How to Pick the Right Over the Counter Sleep Aid

Choosing the right over-the-counter sleep aid can end sleepless nights.

Insomnia can be a disruptive condition for anyone. Restless nights are usually followed by sluggish days which could leave you less productive at work. Choose an over-the-counter sleep aid to help you fall asleep and awake ready for your day. Those with persisting sleeplessness should consult a doctor to address any other conditions making it hard to fall asleep. Long-term ailments of insomnia may require prescription medication, but for temporary relief from a sleepless night, choose the sleep aid that will work best for you.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• List of your other health issues
• List of the medicines you currently take
• List of your allergies
• List of what you hope your sleep aid will do for you

1. Check the label of active ingredients in your choices for sleep aid. Note the accompanying ingredients for review by a pharmacist or doctor.

2. Determine if you need a pain reliever as well as a sleep aid. Avoid over-the-counter sleep aids that are coupled with pain relievers if you are not experiencing pain along with your insomnia.

3. Provide your doctor or pharmacist with a list of other medications you are taking. Have the doctor or pharmacist cross-reference the ingredients of your chosen sleep aid with the medications to prevent an unwanted reaction or side effect.

4. Inquire with your doctor about any allergies you have and how your choice of sleep aids would react with those allergies.

5. Check the label of the sleep aid to determine how much sleep is recommended while taking the drug. Choose the sleep aid that will allow you to sleep as long as you have time to sleep without leaving you groggy the next day.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try natural or alternative sleep preparation options before resulting to medications of any kind.

• Use your doctor or local pharmacist as a counselor and guide to help you find the right med for you.

• Keep track of any side effects that you experience with your over-the-counter meds and report them to your physician.

• Discontinue use of any medication that causes any kind of dangerous side effect such as rapid or slowed heart beat, trouble breathing, high or low blood pressure, or an inability to function. Contact your physician immediately.

• Sleep issues that persist more than a few days should be reported to your doctor. Depression and other sleep disorders may be the cause of your sleepless nights and should be addressed by a physician.

References

• WebMD: Sleeping Pills: Prescription or OTC?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish