Over The Counter Sleep Aids
There are a whole host of over the counter sleep aids on the market today - and new ones popping up regularly. Here in the US alone, sleep-deprived citizens spend a total of over $100 MILLION every year on these products. Research has also shown that more than 10% of American adults admit to having used otc sleep aids at some time during the last 12 months.... that's a lot of people desperate for a good night's sleep! Although over the counter sleep aids can be a good short-term 'fix' for the occasional bout of sleeplessness, they aren't the best choice for people suffering from chronic insomnia This is because your body builds up a tolerance to these medications pretty quickly, and they can become ineffective in a short space of time. Increasing the dosage can be dangerous, and makes unpleasant and unsafe side effects more likely, and more severe.
OTC Sleep Aids - how do they work?The active ingredient in this sort of sleep aid is usually an anti-histamine, such as Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (as found in Tylenol PM, Sominex and Compoz), Diphenhydramine Citrate (as found in Excedrim PM), or Doxylamine (as found in Unisom, Nighttime).Although primarily designed to treat allergic reactions by blocking the brain chemical histamine, these compounds have the side effect of making you feel drowsy/sleep (think of what happens when you take Benadryl for example). Although they're generally not as effective as prescription sleep aids, over the counter products can help you get some much-needed rest if you use them occasionally, and correctly! If you're lying awake at night because you're suffering from a a heavy cold or flu, or pain from an injury or minor illness, a medication such as Tylenol PM, or Excedrin PM (basically a pain-killer plus an anti-histamine) can be a good solution. These contain a painkiller as well as an ingredient (anti-histamine) that will make you drowsy. But you need to know that over the counter sleep aids may produce more side effects than many prescription sleep medications. Also, just because you can buy them at the local store without a prescription, don't assume that they're perfectly safe for you.
Side effects of OTC sleep aidsA variety of side effects are common, and everyone reacts differently. Some people may experience one, or several, of the following -
Occasionally, instead of making us sleepy, these medications can have the 'reverse effect' - making you jittery/nervous/excitable. Not conducive to a good night's sleep! If you decide to take an over the counter sleep aid, be extra careful about driving (or undertaking any task that needs your full concentration and quick reflexes) the next day. The 'grogginess' can last a while and it's better to be safe than sorry until you know how the medications affects you. Some people seem to be more susceptible to the side effects of otc sleep aids than others, and people who are elderly may experience more severe problems as they metabolize this type of medication more quickly than others. In addition, sleep aids containing Diphenhydramine Citrate are more quickly absorbed by the body than others, so you may find you need less of these products to make you sleepy.
Using OTC sleep aids correctly & safelyThere are certain no-no's when it comes to taking over the counter sleep aids.If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you shouldn't use an over the counter sleep aid without first discussing it with your doctor.
The compounds in sleep aids can also interact with other medications, and can cause severe and/or dangerous side effects. For that reason it's important to... This is especially important if you are taking an MAOI, or drugs to treat depression/psychiatric/emotional disorders or Parkinsons Disease. Also, you should never take alcohol when you are using a prescription or over the counter sleep aid. Other tips for the safe use of over the counter sleep aids include -
In addition to prescription sleep aids, natural cures, and lifestyle changes, there are several natural/herbal remedies available. These include Aromatherapy, and supplements such as Melatonin, Valerian Root, herbal teas and even some vitamins/minerals.
So remember -If the next time you find yourself staring at the ceiling fan instead of drifting off to sleep, you might want to try an over the counter sleep aid, or one of the other alternatives.Used properly, it could be just what you need to get back on track, and have you sleeping like a baby in no time. Page/Article Links:
What is Insomnia?Insomnia Medications Melatonin and Sleep Aromatherapy
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