What is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids?

What is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids?

OTC sleep medications should only be used on a short term basis, since extended use of these medications can actually exacerbate insomnia. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, antihistamine (usually diphenhydramine hydrochloride or doxylamine succinate) is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids.

What do OTC sleep aids contain?

Sleep aids: The options

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine.
• Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.
• Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Valerian.

Is Spring Valley melatonin natural or synthetic?

Rest soundly at night with the help of Spring Valley Melatonin Tablets. They have a special time-release formula that allows you to fall asleep more easily so you can wake up refreshed the next morning. Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound that is produced by the body to help you rest.

What are the ingredients in Spring Valley melatonin?

Ingredients. Dextrose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Crospovidone, Maltodextrin, Glyceryl Behenate, Sucrose Esters Of Fatty Acids, Gum Acacia, Beet Root Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Artificial Flavor (strawberry), Sucralose, Menthol.

Is it safe to take OTC sleeping pills every night?

For most people, virtually any of the OTC sleep aids are safe to use on a temporary basis. Some people find them effective, others not as much. But long-term use is not recommended.

Is Spring Valley melatonin addictive?

Unlike with many sleep medications, with melatonin you are unlikely to become dependent, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation), or experience a hangover effect.

Is it safe to take Benadryl every night to sleep?

You should not take diphenhydramine every night. While it may be helpful during limited periods of insomnia, your body will build up a tolerance for the medication over time, and it will no longer have the desired effect. After 2 weeks of taking diphenhydramine, you may become dependent on it to fall asleep.

What can I buy OTC to help me sleep?

Which OTC Sleep Aids Are Available?

• Melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain1.
• Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an FDA-approved antihistamine4 commonly marketed under the brand name Benadryl.
• Doxylamine.
• Valerian.

Is there a natural substitute for Ambien?

Herbal Alternatives to Ambien Valerian root: Some studies have concluded that use of valerian root can help to induce and maintain sleep.