Many non-prescription sleep products include antihistamines. These substances are designed to block chemicals released during a cold or allergy attack, not to promote sleep. Some OTC sleep aids may also include pain relievers. As with hypnotics, OTC sleep aids should not be used by individuals who are also taking alcohol or other drugs with sedating effects. Older persons should be cautious about these drugs because of their slower metabolisms.
Drugs stay in the body longer and can then cause daytime sleepiness.
In addition, OTC sleep aids should be avoided by people with breathing problems, glaucoma, chronic bronchitis, and difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate gland, or women who are pregnant or nursing. Their long-term impact, side effects and possible interactions with other drugs or medical conditions are often not known. More research is needed. Fortunately, sleep specialists have devised a variety of approaches for treating insomnia. Behavioral approaches involve actions you can take.