Over The Counter Sleep Aids

Research has also shown that more than 10% of American adults admit to using otc sleep aids at some time during the last 12 months.... that's a lot of people desperate for a good night's sleep!

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).

They're not as effective as prescription sleep aids, over the counter products can help you get some rest when used occasionally, and correctly.

Additionally, if your sleeplessness is due to a heavy cold, or pain from an injury perhaps, a medication such as Tylenol PM, or Excedrin PM (basically a pain-killer plus an anti-histamine) can be a good solution.

However, contrary to what you might expect, over the counter sleep aids tend to produce more side effects than many prescription sleep medications.

Side effects of OTC sleep aids

• Dizziness


• Nausea/vomiting


• Dry mouth


• Blurred vision


• Constipation


• A general feeling of 'grogginess' or a 'hangover effect' the next morning (sometimes extending throughout the day)

Occasionally, these medications can have the 'reverse effect', and rather than making you feel sleepy, they can make 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 requiring full concentration and quick reflexes the next day, until you find out 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, and you may find you need less of these products to induce sleep.

Using OTC sleep aids correctly & safely

People who suffer from the following conditions shouldn't use an over the counter sleep aid without first consulting their doctor.

• Asthma


• Bronchitis


• Enlarged prostate


• Glaucoma


• Heart problems (including arrhythmia's or angina)


• Peptic ulcer


• Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding

The compounds in sleep aids can also interact with other medications, and can cause sever and/or dangerous side effects.

ALWAYS consult your doctor before taking any over the counter product if you are already taking a prescription or otc medication.

With sleep aids this is particularly 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 otc sleep aids include -

• Take only the minimum recommended dose (as given on the packet, or recommended by your doctor)


• Do not exceed the maximum recommended dosage (as above)


• Don't use an OTC sleep aid for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting your doctor


• Don't mix sleep aids, either prescription or otc, with other drugs/medications or achohol.


• Stop taking the medications if it causes unpleasant or recurring side effects or interferes with your daily activities.

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 -

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: