Over the Counter Sleep Aids

When your body is tired but your mind is racing you are not going to get much sleep, one of the over-the-counter sleep aids might be of use.

Used correctly, OTC sleep aids can provide a sounder, more restful sleep, the American Sleep Disorder Association advises. Although, for some forms of insomnia like sleep apnea, the OTC products could be dangerous.

Whether it's a pill or capsule or even a gel cap all OTC sleep aids contain an antihistamine as its primary ingredients. Some, such as the sleep aids containing acetaminophen will contain less antihistamine and more of the acetaminophen to help you with the pain while you sleep. These are usually labeled with the PM alongside the name.

Editors Note: You can now get several 'non-prescription' over the counter sleeping pills which are totally natural and which don't have any nasty side effects like prescription sleeping aids.

An OTC antihistamine has a sedating effect and is generally safe. But they can cause nausea, blurred vision and more rarely irregular heartbeats, or heightened sensitivity to sunlight. These complications are generally more common in people aged 60 and above and children.

However don't use OTC products with antihistamines or the PM brands for more than four nights in a row because that's all the time it will take you to become dependent on it. The antihistamine can cause rebound insomnia making it harder for you to fall asleep once you stop taking the OTC sleep aid and you are right back where you started from.

Always read the label of OTC products. It will tell you what is in the drugs and what interactions you might have with what you are taking now such as prescription drugs. You might check with your doctor before taking an OTC product if you're taking prescription drugs.

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Most OTC products labels caution patients with certain conditions to check with the doctor before taking the medication. If you have shortness of breath or breathing problems, glaucoma, asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, emphysema and difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostrate gland then you should definitely check with your doctor before taking this medication.

Sleep aids that include aspirin have to hold a warning label to check with a doctor and for giving the product to a child or teenager because of Reye syndrome. Most of these over-the-counter sleep aids should not be given to children under 12 without the consent of the doctor. And they should not be used by anyone for more than two weeks at a time because a lot of them are habit-forming.

Editors Note: Learn more about how special Non Prescription Sleep Aids based on Music can help provide you with a great nights sleep.

Important Note: You should consult your doctor if you have concerns over your health,
and the information on this site is not medical advice, and is for information purposes only.