OTC Sleeping Pills – Which Is Right for Me?
According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30-40 percent of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year, and about 10-15 percent of adults say they have chronic insomnia.
There are many types of over the counter sleeping pills available today. Your doctor can help you decide which OTC sleeping pills will work for you, but it’s also good idea to understand the different types of insomnia. Insomnia is categorized by the length and severity of symptoms and its association with other disorders.
Types of Insomnia
Primary insomnia is often characterized by difficulty falling asleep and by repeated awakenings. People often feel fatigued the next day. People who suffer from this are generally preoccupied with getting enough sleep. The more they try to sleep, the greater the sense of frustration and distress and the more elusive sleep becomes. Co-morbid insomnia
Co-morbid insomnia is insomnia associated with other difficulties such as bad sleeping habits, other medications, medical problems or mental conditions. Intermittent insomnia
Transient insomnia usually lasts from a single night to a few weeks. It is mostly caused by a temporary situations such jet lag, stress, change in temperatures, change in surroundings, Chronic insomnia
Chronic insomnia describes the severity of the length the sleep disorder can last, which lasts for a long period of time. The most common cause of chronic insomnia is depression. Other causes include, restlessness, anxiety, sleep apnea, asthma, arthritis, narcolepsy and even the abuse of caffeine and alcohol. Insomnia Treatment
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Over-the-counter medications for insomnia are purchased more than any other type of drug. OTC sleeping pills are a great solution for sleepless nights. Compared to prescription sleep aids, over the counter sleeping pills are cheaper, less addictive, and have less harmful side effects. Various OTC sleep aids are available in any pharmacy and store.
The main ingredient of over-the-counter sleeping pills is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are commonly taken for allergies due to stuffy nose, watery/itchy eyes, and other common cold symptoms. Antihistamines have the effect of making some people feel sleepy and causes drowsiness.
Commonly used over-the-counter sleep medications include:
Diphenhydramine: used to relieve irritated and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, allergies and common cold. It’s also used to treat motion sickness and insomnia. Found in brand names like Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal, Compoz, Benadryl, Anacin P.M., Excedrin P.M., and Tylenol P.M.
Doxylamine: used in combination with decongestants to relieve runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing caused by the common cold. This is not recommended for young children due to the side effects and even death. Found in brand names like Unisom and Nighttime Sleep Aid
When sleepiness is caused by minor pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an anti-inflammatory drug (Advil, Motrin) can be useful. Dietary Supplements
Many dietary supplements are being introduced as effective insomnia treatments, although their effectiveness hasn’t been evaluated by the FDA. Here are some examples of the types of nutritional supplements and how they are used to treat insomnia
Melatonin is a natural hormone and is sold at any pharmacy or health food store as a supplement. It is mainly used as an aid jet lag when traveling. It is triggered by darkness and it controls the sleep and wake patterns. It is still not clear what the long term effects are but studies have shown that certain patients that are dependent on sleeping medications withdraw from melatonin and maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
You can find more information here as well as researching online. There are hundreds of helpful guides and suggestions to help you make your decision.
