What over the counter medicine can I take to help me sleep?

Sleep aids: The options

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine.
• Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.
• Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Valerian.

Does sleeping pills work instantly?

The studies focused on the time it took to fall asleep after taking the drug. The new analysis shows that sleeping pill users fell asleep about 22 minutes faster than non-users. Those on placebo fell asleep after 42 minutes.

When is the best time of day to take sleeping pills?

Never take a sleeping pill until you’re going to bed. Sleeping pills can make you less aware of what you’re doing, increasing the risk of dangerous situations. Wait to take your sleeping pill until you’ve completed all of your evening activities, immediately before you plan on sleeping.

Do sleeping pills help with insomnia?

Sleeping pills may help when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. For long-term insomnia, behavior changes learned in behavioral therapy is usually the best treatment.

What are the side effects of sleeping pills?

Always ask your doctor about potential side effects before deciding which sleeping pills to consider taking. Depending on the type, prescription sleeping pills may include side effects such as: Dizziness or lightheadedness, which may lead to falls; Headache; Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea

What are the different types of sleeping pills?

Types of prescription sleeping pills Sleep medication Helps you stay asleep Can lead to dependence Ramelteon (Rozerem) Temazepam (Restoril) ✔ ✔ Triazolam (Halcion) ✔ Zaleplon (Sonata) ✔