Medicines with Sleep Aids
Walgreens
Sleep Aids
Many people have trouble getting sleep at some point in time. If you’re struggling with sleep due to a short-term cause such as jet lag, an over-the-counter remedy may help. Many different supplements and products for sleep are available for purchase at Walgreens in stores and online. Some products may be taken orally while others may be used topically. You can choose from options intended to induce drowsiness and formulas that may help calm stress or anxiety to help you get much needed rest.
Types of sleep aids
There are many different products offered that may aid with sleep
- Oral sleep aids are offered in different forms including caplets, gummies, tablets, liquid, soft gels and dissolving strips. Most over-the-counter oral medications intended for sleep contain either the antihistamine ingredient diphenhydramine or doxylamine. Oral antihistamines are intended to treat allergies but can induce drowsiness for most people.
- Homeopathic supplements for sleep contain natural ingredients such as valerian root or melatonin, which may help with your body’s hormones involved with sleep. Other supplements may be intended to help with stress and mood, such as 5-HTP. You should check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking a supplement. Some supplements can interact with certain medications or make health conditions worse. You can ask your Walgreens pharmacist in store or online in Pharmacy Chat, about which supplements may be appropriate for you.
- Another way to help relax and wind down for sleep is to use a foaming bath or lotion with lavender or chamomile. Lavender and chamomile are natural ingredients in some topical products, which may help calm or reduce stress in preparation for sleep.
- For people who snore, nasal strips and sprays are offered to help with snoring symptoms. Snoring can be a symptom of another health condition like sleep apnea so it’s best to discuss any snoring or breathing symptoms with your healthcare provider.
When to use a medicine with a sleep aid
Over-the-counter sleep aid medicine is intended for temporary problems with sleep. Some possible reasons or causes to use a sleep aid medication may include jet lag and daylight savings time change. Sleep aids should be taken close to bedtime to avoid interference with any activities beforehand. If you’re experiencing problems with sleep often, you should see a healthcare provider to try to identify the cause and develop a plan to address it.
Can you take melatonin every night?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain to help with timing of circadian rhythm and sleep. It is available as an oral supplement and commonly used to help with sleep. It is safe for most people to use it short-term but research is limited on long-term use of melatonin.
Are sleep aids addictive?
Although sleep aids that contain antihistamine ingredients are not addictive, you can develop a tolerance for them. This means that your body may become used to them and they may no longer work for you. Certain sleep aids that are available only by prescription may be addictive, which is why it’s important to take them as directed by your healthcare provider.
Are sleep aids safe?
Over-the-counter sleep aids are generally safe to use for a short time. Studies on long-term use of these products is limited and they may not be appropriate for some people. If you’re having temporary trouble with sleep, there are many over-the-counter options to explore at Walgreens in stores and online. Some people may experience more chronic sleep conditions, in which case, it’s best to seek help from a healthcare provider. They can help you develop a plan to achieve healthy sleep habits and evaluate any potential health conditions you may have that could be causing sleep issues.