Sleeping Pills Over the Counter

Lying awake all night and feeling restless or irritated next day can be very distressing for a person having difficulty sleeping or insomnia. Research shows insomnia which is defined as a few nights of restlessness, poor sleep, or trouble falling asleep is a condition experienced by many people worldwide. There can be a wide variety of reasons for insomnia including anxiety, depression, chronic illness, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, stress or exhaustion, etc.

Though most of us try different ways to get enough sleep like sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly and managing stress, etc. still many people are unable to get enough and sound sleep at night. Hence, in order to resolve their sleeping problems, people start taking some over-the-counter sleeping pills. Since there is a lot of conflicting information about the effectiveness and safety of these pills, here, we will discuss in detail what are the different over the counter sleep aids or medications and how effective they are in treating insomnia.

Over-the-counter Sleeping Pills

Over the counter (OTC) sleep aids are basically medications that are available from the chemist without any prescription required. Sleeping pills are quite effective in curing sleep disorders but only for a short period of time as more you take them the less effective they become. These medications have a sedative effect which relaxes the mind and body and encourages to have an improved and sound night sleep. And when it comes to deciding which are the most effective and safe sleeping pills that can be got over the counter, antihistamines are some of the best options.

Antihistamines are the most easily available OTC sleeping aids, comprising two main ingredients diphenhydramine hydrochloride (brands include: Sominex, Compoz, Tylenol PM, and Unisom SleepGels) or doxylamine succinate (brands include: Unisom tablets, Equate). Generally taken for allergies, antihistamines work by inhibiting the action of histamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that promotes wakefulness.

Diphenhydramine: Diphenhydramine is one of the most commonly found ingredient in almost all over the counter sleep medications which blocks the action of histamine and treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Apart from this, diphenhydramine is also beneficial in treating symptoms related to allergies like red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing. runny nose, common cold, etc. For optimum results, it is recommended to take this OTC sleep medication half an hour before you plan to sleep.

Doxylamine: Doxylamine is another type of antihistamine which is used in the short term treatment of insomnia. Just like diphenhydramine, it also blocks the action of histamine hormone and reduces sleep problems in many insomnia patients. Moreover, this OTC sleep aid is used in combination with decongestants and other medications to relieve symptoms, related to common cold and flu. It is usually taken 30 minutes before bedtime but should not be used to induce sleepiness in children.

Side Effects

Though OTC sleep aids which can be taken orally or as nasal sprays do have a positive effect on short term insomnia, they also cause certain side effects that are common and can be severe too. The effects can be stronger in adults, especially, in cases of an overdose of sleeping pills.

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness and forgetfulness
• Clumsiness, feeling off balance
• Constipation and urinary retention
• Blurred vision
• Enlarged prostate
• Breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• Dry mouth and throat

Over-the-counter sleeping pills are considered to be safe and effective when used as per the manufacturer's instructions. Never exceed the dosage, in fact the dosage is generally mentioned on the packet, hence, read the instructions carefully. The medications are not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, people suffering from glaucoma, heart complications, enlarged prostate, asthma, bronchitis, or peptic ulcers. Therefore, before opting for any OTC sleeping aids, do consult your doctor to avoid any unexpected complications.