There are three categories of sleep aids that cover the topic in general terms: those are over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, prescription sleeping pills and natural sleep aids. For the traditional medical products there are built-in drawbacks that anyone who uses them should be aware of.
OTC medications generally include an antihistamine, which is a type of compound developed to treat allergies. However antihistamines can also make you drowsy, so they define the state of the art in non-prescription sleep aids today. Many of them also contain a mild pain reliever that can contribute to physically calming the body.
The clinical evidence on the effectiveness of antihistamines found in Sominex, Compoz and other popular brand names does not support their value as on ongoing treatment for insomnia. The other issue with any type of sleeping aid is becoming dependent on the medication – a situation that often leads to larger and larger dosages in order to be effective. And there is no doubt that they will leave you groggy in the morning, at least initially.
The older class of prescription sleep aids are all made from benzodiazepine compounds, the same family of drugs as Valium and other medications that were used to treat anxiety years ago. Restoril, Halcion and Dalmane all belong in this group and all can be addictive. The newer, less addictive formulations don’t have the same chemical structure as benzodiazepine but act on the same area of the brain. They include Ambien and Lunesta. Neither the prescription drugs nor the OTC products are recommended as anything other than a short-term treatment for insomnia.
There are several well known and widely used natural sleep aids. Valerian is an herb that is approved for OTC sales in Europe. It does not cause morning grogginess, but neither does it work for everyone. The herb must be taken nightly for two to three weeks before it will be effective, and should not be taken for more than three months at a time. It is available in capsule form.
Melatonin is a popular choice for people with a disturbed sleep cycle. It is a natural compound found in the body that is converted from serotonin at day’s end. Melatonin is typically taken about 30 minutes before bedtime. Some experts express concern that melatonin should not be used by people with depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, and other serious illness.
Kava is an herb proven to be effective for stress relief and has been widely used as a sleep aid over the years. However the FDA has issued a consumer warning that there is potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava, which presumably applies to kava sleep remedies as well