David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
OTC sleep aids and supplements: What's best and safe?
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Dec 8, 2007
You've followed all the tips for getting enough sleep ? sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Still, a good night's rest remains out of reach. You may be thinking about over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids or other sleep supplements. If your problem has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, ask your doctor for an evaluation. It's important to know what's causing your insomnia.
OTC sleep aids are effective for an occasional sleepless night. But the more often you take them, the less effective they become. And OTC sleep aids may leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day, particularly if you're an older adult. If you're considering sleeping supplements, it's important to understand that much is unknown about their safety and effectiveness.
Common OTC sleep aids
Various OTC sleep aids are available in any pharmacy. Most of these medications contain antihistamines, which induce drowsiness by working against the central nervous system chemical histamine. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC sleep aid if you're currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or did so as recently as two weeks ago. Also check with your doctor first if you take any drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease.
Diphenhydramine (Sominex, Nytol)
These may cause:
This may cause prolonged drowsiness. It also may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding or you have a history of:
Dietary supplements
Various dietary supplements have been touted as effective insomnia treatments, but there's much that isn't known about their effectiveness or safety. The most widely publicized may be the hormone melatonin and the herb valerian.
Melatonin
Melatonin is thought to help control your body's internal clock. The melatonin supplements most often found in health food stores and pharmacies are synthetic versions of the natural hormone. These supplements are most helpful for people experiencing jet lag or the effects of shift work. They have less and inconsistent effects as a sleep aid. There are many unanswered questions about melatonin. Some people who've taken melatonin have reported:
Melatonin may interact with a variety of common drugs, so talk with your doctor before trying it. The optimal dose isn't certain, and the long-term effects are unknown.
Melatonin may not be safe if you're:
Supplements made from this plant may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. However, it's not clear what the active ingredient is, and the potencies of various ingredients vary from preparation to preparation. Not all studies have shown the compound to be effective, and there may be some dangers.
Side effects may include:
Taking sleeping pills
If your best attempts to get a good night's sleep have failed, your best bet is to seek evaluation by your doctor. Often, specific causes for insomnia may be found that are reversible. Nondrug approaches including cognitive behavior therapies can be effective. Prescription sleeping pills may be both effective and safe, if taken as prescribed. Consider OTC sleep aids or supplements with caution.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Dec 8, 2007
You've followed all the tips for getting enough sleep ? sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Still, a good night's rest remains out of reach. You may be thinking about over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids or other sleep supplements. If your problem has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, ask your doctor for an evaluation. It's important to know what's causing your insomnia.
OTC sleep aids are effective for an occasional sleepless night. But the more often you take them, the less effective they become. And OTC sleep aids may leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day, particularly if you're an older adult. If you're considering sleeping supplements, it's important to understand that much is unknown about their safety and effectiveness.
Common OTC sleep aids
Various OTC sleep aids are available in any pharmacy. Most of these medications contain antihistamines, which induce drowsiness by working against the central nervous system chemical histamine. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC sleep aid if you're currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or did so as recently as two weeks ago. Also check with your doctor first if you take any drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease.
Diphenhydramine (Sominex, Nytol)
These may cause:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Prolonged drowsiness lasting into the next day
- Glaucoma
- Heart problems
- Enlarged prostate
This may cause prolonged drowsiness. It also may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding or you have a history of:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Peptic ulcer
- Enlarged prostate
Dietary supplements
Various dietary supplements have been touted as effective insomnia treatments, but there's much that isn't known about their effectiveness or safety. The most widely publicized may be the hormone melatonin and the herb valerian.
Melatonin
Melatonin is thought to help control your body's internal clock. The melatonin supplements most often found in health food stores and pharmacies are synthetic versions of the natural hormone. These supplements are most helpful for people experiencing jet lag or the effects of shift work. They have less and inconsistent effects as a sleep aid. There are many unanswered questions about melatonin. Some people who've taken melatonin have reported:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Melatonin may interact with a variety of common drugs, so talk with your doctor before trying it. The optimal dose isn't certain, and the long-term effects are unknown.
Melatonin may not be safe if you're:
- Pregnant
- Breast-feeding
- Younger than age 20
Supplements made from this plant may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. However, it's not clear what the active ingredient is, and the potencies of various ingredients vary from preparation to preparation. Not all studies have shown the compound to be effective, and there may be some dangers.
Side effects may include:
- Headache
- Excitability or uneasiness
- Heart disturbances
Taking sleeping pills
If your best attempts to get a good night's sleep have failed, your best bet is to seek evaluation by your doctor. Often, specific causes for insomnia may be found that are reversible. Nondrug approaches including cognitive behavior therapies can be effective. Prescription sleeping pills may be both effective and safe, if taken as prescribed. Consider OTC sleep aids or supplements with caution.
- Start with your doctor. You don't need your doctor's OK to take an over-the-counter sleep aid, but it's a good idea to check with your doctor anyway. He or she can make sure the sleep aid won't interact with other medications or medical conditions. Your doctor can also help you determine the best dosage. In some cases, your doctor may recommend prescription sleeping pills. If you and your doctor decide further evaluation is needed, you may be referred to a sleep specialist.
- Take it one day at a time. Sleep aids are a temporary solution for insomnia. Most over-the-counter varieties are intended to be used for only two to three nights at a time. Taken too often, some sleep aids may cause rebound insomnia ? sleeplessness that returns in full force when you stop taking the medication.
- Avoid alcohol. Never mix alcohol and sleep aids. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of the pills. Even a small amount of alcohol combined with sleep aids can make you feel dizzy, confused or faint.
- Quit carefully. When you're ready to stop taking sleep aids, follow your doctor's instructions or the directions on the label. Some medications must be stopped gradually.
- Watch for side effects. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or discontinuing the pills.
- Everyone deserves a good night's sleep. If you continue to have trouble sleeping, consult your doctor for additional help.
