Can’t get to sleep and probably considering over the counter sleep aids?
Insomia is a common problem to some people but taking otc sleep aid might have short and long term side effects. Take a moment to read on and I’ll be discussing some over-the-counter sleep aids and dietary supplements that may help your sleeping problems.

Over the Counter Sleep Aids
Common over the counter sleep aids has antihistamines, oftenly present in cold and anti-allergy medicines. Antihistamines have three major ingredients. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, Diphenhydramine citrate, and Doxylamine succinate which are commonly present in Sominex, Compoz, Tylenol PM, and Unisom sleep aids. These antihistamine-based medications can improve mild symptoms of insomia, but might not help patients with insomnia longer than 2 weeks. It is effective for occasional sleeping problems but taking it regularly, the less effective it will become. Take it in moderation for a short period of time.
These sleep aids may improve sleep but it can cause the following side effects:
-Dry mouth and throat
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness the next day
-Memory Problems
-Constipation

Sleep aids are not advisable for pregnant women, and patients with history of heart problems, glaucoma and enlarged prostate.

OTC sleep aids are proven effective but they usually become addictive leaving you dependent on the drug. You might experience severe withdrawal symptoms after you try to stop the habit.

It is important to know more about these drugs before taking them, if any of these side effects last for more than several days, stop intake and contact your healthcare provider.

Dietary Supplements
Aside from OTC sleep aids there are other alternatives in treating your sleeping problems, one of them is the sleep regulation hormone melatonin. This is a hormone produced during sleep at night and will help control your body clock and improve sleep. Melatonin supplements can be bought from health food stores and pharmacies. If you have short term sleep issues you can try melatonin supplements as they can augment the lack of melatonin in the body and balance the sleep cycle.
But of course there are a side effects in taking melatonin which includes:
-Sexual Irregularities
-Mood Swings
-Mild depression
-Mild anxiety
-Headaches
-Dizziness

Pregnant women, children and patients with lymphoma, extreme allergies, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, auto immune diseases and some cancer patients should not take melatonin supplements.

There you go, I hope this will help you have a good night sleep. If any of these over the counter sleep aids is not effective, consult your doctor because you need a prescribed sleeping pills to help you.

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