Sleep Aids: Basics

Are you one of millions who have trouble sleeping? You're not alone. Sleep aids help many individuals sleep well. However, there are many sleep aids, making it difficult to choose one. This page discusses sleep aids, their effects, and their side effects.

Sleep aids?

Sleep aids help you fall or remain asleep. Prescription, over-the-counter, or natural supplements. Sleep aids help persons with insomnia, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders.

Sleep aids

Sleeping pills

Doctors prescribe sleep aids. These drugs treat severe sleep disorders like insomnia. Prescription sleep aids:

Ambien Lunesta Sonata Rozerem

Over-the-counter Sleep Aids

Non-prescription sleep aids are available. These drugs treat occasional insomnia. Over-the-counter sleep aids:

Benadryl Unisom Nyquil Tylenol PM

Herbal and vitamin sleep aids are natural. These nutrients help individuals sleep without medicine. Natural sleep aids:

Valerianroot melatonin

Chamomile Lavender

Sleep aids work how?

Sleep aids vary by prescription or supplement. Sleep-wake receptors are targeted by prescription sleep aids. Over-the-counter sleep medications cause sleepiness, whereas natural ones calm and reduce anxiety.

Sleep Aid Effects

All sleep aids have side effects. Common sleep aid side effects:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Headache

Nausea

Dry mouth

Serious side effects from prescription sleep aids include:

Sleepwalking

Sleep eating

Memory loss

Hallucinations

Who Should Avoid Sleep Aids?

Sleep aids have risks. Sleep aids are contraindicated for certain medical conditions and drugs. Examples are:

Nursing mothers

Liver/kidney disease patients

Addicts People taking antidepressants or painkillers

Sleep Aid Benefits

Sleep aids enable comfortable sleep. This improves happiness, productivity, and health. Sleep