Sleep better tonight with these best over the counter sleep aid options
Have you been having problems sleeping lately? Do you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep all night long? If so, then this best over-the-counter sleep aid blog post is for you!
Many different OTC sleep aids can help relieve your symptoms. This blog post will go through some of the most common types, how they work, and their pros and cons.
Best Sleep Aid for Adults
Millions of American adults have insomnia and other sleep disorders. Most people turn to prescription sleep medication, but the best over-the-counter sleep aids are available, such as melatonin supplements or chamomile tea. Sleep is important for our health and well-being.
We need to make sure we get enough sleep each night to feel rested and energized the next day! Here’s a list of the best over-the-counter sleeping aids you can try to get some shut-eye.
- Carlyle Melatonin Nighttime Sleep Aid
- Kirkland Sleep Aid Doxylamine Succinate
- Sleep Fairy Natural Sleep Aid
- Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve Tablets
- Physician’s Choice – Sleep Aid with Valerian Root and Melatonin
- Nature’s Bounty- Melatonin Sleep 3 Maximum Strength
- Vicks – ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs Melatonin Sleep Aid
Related Article: How to Sleep Better
Carlyle Melatonin Nighttime Sleep Aid
Overall Natural Sleeping Aid
Price: $8.99
Finally, a sleep aid that doesn’t make you sick! You won’t feel sluggish at all the next day. Carlyle Melatonin Nighttime Sleep Aid is designed for people who are sensitive to other drugs like NyQuil. Melatonin levels naturally increase several hours before bedtime and help control our natural body clocks or circadian rhythms. It also works for older adults.
Pros: This fast dissolved melatonin comes in the forms of chewable, gummies, chocolates, capsules, drops, and liquids. Aside from supporting your best sleep and relaxation, it’s also Non-GMO and Gluten-free. In addition, this sleep aid option is free from common allergens and preservatives.
Cons: For some, this might take a while to kick in. But as per reviews, a good sleep follows after dozing off.
Kirkland Sleep Aid Doxylamine Succinate
Most Affordable Sleeping Aid
Price: $15.49
Finally, good sleep has arrived with Doxylamine Succinate. A drug used to alleviate insomnia and related symptoms like daytime drowsiness or difficulty concentrating due to a lack of quality sleeping time is the perfect solution for anyone struggling with interrupted sleep patterns.
Pros: With its active ingredient Unisom, you’ll surely doze off in no time. Fall asleep fast, safely, and effectively. Just one tablet per dose, and you’ll be on your way to dreamland.
Cons: For some, one tablet can be a tad strong. You can always cut one tablet in half if you find it too strong for you. Just don’t go over the recommended amount of 1 tablet per dose.
Sleep Fairy Natural Sleep Aid
All-Natural Sleeping Aid
Price: $18.95
Have trouble falling asleep? Don’t let insomnia persist! Sleep Fairy is here to help. Sleep with the aid of nature’s most powerful sleep herb, Valerian root.
Hailed as the “herb of tranquility” for over 400 years, this time-tested magical mix can be found in these natural herbal sleeping pills.
Pros: This product is safe and doesn’t produce dependency. While these herbal pills will let you sleep like a baby, you’ll also wake up refreshed. Unlike other sleep medications, these neurologist-formulated pills are clinically tested herbs, amino acids, and melatonin. No toxic ingredients are present in the formulation.
Cons: Due to its effectiveness, you might have a hard time separating from your bed. When this occurs, cut down the recommended two capsules to just one capsule.
Natrol Melatonin Fast Dissolve Tablets
Best Overall Reviews Sleeping Aid
Price: $17.69
Enhance your sleep routine with these Natrol melatonin fast-dissolve tablets. They work quickly and can be used in nearly any situation. They do not interact with other medications, making them an ideal solution for when you want to get a good night’s rest.
Pros: If you’re a vegetarian, these sleeping pills are your way to go. They are drug-free, non-habit-forming, and vegetarian. You can use it whenever you need to adjust your body clock. Plus, no water is needed to take these tablets due to their fast-dissolve formula.
Cons: Only con is that this has Xylitol. If you have dogs at home, keep these pills securely, and that sweetener isn’t safe for your fur babies.
Physician’s Choice – Sleep Aid with Valerian Root and Melatonin
Best Doctor-Approved Sleeping Pills
Price: $19.00
Giving your body the necessary components for successful sleep is easier than ever with this sleeping aid. This product offered valerian root and melatonin and patented ‘Suntheanine’ (a derivative of L-Theanine) to help ease that feeling of stress or anxiety. With these natural ingredients, you can get better quality sleep without dangerous side effects like grogginess and sedative effects in the daytime.
Pros: Aside from its doctor-approved formulation, these are proven to work based on thorough clinical research. It can also be used long-term.
Cons: Since one of the main ingredients is the Valerian root extract, talk to your doctor first if you’re on other prescription meds. It might have other effects if you’re on other medications.
Nature’s Bounty – Melatonin Sleep 3 Maximum Strength
Great for Vegetarians
Price: $15.14
This natural supplement will lull your senses into sleep bliss. It’s got Melatonin and L-Theanine not just to relax but also to energize you without harsh chemicals. This holistic powerhouse can help regulate circadian rhythms regardless of when they occur!
Pros: While the sleeping aid is perfect for vegetarians due to zero artificial flavors, it’s also Non-GMO and has no milk, soy, yeast, fish, sugar, sweetener, and lactose. The presence of 10mg Melatonin will work well with your body to produce a natural sleep cycle. It also has the calming L-Theanine mixed with lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian root that can help you calm and relax.
Cons: Never take more than the advisable dose, and you might wake up groggy the next day.
Vicks – ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs Melatonin Sleep Aid
Best-Seller on Amazon
Price: $19.79
ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs is a sleep aid formulated with melatonin, valerian root, and calming essential oils (chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm) to help you fall asleep. It mimics the natural release of melatonin in your body, the hormone that signals the brain to get ready for sleep by winding down and relaxing.
Pros: With the average level of Melatonin on these dummies, no grogginess the next day is a guarantee. This sleeping aid has no gluten, lactose, and gelatin, whether you are sensitive or allergic to certain compounds. It’s also free from artificial flavors and drug-free.
Cons: These come in the form of dummies and taste like candy sans too much sweetness.
Side Effects of Taking Over the Counter Sleep Aids
There are many options to help people sleep, and some may be found in the medicine cabinet. One option is over-the-counter sleep aids. Sleep aids include medications such as Benadryl, Tylenol PM, NyQuil, and Unisom; however, they also come with side effects that should not be ignored.
OTC sleep aids and sleeping pills can come with these side effects:
- Digestive issues like gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
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Key Takeaway
Whenever you’re having trouble sleeping or have an existing sleeping problem, taking over-the-counter sleep aids can help you tons. There are several options for you, including herbal supplements that you can take for long-term or short-term duration. However, you can always try other methods on how to fall asleep faster.
