It doesn’t, therefore, knock you out, like antihistamines.” And you’re unlikely to become dependent on melatonin, nor are there many side effects. “Melatonin helps your body know that it's the time to relax and sleep. “Your body’s melatonin level tends to be at its highest at night and lowest in the morning,” Dr. On the other hand, melatonin is considered a more natural option since it’s a hormone that your body produces naturally. “In addition to clearing up congestion, it also causes drowsiness, hence the reason for it being used as a sleep aid.” But there are some unpleasant side effects from using antihistamines on the reg, including headaches, drowsiness, blurred vision, and constipation. “Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance associated with allergy symptoms,” Dr. Doxylamine succinate is for people who can't fall asleep but not because of any other complaints. If allergies, headaches, or minor pains are disrupting your sleep, diphenhydramine can be helpful. Sedating antihistamines can be diphenhydramine (think Benadryl and Aleve PM) or doxylamine succinate (the main ingredient found in NyQuil), Dr. The two main types of sleep aids you’ll find on the market are sedating antihistamines and melatonin. “Meanwhile, poor sleep has been associated with weight gain and depression.” What are the different types of sleep aids available over the counter? “Getting enough sleep is good for your heart, brain, mood, and immune system, and helps with productivity,” she adds. It should go without saying that sleep is an important part of overall wellness, says Dr. In the short run, sleep aids can be a helpful tool. If you find yourself using them regularly, she suggests checking in with your doctor, as there may be an issue that’s preventing you from getting quality sleep, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. “It’s important to not consider medication sleep aids as a long-term solution-you can develop a tolerance to them, and some sleep aids are contraindicated for certain conditions,” she explains. If none of them is working, you may considering trying an over-the-counter sleep aid.īut are sleep aids safe? a valid concern, says Natalie Williams, MD, a family medicine physician at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas. Chances are you’ve tried common tips like going to bed at the same time, avoiding caffeine late in the day, turning off screens before bed, exercising regularly, and managing your stress as best you can. Has everything going on in the world lately left you feeling stressed and exhausted? If you’ve found yourself struggling to get quality shut-eye and want to do something about it, you’re not alone.
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