There are a variety of over the counter sleep aids available, but the number one choice for most people is diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, but it also has sedative properties that make it an effective sleep aid.
Diphenhydramine is available in a variety of formulations, including capsules, tablets, and liquids. It is also available in combination with other ingredients, such as acetaminophen.
Diphenhydramine should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. The recommended dosage for adults is 50-100 mg.
Side effects of diphenhydramine may include dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. More serious side effects are rare, but can include hallucinations and delirium. Diphenhydramine should not be taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.
There are many over the counter sleep aids available, but the number one choice may depend on your individual needs. If you have occasional trouble sleeping, you might try a Melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep, and taking it in supplement form can help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. If you have more persistent insomnia, you might want to try an antihistamine like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines can make you drowsy, and they can be effective in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. However, they can also cause dry mouth and next-day drowsiness, so be sure to read the labels carefully and start with the lowest possible dose. There are also a variety of herbal supplements that can help with sleep. Chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender are all thought to be helpful in promoting relaxation and sleep. valerian root is another popular herbal supplement for insomnia, but it can be quite strong and may cause some morning grogginess. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist to see if one of these over the counter sleep aids might work for you. There are many over the counter sleep aids available, but the most effective one is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your body's natural sleep cycle. It is available in pill form and can be taken before bedtime.
Other over the counter sleep aids include:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs)
Zolpidem (Ambien)
If you are having trouble sleeping, speak to your doctor about which sleep aid is right for you.
