Sleep Medications

Sleep medications can help you get the sleep you desperately need. Many different types of medications for sleep are available and like any other medication, it may take some experimenting with different ones before you find the one right for you.

Need something to help you sleep at night?

If you've had trouble sleeping, your first stop is probably the drug store. Over-the-counter sleep aids can be effective but are not suitable for long-term use due to its addictive qualities. If you need something to get your sleep patterns back on schedule or on a day that has been particularly stressful, an over-the-counter sleep aide may be your best bet.

Most non-prescription sleep medications contain antihistamines, found most commonly in allergy medications. Two types of medications that contain antihistamines, a sedative, antiemetic, and hypnotic properties are diphenhydramine (Benedryl) and doxylamine. Here is a list of the brand names for these two types:

• Compoz
• Sominex
• Nytol
• Sleepinal

• Unisom
• Nighttime Sleep Aide
• Dozile
• Restavit

If you would rather try natural remedies for sleep, there are a few you can try before resorting to prescription sleep medications:

• Melatonin - Melatonin is a hormone in your body and helps you fall asleep. Individuals who have trouble sleeping at night may have a melatonin deficiency and this supplement can correct that problem. Some people use melatonin when they find themselves addicted to sleep aids because it helps their body return back to producing normal levels of melatonin.
• Valerian - Valerian root is a common herbal supplement. Individuals usually use it for both sleep and anxiety because it helps you reduce anxiety and has a sedative quality to it. Some take this instead of prescription medication because it generally causes fewer side effects.
• Tryptophan - You may have heard of tryptophan around the holidays since it's naturally found in turkey. It's also found in other foods such as milk, peanuts and cottage cheese. You would have to eat a lot of these foods to produce enough of an effect to help your inability to sleep. Instead, you can purchase tryptophan supplements, which helps regulate sleep patterns and high anxiety levels.
• Kava Kava - This herb will help you sleep by reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.

If you have tried over-the-counter sleep aids without success, you may need something different and stronger to help you with your sleep disorder. When you see your doctor, he or she will ask you about your sleep problems as well as any medical or psychological issues you may be experiencing, which could be contributing to your inability to sleep. If the doctor is able to prescribe you a medication to decrease a medical or psychological problem, he or she will choose this over just medicating the sleep issue.

If the doctor is not able to solve your sleep disturbance by treating your medical or psychological problems, he or she may prescribe you the following medications:

This class of medications helps treat insomnia and is FDA approved. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following:

• Temazepam (Restoril)
• Flurazepam (Dalmane)
• Quazepam (Doral)
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Estazolam (ProSom)

You may ask your doctor about trying a non-benzodiazepine sleep medication if you are concerned about side effects or becoming addicted to a sleep aide since this class of medications has less potential for side effects and addiction. Sleep medications classified under non-benzodiazepines include:

• Zolpidem (Ambien)
• Zalepon (Sonata)
• Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

It's important to report any side effects you experience from sleep medications to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely prescribe something else for you to try so you don't have to deal with these unpleasant reactions to the medication. If you ever believe that you have become addicted to your sleep medication, it is also important to discuss this with your doctor. The goal of sleep medication is to regulate your sleep patterns so you can someday sleep without help.

Now that you have read about sleep medications, visit your local drug store, health store or doctor so you can start to correct your sleep disturbance and finally get that good night's rest you have been longing for!

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• Why Is Sleep Important

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• Valerian Root Side Effects