Sleeping pills are the last resort in the fight against a sleep disorder. They should only be used when neither a change in routine nor an improvement in sleep hygiene or home remedies bring back your healthy sleep. Prescription sleeping pills: Drugs from the benzodiazepine group are often prescribed for sleep problems. They are also used for anxiety disorders and other mental problems. Benzodiazepines are not suitable for long-term use, however, because they are addictive and have strong side effects. If the sleep disorder is rooted in psychological problems, drugs for depression or other disorders are also used. They address the cause of the sleep problems, but carry the risk of severe side effects. Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter sleeping pills are often underestimated. But what is over-the-counter is not automatically harmless and safe. For example, dangerous interactions with other medications can occur. Side effects are also not uncommon with herbal sleep aids. Homeopathic sleep remedies: From a scientific point of view, there is no evidence for an effect of homeopathic sleep remedies. Anecdotal reports of cures through homeopathy are due to the placebo effect. You should always check with your doctor before taking sleep aids - even if they are over-the-counter medications. Medications and sleep aids should only ever be the last resort for a sleep disorder. A sustainable solution goes with persistent sleep disorders otherwise only about a behavioral therapy, in which you relearn healthy sleep.