If you’ve struggled to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested, odds are you’ve considered trying a sleep aid. But like any good consumer, you want to do your research first. To help you make a more educated decision, let’s discuss the differences in over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and natural sleep aids.
OTC sleep aids
OTC sleep aids are what many people try first, as they are readily available at any neighborhood store. These include options like Nytol, Sominex, and Unisom, as well as others like Benadryl, Tylenol PM, and ZzzQuil. Most are marketed specifically for sleep, but others (like Benadryl) are used to treat other ailments, too. Many drugstore options help you fall asleep by using antihistamines. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, block histamine, a chemical compound that regulates the cycle of sleeping and waking. Histamine is an important part of our body’s circadian rhythm and is most present when we’re awake. When histamine activity slows down, so does the body. Antihistamine-based sleep aids usually work quickly for those with sleep challenges, which makes it a tempting option. However, because the body takes cues from histamine activity in the body, a sudden block of this important compound forces the body to fall asleep before it’s ready. This can lead to a few side effects, such as next-day grogginess, forgetfulness, and mental fog. OTC sleep aids are also not meant for long-term use, as new research suspects that diphenhydramine may negatively impact cognition and memory.Prescription sleep aids
Over 13 million Americans use prescription sleep aids. Some of the most common prescription sleep aids include Ambien®, Halcion®, Lunesta®, and Sonata® but there are many others a medical professional may prescribe. Each formula is designed to help people sleep in a different way. In general, though, prescribed sleep medications bind GABA receptors. These are groups of amino acids believed to slow brain signals and activity in your nervous system. Prescription sleep aids bind to GABA receptors and slow brain activity even more to signal relaxation and sleep. Because of their strength, they continue to suppress brain activity throughout the night, which helps people fall (and stay) asleep. The overall strength of these prescription sleep aids can be attractive to people who have struggled with insomnia or other sleep disorders. However, that also means they stay in your system for longer. The result is a potentially long list of side effects, including:- Excessive sleepiness
- Sweating or shaking
- Nausea or dizziness upon waking
- Trouble remembering things
- Daytime lethargy
- Brain fog and lack of focus
- Problems with physical coordination