Whether it's in the bottom of a bottle of pills, a glass of wine, or a cup of herbal tea, many of us are searching for a good night's rest.
Sleeplessness was the topic of this month's Healthline, sponsored by South Jersey Healthcare and The Daily Journal.
Michele M. Dawson, a registered pharmacist at South Jersey Regional Medical Center answered two of your questions on the subject.
Question: Do all of the over-the-counter sleep aids have the same main ingredient and are they addictive or can you build up a tolerance to them?
Answer: The main ingredient of over-the-counter sleeping pills is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are generally taken for allergies. Histamine is a chemical messenger in the brain, which promotes wakefulness, so an antihistamine also has the effect of making you feel very sleepy. Some over-the-counter sleep aids also include a pain reliever. Common OTC sleep medications include:
# Diphenhydramine (found in Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal, and Compoz)
# Doxylamine (Unisom, Nighttime Sleep Aid)
Over-the-counter sleep aids are meant to be used for short-term insomnia. Tolerance to the medication -- which means you need a higher dosage of the medication for it to work -- can develop in only a few days.
It's common to experience dizziness, dry mouth or prolonged drowsiness when taking these medicines.
Don't assume an over-the-counter medicine is safe for all people, Dawson said.
Sleep aids can be harmful to people with glaucoma, heart conditions, enlarged prostate, asthma, bronchitis, peptic ulcers, depression, Parkinson's disease or emotional/psychiatric disorders, Dawson said. The medicine can sometimes aggravate these conditions.
Women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding also should not take these medicines, she said.
Some people prefer to seek a natural remedy, but Dawson urges people to apply the same caution as if they were taking a medicine.
Natural options may adversely interact with some medicines a person is taking.
The most common natural remedies are melatonin and valerian.
Melatonin is found within the body, Dawson said.
It's inconsistent as a sleep aid, she said, noting it works best for those seeking temporary relief such as shift workers or those suffering from jet lag.
Valerian is derived from a plant. It does make a person drowsy, but Dawson said it not always an effective sleep aid.
The drowsy feeling it causes may continue through to the following day.
Both melatonin and valerian come in a pill form.
It's very short-acting," Dawson said. "It's for people who are having problems falling asleep -- it won't help you continue to sleep all night."
If you take any sleep aid -- natural or pharmaceutical -- do not combine it with alcohol.
Read all the directions on the package and be sure to check with your pharmacist or physician to make sure it won't interact with other medications you are taking. Do not use sleep aids every night, Dawson said. It is possible your sleep problem could be something more serious, such as insomnia.
Q: It has been six years of sleepless nights for me. I get four hours of sleep and that is not a sound four hours. I may sleep one hour and lie awake another hour before I sleep again.
I have tried drinking warm milk, going to bed the same time every night for several weeks, eating a banana before bed, sleepytime tea, exercise (walking) in afternoon, warm baths, reading, doing puzzles all night, and drinking red wine with no improvement. Finally, I ended up taking Lunesta for two weeks. It did not make me tired or sleep at all. I also tried Ambien and then Ambien CR. Is there any help for me?
A: For chronic insomnia, a good sleep environment, relaxation and behavior techniques provide relief without risk of medication side effects or tolerance. In general, sleep medications are most effective as temporary aid, not a long-term solution.
Patients who have little improvement during the initial trial of cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic therapy, or combination therapy may have other causes of poor sleep. Therefore, it is important to follow prescribed medication instructions for recommended duration of time by the physician.
Avoid caffeinated beverages from coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate after lunch late in the day.
Avoid alcohol near bedtime. Never drink alcohol in an attempt to fall asleep faster. Not only will alcohol disrupt your sleep even more, it can dangerously interact with the sleeping pill.
Only take sleep medications when you will be able to get a full night's sleep (seven to eight hours). Ask your doctor for specific instructions for decreasing or stopping use. In some cases, stopping medication abruptly can cause uncomfortable side effects and even rebound insomnia.
The bedroom should be reserved for sleep -- not for reading, eating, or doing puzzles.
If your own attempts to solve your sleep problems are unsuccessful, your doctor may be able to help with sleep problems caused by a sleep disorder, medication side-effects or interactions or illnesses.
Melatonin is found within the body, Dawson said.
It's inconsistent as a sleep aid, she said, noting it works best for those seeking temporary relief such as shift workers or those suffering from jet lag.
Valerian is derived from a plant. It does make a person drowsy, but Dawson said it not always an effective sleep aid.
The drowsy feeling it causes may continue through to the following day.
Both melatonin and valerian come in a pill form.
It's very short-acting," Dawson said. "It's for people who are having problems falling asleep -- it won't help you continue to sleep all night."
If you take any sleep aid -- natural or pharmaceutical -- do not combine it with alcohol.
Read all the directions on the package and be sure to check with your pharmacist or physician to make sure it won't interact with other medications you are taking. Do not use sleep aids every night, Dawson said. It is possible your sleep problem could be something more serious, such as insomnia.
Q: It has been six years of sleepless nights for me. I get four hours of sleep and that is not a sound four hours. I may sleep one hour and lie awake another hour before I sleep again.
I have tried drinking warm milk, going to bed the same time every night for several weeks, eating a banana before bed, sleepytime tea, exercise (walking) in afternoon, warm baths, reading, doing puzzles all night, and drinking red wine with no improvement. Finally, I ended up taking Lunesta for two weeks. It did not make me tired or sleep at all. I also tried Ambien and then Ambien CR. Is there any help for me?
A: For chronic insomnia, a good sleep environment, relaxation and behavior techniques provide relief without risk of medication side effects or tolerance. In general, sleep medications are most effective as temporary aid, not a long-term solution.
Patients who have little improvement during the initial trial of cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic therapy, or combination therapy may have other causes of poor sleep. Therefore, it is important to follow prescribed medication instructions for recommended duration of time by the physician.
Avoid caffeinated beverages from coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate after lunch late in the day.
Avoid alcohol near bedtime. Never drink alcohol in an attempt to fall asleep faster. Not only will alcohol disrupt your sleep even more, it can dangerously interact with the sleeping pill.
Only take sleep medications when you will be able to get a full night's sleep (seven to eight hours). Ask your doctor for specific instructions for decreasing or stopping use. In some cases, stopping medication abruptly can cause uncomfortable side effects and even rebound insomnia.
The bedroom should be reserved for sleep -- not for reading, eating, or doing puzzles.
If your own attempts to solve your sleep problems are unsuccessful, your doctor may be able to help with sleep problems caused by a sleep disorder, medication side-effects or interactions or illnesses.
SOURCE
Showing posts with label over the counter sleep aids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label over the counter sleep aids. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Doctor's Advice for an 87 year old lacking sleep
Dear Dr. Gott: I am an 87-year-old male in good health for my age. My main problem is sleep, or rather, a lack of it. I get the most sleep in a La-Z-Boy chair because when I get into bed, I can't stay more than a few minutes most times. I get up to go to my chair, get two or three hours sleep, wake up, go to bed, and ultimately get a couple of hours sleep.
My doctor can't say what is wrong.
Dear Reader: There are countless reasons for an interruption in sleep. Do you eat your dinner later in the evening and finish with a piece of chocolate, cup of coffee or caffeine-containing products? Is your bedroom dark and quiet, or do you tend to sleep with a television or radio on? Do you use the time when you get into bed to problem-solve or go over issues of the day? Are you on any medications that could have an effect on your sleep patterns? Is there something in the bedroom that you find distracting that makes your recliner more comforting? Do you go to bed at the same time each evening, or does the schedule vary? You may not be ready to fall asleep and stay asleep, preferring quiet activity such as reading for a short time before calling it a night. Review your activities to determine whether a pattern develops that might provide an answer.
Perhaps you have restless legs syndrome, an annoying condition that interrupts sleep and literally forces a person to move his or her legs when in bed. Perhaps the elevation of the foot of the recliner allows your legs to relax. If this is the case, a wedge placed at the foot of the bed to prop your legs up might do the trick.
There are countless sleep aids available over the counter; however, speak with your physician first and seek an opinion regarding melatonin. This sleep aid appears safe when taken according to the manufacturer's directions.
SOURCE
My doctor can't say what is wrong.
Dear Reader: There are countless reasons for an interruption in sleep. Do you eat your dinner later in the evening and finish with a piece of chocolate, cup of coffee or caffeine-containing products? Is your bedroom dark and quiet, or do you tend to sleep with a television or radio on? Do you use the time when you get into bed to problem-solve or go over issues of the day? Are you on any medications that could have an effect on your sleep patterns? Is there something in the bedroom that you find distracting that makes your recliner more comforting? Do you go to bed at the same time each evening, or does the schedule vary? You may not be ready to fall asleep and stay asleep, preferring quiet activity such as reading for a short time before calling it a night. Review your activities to determine whether a pattern develops that might provide an answer.
Perhaps you have restless legs syndrome, an annoying condition that interrupts sleep and literally forces a person to move his or her legs when in bed. Perhaps the elevation of the foot of the recliner allows your legs to relax. If this is the case, a wedge placed at the foot of the bed to prop your legs up might do the trick.
There are countless sleep aids available over the counter; however, speak with your physician first and seek an opinion regarding melatonin. This sleep aid appears safe when taken according to the manufacturer's directions.
SOURCE
Monday, November 9, 2009
About Over the counter Sleep Aids
Overview
Anyone suffering from insomnia understandably may be tempted to turn to sleep aids. They can be helpful in the short term, but sleep aids should be used sparingly and only as needed.
Types
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is the main ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills, according to Harvard Medical School. This includes name-brand sleep aids like Tylenol PM and Excedrin PM as well as Alka-Seltzer PM, Simply Sleep, Unisom and Sominex, the latter of which is an alternative to allergy medicine Benadryl. Many---but not all---over-the-counter sleep aids also contain a pain reliever.
Side Effects
Over-the-counter sleep aids do carry the risk of side effects. Some of most common side effects are dizziness, daytime drowsiness, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and reduced alertness.
Older Adults
Sometimes falling sleep becomes more difficult with age. According to helpguide.org, however, older adults must be cautious when taking over-the-counter sleep aids, as they've been associated with nighttime falls and injuries. Taking naps may be a better alternative for seniors. If taking a sleep aid is absolutely necessary, it's best to start with a smaller-than-recommended dosage.
Drawbacks
Dr. David White, director of the sleep disorders division at Brigham and Young Women's Hospital, notes that over-the-counter antihistamines tend to dry out the nose and mouth and also have a tendency cause lingering grogginess during daytime hours. Helpguide.org adds that some people become dependent on over-the-counter sleep aids and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking medication.
Herbal Supplements
Troubled sleepers can consider taking natural sleep remedies, which are widely available at health food and nature stores as well as on the shelves of many well-stocked grocery stores. Choices range from melatonin to valerian. Drinking green tea---which contains GABA-elevating L-theanine---is another consideration, according to wholeliving.com.
Anyone suffering from insomnia understandably may be tempted to turn to sleep aids. They can be helpful in the short term, but sleep aids should be used sparingly and only as needed.
Types
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is the main ingredient in over-the-counter sleeping pills, according to Harvard Medical School. This includes name-brand sleep aids like Tylenol PM and Excedrin PM as well as Alka-Seltzer PM, Simply Sleep, Unisom and Sominex, the latter of which is an alternative to allergy medicine Benadryl. Many---but not all---over-the-counter sleep aids also contain a pain reliever.
Side Effects
Over-the-counter sleep aids do carry the risk of side effects. Some of most common side effects are dizziness, daytime drowsiness, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and reduced alertness.
Older Adults
Sometimes falling sleep becomes more difficult with age. According to helpguide.org, however, older adults must be cautious when taking over-the-counter sleep aids, as they've been associated with nighttime falls and injuries. Taking naps may be a better alternative for seniors. If taking a sleep aid is absolutely necessary, it's best to start with a smaller-than-recommended dosage.
Drawbacks
Dr. David White, director of the sleep disorders division at Brigham and Young Women's Hospital, notes that over-the-counter antihistamines tend to dry out the nose and mouth and also have a tendency cause lingering grogginess during daytime hours. Helpguide.org adds that some people become dependent on over-the-counter sleep aids and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking medication.
Herbal Supplements
Troubled sleepers can consider taking natural sleep remedies, which are widely available at health food and nature stores as well as on the shelves of many well-stocked grocery stores. Choices range from melatonin to valerian. Drinking green tea---which contains GABA-elevating L-theanine---is another consideration, according to wholeliving.com.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Best Over the Counter Sleep Aids for You
Are you looking for the best over the counter sleep aid so that you can get some sleep tonight finally? Did you know that there is a natural way to get to sleep that works great and will not harm your body at all? There are ways to get to sleep and you do not need a doctor to give you pills or anything that is going to cause you harm. Here is what you need to know.
One of the first things you have to understand is why your body needs this sleep so much. Those that struggle to get to sleep understand that they are tired, but on top of not getting sleep they have very sparatic sleeping patterns. This is not good for your body and this can cause you a lot of harm. Your body neeeds the sleep and needs to get to sleep on a regular basis.
The next thing you need to know is that the best over the counter sleep aid is actually found on the internet and it is completely natural. This is the best way to go because when you use something natural to get you to sleep you will be better off because it will not cause harm to your body. Plus you can get to sleep and wake up much better with the best over the counter sleep aid online than if you use something from a doctor.
Also, you should know that if you use some type of pill from your doctor you will get to sleep, but you will not get the good sleep you need. You could end up sleep walking or becoming hooked to the pill, which is not good for you. This is why a natural sleep aid is much better for you and it will reprogram your body to sleep on its own so that you don't have to take it forever.
Now to discover the Top Free Trial Offer Natural Sleep Aid to get you the rest you need click here.
SOURCE
One of the first things you have to understand is why your body needs this sleep so much. Those that struggle to get to sleep understand that they are tired, but on top of not getting sleep they have very sparatic sleeping patterns. This is not good for your body and this can cause you a lot of harm. Your body neeeds the sleep and needs to get to sleep on a regular basis.
The next thing you need to know is that the best over the counter sleep aid is actually found on the internet and it is completely natural. This is the best way to go because when you use something natural to get you to sleep you will be better off because it will not cause harm to your body. Plus you can get to sleep and wake up much better with the best over the counter sleep aid online than if you use something from a doctor.
Also, you should know that if you use some type of pill from your doctor you will get to sleep, but you will not get the good sleep you need. You could end up sleep walking or becoming hooked to the pill, which is not good for you. This is why a natural sleep aid is much better for you and it will reprogram your body to sleep on its own so that you don't have to take it forever.
Now to discover the Top Free Trial Offer Natural Sleep Aid to get you the rest you need click here.
SOURCE
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Discover Natural Ways to Sleep Fast : Best Over the Counter Sleep Aids Review
Are you looking for the best over the counter sleep aids which can convert your sleepless nights into peaceful sleep every night? If you are like hundreds of others who are suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia then you can find a better way to eliminate these problems through the use of reliable sleeping pills. I know the market is so much crowded with these kinds of medications that it becomes almost a headache for us to find the right one. Read the article below by James Glenn to know how you can get the most reliable sleeping aids without getting scammed.
There are some sleeping aid brands like Tylenol Pm, Unisom and Sominex which uses antihistamine. This ingredient is also used in all allergy medicines. So when you use these kinds of pills then you feel drowsy and tired when you wake up in the morning. Natural over the counter sleeping aids are the best types of pills to try when you suffer from sleep disorders. They do not possess any kind of side effects as in the case of above types of medicinal pills.
One more type is sleeping pills prescribed by your medical practitioner. These are more prone to side effects like depression, memory loss and hallucination. They are actually more powerful as compared to other types of pills and that's why they produce immediate results but also gives more side effects.
Now I am not telling you to avoid your doctor for prescription drugs but if possible go for natural over the counter sleeping pills. They are having very few side effects as compared to the pills prescribed by your doctor.
I know how difficult and painful it is to not having sleep for consecutive days. I can feel your pain and suffering because of those sleepless nights. So instead of living in this bad situation, I suggest you to try the natural over the counter sleeping aids which can make your sleepless nights peaceful and healthy.
There are some sleeping aid brands like Tylenol Pm, Unisom and Sominex which uses antihistamine. This ingredient is also used in all allergy medicines. So when you use these kinds of pills then you feel drowsy and tired when you wake up in the morning. Natural over the counter sleeping aids are the best types of pills to try when you suffer from sleep disorders. They do not possess any kind of side effects as in the case of above types of medicinal pills.
One more type is sleeping pills prescribed by your medical practitioner. These are more prone to side effects like depression, memory loss and hallucination. They are actually more powerful as compared to other types of pills and that's why they produce immediate results but also gives more side effects.
Now I am not telling you to avoid your doctor for prescription drugs but if possible go for natural over the counter sleeping pills. They are having very few side effects as compared to the pills prescribed by your doctor.
I know how difficult and painful it is to not having sleep for consecutive days. I can feel your pain and suffering because of those sleepless nights. So instead of living in this bad situation, I suggest you to try the natural over the counter sleeping aids which can make your sleepless nights peaceful and healthy.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Choosing your Over the Counter Sleep Aids
How do you begin to choose between the different types of Over the Counter Medications? John of bestoverthecountersleepaids.com provides a guide on how to choose your over the counter sleep aids. Read the whole article below.
There are dozens of different over the counter sleep pills available today. How do you even begin to choose between the different types of OTC medications? I had no idea where to start when I was plagued with insomnia. I didn’t know if herbal was best, or if it didn’t matter if there were non-herbal ingredients. I also wondered if I should just see a doctor and buy expensive, prescription sleep aids.
It turns out that a lot depends on the type of insomnia you have. And I didn’t even know there were different types. I thought that if you couldn’t sleep well for more than a few days, you had insomnia, period. This isn’t all there is to it.
The insomnia that many people have at some point or another is called transient insomnia. Transient fits, I suppose, because it comes and goes. It can last one night or several, but is usually related to a current stressor. And once the stress goes away, so does the insomnia. Haven’t we all been bothered by this at least now and then?
Acute insomnia lasts longer, usually for at least three weeks. This is a longer-term problem that can rob you of sleep for up to six months. There will be nights that you do sleep with this type of insomnia, but the majority of nights will find sleep elusive.
Chronic insomnia can go on for months or years. Chronic fatigue, depression, distractibility, lack of concentration and general fuzzy-headedness occur with this type of problem. Chronic insomnia is something you should talk about with your doctor, instead of looking at over the counter sleep pills. Usually with chronic insomnia, there’s a medical problem that’s the reason for the lack of sleep, and it should be dealt with.
For transient and acute insomnia, over the counter sleep pills are a valuable option. Some opt for prescription pills, but this carries some risks you might not be aware of. In today’s world where some people talk sleeping pills to sleep, wake-up pills to get up in the morning and a variety of mood-altering pills throughout the day, people look at sleeping pills as something pretty harmless. But prescription sleep aids are highly addictive. It’s not difficult to become dependent on them, and unable to fall asleep with the pill.
Over the counter sleep pills, on the other hand, don’t have the heavily addictive ingredients you find in sleep aids that are prescription only. OTC pills are usually less expensive, as well. And because the herbal over the counter pills have natural ingredients, there’s a bit less chance that you’ll have any kind of problem with the pills.
There are over the counter pills to help you sleep that aren’t herbal, as well. These can work just as well as herbal remedies, but still skip the tendency to addict users and make them unable to sleep without a pill. If you just need help sleeping occasionally, then these over the counter pills can help you finally get some rest.
There are dozens of different over the counter sleep pills available today. How do you even begin to choose between the different types of OTC medications? I had no idea where to start when I was plagued with insomnia. I didn’t know if herbal was best, or if it didn’t matter if there were non-herbal ingredients. I also wondered if I should just see a doctor and buy expensive, prescription sleep aids.
It turns out that a lot depends on the type of insomnia you have. And I didn’t even know there were different types. I thought that if you couldn’t sleep well for more than a few days, you had insomnia, period. This isn’t all there is to it.
The insomnia that many people have at some point or another is called transient insomnia. Transient fits, I suppose, because it comes and goes. It can last one night or several, but is usually related to a current stressor. And once the stress goes away, so does the insomnia. Haven’t we all been bothered by this at least now and then?
Acute insomnia lasts longer, usually for at least three weeks. This is a longer-term problem that can rob you of sleep for up to six months. There will be nights that you do sleep with this type of insomnia, but the majority of nights will find sleep elusive.
Chronic insomnia can go on for months or years. Chronic fatigue, depression, distractibility, lack of concentration and general fuzzy-headedness occur with this type of problem. Chronic insomnia is something you should talk about with your doctor, instead of looking at over the counter sleep pills. Usually with chronic insomnia, there’s a medical problem that’s the reason for the lack of sleep, and it should be dealt with.
For transient and acute insomnia, over the counter sleep pills are a valuable option. Some opt for prescription pills, but this carries some risks you might not be aware of. In today’s world where some people talk sleeping pills to sleep, wake-up pills to get up in the morning and a variety of mood-altering pills throughout the day, people look at sleeping pills as something pretty harmless. But prescription sleep aids are highly addictive. It’s not difficult to become dependent on them, and unable to fall asleep with the pill.
Over the counter sleep pills, on the other hand, don’t have the heavily addictive ingredients you find in sleep aids that are prescription only. OTC pills are usually less expensive, as well. And because the herbal over the counter pills have natural ingredients, there’s a bit less chance that you’ll have any kind of problem with the pills.
There are over the counter pills to help you sleep that aren’t herbal, as well. These can work just as well as herbal remedies, but still skip the tendency to addict users and make them unable to sleep without a pill. If you just need help sleeping occasionally, then these over the counter pills can help you finally get some rest.
Friday, September 25, 2009
5 Reasons Why Over the Counter Sleep Aids are Popular
Prescription sleeping medication like Rozerem seems promising without the problems of dependence and rebound insomnia. However, people continue to look to OTC sleep aids as alternatives. These may not boast the same effectiveness as prescription sleeping medication and their hangover side effects are infamous. Here are the 5 actual reasons observed why OTC sleep aids are still very popular.
1. It's convenient. That's obvious. The most popular ones are the antihistamines that have FDA's approval for use as OTC sleep aids so you don't have to get a doctors' prescription. It is a recognized fact today that having the occasional or transcient insomnia due to work or lifestyle circumstances is common. OTC sleep aids are recognized to be useful in such situations. The only problem is that some people might start to rely on them out of habit and take them long term instead.
2. There are less surprises. These antihistamines have been around for a long time, much longer than the popular prescription sleeping medications like Ambien and Lunesta. Antihistamines are decades old while non-benzodiazepines like Ambien emerged in the 1990s. Hence, the probability of unknown dangerous side effects is much lower for antihistamine OTC sleep aids.
As it is, doctors are usually wary of new sleeping medications that have not stood the test of time. This is one of the 2 major objections from prescribers that any drug company faces when marketing a new medication. Painful lessons were learnt with the withdrawal of drugs like Vioxx, the painkiller and Avandia for diabetes.
It must be noted however that supplement OTC sleep aids differ from antihistamines. Supplements do not require FDA approval as over the counter sleep aids and hence, long term safety have not been documented all along.
3. The lesser evil. The side effects of OTC sleep aids are deemed the lesser evil. Most people put up with the infamous hangover side effect or have simply adapted how they take the OTC sleep aids e.g. smaller doses or just sleep earlier and longer. Granted these hangovers and other related side effects can be extreme for some people. However, next day drowsiness seems less bizarre than unconsciously sleepwalking on prescription sleeping medications. FDA has recently required that stronger warnings were added to sleeping medications' labels about these side effects that can be life threatening.
4. Cheaper than a can of coke. An OTC sleep aid costs only 30-40 cents compared to Lunesta at $3-$4 a tab. People are happy to resolve their sleeplessness at lower cost and lower risks. Cost is always a major deciding factor if the additional benefits of prescription sleeping medication don't measure up to the price difference.
5. Instant lifestyle. Change is constant and fast for this sleepless 24/7 generation. We want both instant gratification and instant solutions for our stress filled lives. OTC sleep aids are readily pocketed along with our Blackberrys and iPods.
It goes without saying that there is no magic panacea for insomnia. Over the counter sleep aids are best used for the occasional insomnia at recommended doses. You will develop tolerance if used longer than necessary. As with prescription sleeping medications, OTC sleep aids must be taken responsibly i.e. being aware of possible drug interactions with any current medication, resolving the underlying cause of insomnia, etc.
Source
1. It's convenient. That's obvious. The most popular ones are the antihistamines that have FDA's approval for use as OTC sleep aids so you don't have to get a doctors' prescription. It is a recognized fact today that having the occasional or transcient insomnia due to work or lifestyle circumstances is common. OTC sleep aids are recognized to be useful in such situations. The only problem is that some people might start to rely on them out of habit and take them long term instead.
2. There are less surprises. These antihistamines have been around for a long time, much longer than the popular prescription sleeping medications like Ambien and Lunesta. Antihistamines are decades old while non-benzodiazepines like Ambien emerged in the 1990s. Hence, the probability of unknown dangerous side effects is much lower for antihistamine OTC sleep aids.
As it is, doctors are usually wary of new sleeping medications that have not stood the test of time. This is one of the 2 major objections from prescribers that any drug company faces when marketing a new medication. Painful lessons were learnt with the withdrawal of drugs like Vioxx, the painkiller and Avandia for diabetes.
It must be noted however that supplement OTC sleep aids differ from antihistamines. Supplements do not require FDA approval as over the counter sleep aids and hence, long term safety have not been documented all along.
3. The lesser evil. The side effects of OTC sleep aids are deemed the lesser evil. Most people put up with the infamous hangover side effect or have simply adapted how they take the OTC sleep aids e.g. smaller doses or just sleep earlier and longer. Granted these hangovers and other related side effects can be extreme for some people. However, next day drowsiness seems less bizarre than unconsciously sleepwalking on prescription sleeping medications. FDA has recently required that stronger warnings were added to sleeping medications' labels about these side effects that can be life threatening.
4. Cheaper than a can of coke. An OTC sleep aid costs only 30-40 cents compared to Lunesta at $3-$4 a tab. People are happy to resolve their sleeplessness at lower cost and lower risks. Cost is always a major deciding factor if the additional benefits of prescription sleeping medication don't measure up to the price difference.
5. Instant lifestyle. Change is constant and fast for this sleepless 24/7 generation. We want both instant gratification and instant solutions for our stress filled lives. OTC sleep aids are readily pocketed along with our Blackberrys and iPods.
It goes without saying that there is no magic panacea for insomnia. Over the counter sleep aids are best used for the occasional insomnia at recommended doses. You will develop tolerance if used longer than necessary. As with prescription sleeping medications, OTC sleep aids must be taken responsibly i.e. being aware of possible drug interactions with any current medication, resolving the underlying cause of insomnia, etc.
Source
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