Over The Counter Sleep Aids and Natural Sleep Aids.

There are natural and over the counter sleep aids that induce sleep and need no prescription for their purchase. The only disadvantage is that these OTC medicines are not under the ambit of food and drug administration regulations and therefore the safety and effectiveness of a particular brand cannot be judged. One way to somewhat ensure quality of such a OTC sleep aid product is to buy such  products of an established company or brand.

OTC sleep aids are okay to take occasionally but their effectiveness becomes less when you take them very often.  Secondly, they do induce sleep but the quality of sleep is compromised and you feel  groggy and unwell the next morning when you wake up. They do help in curing insomnia but much remains to be known about their safety and effectiveness.

Alcohol.

Alcohol is not a medicine and is often used as self-treatment to get sleep. However though alcohol induces sleep, it disturbs the quality of sleep and can often result in insomnia in the long run. Long term  drinking of alcohol decreases the natural duration of the 3^rd and 4^th stages of NREM sleep, which form the deep sleep and also disturbs the REM sleep. There is awakening during the night caused by headache or the need to pass urine or dehydration or excessive sweating.

In a person who has been drinking alcohol over time, alcohol causes inhibition of glutamine, a natural body stimulant. This induces sleep. During alcohol withdrawal in a chronic alcoholic, the body tries to make up by secreting more glutamine which prevents sleep. This can cause insomnia accompanied by increased REM sleep with vivid dreams.

Antihistamines.

Antihistamines are medicines available (mostly tablets are used) without prescription  or over the counter usually taken as anti allergy pills to treat allergy, hay fever and common cold. Antihistamines block the action of histamine,  a chemical messenger of the brain which promotes wakefulness. By this action, antihistamines promote sleep. Though they produce drowsiness, they should not be taken if you have chronic insomnia. Antihistamines are more sedating than some hypnotics.

Examples of antihistamines.

These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom). Diphenhydramine is the only antihistamine that is considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

Read the  full note on antihistamines.

Melatonin.

This is a natural sleep aid. Melatonin is naturally occurring hormone in the body which is secreted by the pineal gland of the brain. It is the “hormone of darkness” as it secreted during the dark hours of the day and maintains the circadian rhythm of the body. The circadian rhythm is the internal biological clock of the body which induces sleep during night and wakefulness during the day.

Melatonin is also made synthetically in the laboratory and is used as pills or lozenges that  can be placed under the tongue. It is taken to adjust the biological clock of the body whenever it has been disturbed such as due to jet lag or changing working shifts. It is usually taken 2 to 4 hours before bedtime to induce sleep. This helps to induce sleep, and increase sleep hours. Most sleep experts do not advise use of melatonin for more than two weeks. Any longer need of use requires that your insomnia be investigated for a cause.

Read the full note on melatonin.

Valerian – Herbal Sleeping Pill.

Valerian is an herbal sleeping pill and a natural sleep aid. Valerian is a perennially growing plant found growing in Europe and some parts of Asia and introduced in Northern America. Valerian, the herb supplement is prepared from the root of the plant. It is available as tablets, capsule, tea and tincture. Use of valerian does not have much scientific evidence but it has proved effective in some cases.  Valerian has a sedative action on the brain and the nervous system. It is used to treat sleep disorders and more commonly to cure insomnia. It is also used for anxiety and emotional stress.

Read the full note on Valerian.

Related posts:

1. Sleep Aids To Help You Sleep.
2. Sleeping Pills, Sleep Aids & Medications To Treat Insomnia.
3. Valerian – The Herbal Sleep Medicine.
4. How To Get Sleep.
5. Apnea and Sleep Apnea – A Dangerous Sleep Disorder.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – An Effective Sleep Treatment.
7. Why I Can’t Sleep|Causes of Insomnia.
8. Managing Stress and Relaxation Techniques to Sleep Well.