Sleep Aids

Over the counter sleep aids are quite popular when it comes to fighting insomnia. First of all because it seems a fast solution and it’s convenient. The most popular ones are the antihistamines; they have FDA’s approval for use as otc sleep aids, so you don’t need to obtain a prescription from the doctor.

Occasional or regular insomnia because of work stress or an unbalanced lifestyle is accepted as a common thing. And sleep aids otc are sometimes an ideal solution in such situations. The problem that may appear is that some people might begin to rely on them out of habit and take them for a longer time than they should.

The antihistamines are considered safe sleep aids, because they have been around for a long time, longer than the popular prescription sleeping medication. So, the probability of unknown dangerous side effects is lower for antihistamine otc sleep aids.

Moreover, the side effects of otc sleep aids are considered to be a lesser evil. Most people put up with the hangover side effect or have simply adapted the way they take the otc sleep aids (for example, taking smaller doses, or sleeping earlier and longer). Plus, next day drowsiness is less of a weird side effect than, say, possible unconscious sleepwalking because of prescription sleeping medication.

Another motive for why these sleep aids are so popular is price. They are very cheap and people are happy when they can get rid of insomnia at lower cost and lower risks.

A useful thing to know is that over the counter sleep aids are best used for the occasional insomnia and at recommended doses. If you use them otherwise, you will develop tolerance and they won’t have the same effect. Plus, you’ll feel the need to take bigger doses. So, it is best to be aware that otc sleep aids must be taken responsibly.

I suggest you use them only for occasional insomnia, and not as a long term treatment. If you have persistent insomnia, experiment with more natural methods.