Read on for a list of the most common (and strange) remedies that can help you wake up refreshed. (As always, check with your doctor before using any of these.)
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aids
1. Nytol or Sominex (Diphenhydramine)
These two popular over-the-counter remedies contain antihistamine, an ingredient usually for allergies.
They relieve sneezing, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms, but the active ingredient – diphenhydramine – also makes you sleepy. So the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these drugs as sleep aids.
Who’s it for? People who worry about becoming addicted to prescription drugs. They don’t require a doctor’s visit, and they’re often cheaper than prescription drugs.
Watch out: Too much of these drugs will cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and blurred vision.
They can also cause headaches and daytime dizziness, so don’t drive if you feel “fuzzy.” Men with enlarged prostates should avoid them because the drugs may inhibit their ability to urinate.
2. Unisom (Doxylamine)
Doxylamine is another anti-allergy medication that sends you to the land of Nod. It’s sold over-the-counter as a sleep aid (Unisom), but also is in other cold/allergy products, including Nyquil. Like Nytol and Sominex, doxylamine blocks the action of acetylcholine and histamine chemicals.
Who’s it for? People concerned about drug addiction, don’t have a doctor or can’t afford prescription medication. It may be ideal for people who suffer allergies and insomnia.
Watch out: This medication can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and blurred vision. Men with enlarged prostates should avoid it.
3. Ambien CR
This popular prescription drug dissolves in two layers: The first releases the drug immediately to help you fall asleep quickly; the second releases slowly over the next seven hours to help you stay asleep.
Ambien (generic name: zolpidem tartrate) increases a sleep hormone in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). With more GABA hanging around, your racing brain slows down and you drift off.
Who's it for? People who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up early. It usually begins working within five to 30 minutes.
Watch out: Ambien can be habit-forming, so if you’ve taken it nightly for a few weeks or more, you’ll have to be weaned off slowly.
Don’t drink alcohol or take other sedatives – they can enhance the side effects of the sleeping pill and slow your heartbeat and breathing.
4. Sonata (zaleplon)
Another popular drug, Sonata is in the same class as Ambien. It’ll help you fall asleep, but may not help you stay asleep longer than usual. Also, Sonata won’t help if you wake up a lot at night.
Who’s it for? Like Ambien, it’s for people who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up early. Sonata usually begins working within 15 to 30 minutes, but it’s not effective if taken within two hours of a high-fat or heavy meal.
Watch out: Sonata can be habit-forming and may not be right for people with a history of mental illness, depression or suicidal thoughts. This medication also has been tied to bizarre behaviors.
Don’t drink alcohol or take other sedatives because it can enhance the drug’s effect.
5. Restoril (temazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam)
These older medications belong to a drug class called benzodiazepines (“benzos”).
They cause the release of the sleep-promoting hormone GABA in the brain. They’re supposed to be used only seven to 10 days because they’re addictive.
Who’s it for? People who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or awaken early. It usually begins working within 30 minutes to an hour.
Watch out: Benzos are addictive. They also tend to leave you with a strong morning hangover and daytime fatigue – your brain might feel “mushy” until lunchtime.
6. Rozerem (ramelteon)
Rozerem affects your “master clock” − the pineal gland. It works by mimicking melatonin, our natural sleep hormone, which is released in the brain in response to darkness. Rozerem behaves like natural melatonin (only stronger), so it causes us to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Who’s it for? People who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or awaken early. It usually begins working within five to 30 minutes.
One advantage over other sleep aids: It’s not addictive and doesn’t result in physical dependency. That gives you freedom to take Rozerem only when you need it.
Watch out: Rozerem shouldn’t be used if you have severe liver damage, a history of alcoholism or take Luvox (a popular medication for obsessive compulsive disorder).
7. Melatonin
Melatonin puts us to sleep, but it also wakes us up in the morning.
I recommend synthetic melatonin supplements, because natural types are extracted from the brains of cows, raising concern for mad cow disease. Most U.S. manufacturers sell synthetic versions.
Who’s it for? Melatonin is popular with people who wake up too early, like 3 a.m. – it’s known for making you sleep longer.
8. Valerian
This herb has a horrid aroma and flavor, but it’ll help you fall asleep. You often find valerian root in multi-tasking supplements that contain several ingredients.
The natural herb can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and reduce nighttime awakenings. Some people feel this herb is a safer, non-addictive substitute for benzo drugs, such as Xanax, Valium and Klonopin.
Take it in supplement form – rather than tea – because of its taste. Contrary to popular belief, the prescription drug Valium has no relationship to valerian.
Who’s it for? Valerian may help women with both anxiety and insomnia. Also, it’s been used to ease withdrawal symptoms (tremors, anxiety, agitation) in people getting off addictive medications.
Watch out: Valerian shouldn’t be used with benzo drugs because the herb acts on the same brain cells as those medications and could enhance sedative effects.
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