There are dozens of over-the-counter sleep aids promising relief of occasional sleeplessness, each containing a different chemical makeup. Each comes with its own risk factors and side effects. Always consult your doctor before choosing a sleep medication, and make sure they’re monitoring its use.
Melatonin: A natural hormone produced in the brain as it gets dark. Most pharmacies offer over-the-counter melatonin supplements to help you fall asleep. There isn’t much comprehensive research on the long-term effects of regular melatonin use, but doctors may suggest taking melatonin supplements for certain sleep disorders, jet lag, or occasional sleeplessness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers melatonin a dietary supplement. Side effects include headache, drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness.
Diphenhydramine: Often marketed as Benadryl, this antihistamine is found in brand-name nighttime medications like Advil PM, Excedrin PM, Tylenol PM, and ZzzQuil. Known best for its allergy-relieving properties, diphenhydramine may be recommended for casual bouts of sleeplessness. Chronic or higher-than-recommended use of diphenhydramine can lead to serious medical problems such as heart attack, seizures, and even death. Side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. Because some of these sleep aids contain other pain-relief medications, excessive use can lead to other medical conditions, such as liver damage.
Doxylamine: Another antihistamine with tranquilizing properties, doxylamine is often used in cold and flu medications like Unisom SleepTabs and Medi-Sleep. It may also be an ingredient in pain-relieving medications. Taking doxylamine for insomnia or sleep disorders should be avoided in the long term. After two weeks, people with sleep problems should talk to a doctor about other options. Chronic use of these medications can lead to poor health outcomes and organ damage.