouble falling asleep because of external noise. Lifestyle changes such as working the third shift and having to sleep during the day can upset your natural biorhythms. Sleep aids can help you achieve a sense of normalcy and sleep better.

Most medicines geared towards helping you sleep contain antihistamines. Antihistamines make you drowsy even if you don’t have trouble sleeping. A drawback to using sleep-inducing antihistamines is that they often leave you feeling out of sorts, groggy with physical symptoms like mild dehydration and cotton mouth. Avoid taking antihistamine-based sleep aids unless you’ve consulted with your physician, particularly if you are taking medication or receiving treatment for depression or other emotional and psychiatric disorders, as the medications may conflict.

Never take prescription-based sleeping pills unless prescribed by a physician. Use caution when taking prescription or antihistamine-based pills, avoid alcohol and be aware of side effects. Pronounced daytime sleepiness may be associated with taking prescription-based sleep aids. Notify your doctor of any concerns.

Non-medicinal sleep aids include sleep masks, sleep pillows, sound machines and more. These products can be purchased without prescription in general retail outlets and are designed to help you get a good night’s rest by eliminating an associated discomfort.

A great pillow can help reduce your snoring and facilitate your sleep. Some great sleep pillows include:

• Comfort U Pillow - The Comfort U Body pillow is designed to support the entire body and reduce the need for tossing and turning, helping you get a better, more secure feeling of well-being and sleep.
• Pillow Sonic - The Pillow Sonic provides you with pillow speakers that provide comfort and music, all rolled into one.

Sleep masks primarily work to reduce external light and are great for daytime sleepers who want a reasonable facsimile of night time darkness to sleep in. Some sleep masks can provide pressure and relief from sinus pain and headaches:

• Pink Lights Out Sleep Mask - The Lights Out mask keeps annoying daylight away and helps you sleep on a plane, at home or in a hotel.
• Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs - A contoured sleep mask provides facial support (which can help reduce sinus pain) while also providing the blackout effect. The ear plugs reduce external noise that may capture your attention and reduce your ability to sleep.

Sleep machines come in two different types: the type that plays natural sounds and the type that provides white noise to obliterate external noises. People who live in apartments or near busy intersections may experience constant external noise. White noise machines can help block out those noises and let you sleep peacefully. Parents often use white noise (humidifiers and other machines) to help babies sleep more soundly during the day when the house is active. Sleep machines include:

• HoMedics Relaxation Machine - This machine provides six different nature sounds as well as a gentle heartbeat sound. The heartbeat is ideal for a baby’s room. The machine operates on battery power and has an A/C adaptor, making it travel-ready in no time.
• Conair Sound Therapy - Enjoy the sounds of nature and relaxation, but still need to get up on time? This machine combines with an alarm clock. That means it will take up less space on the night stand and you’ll still get a good night’s sleep.
• SleepMate Conditioner - The white noise generated by this machine helps with concentration, relaxation and sleep.

Everyone experiences the occasional sleepless night or deviation from schedule. Over-the-counter solutions help you create an environment to promote sleep. If you rely on sleep medicines to sleep, you should consult a physician to be sure that your sleeplessness is not a symptom of a more serious problem.

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