In the doses that are available over the counter antihistamines are relatively safe and they work for a lot of people says pradeep bollu m d a board certified sleep specialist and.
Over the counter medicine to aid sleep.
Active ingredients in these sleep remedies are gentler than those found in prescription strength pills.
Most of these sleeping pills are antihistamines.
I ve seen an increasing number of over the counter sleep aids with a combination of melatonin and herbal ingredients.
Many americans turn to sleep aids to relieve their insomnia.
Numbers vary but up to a quarter of americans use some sort of sleep aid to help them fall asleep according to the american academy of sleep medicine between 6 and 12 percent of americans use over the counter otc sleep aids specifically.
There is no proof that they work well for insomnia and they can cause some drowsiness the next day.
In addition some over the counter sleep aids can leave you feeling groggy and unwell the next day.
Accordingly many people feel safer choosing over the counter sleeping pills instead of going to their physician for medication.
I do find it interesting to try this style of sleep aid from time to time and have had good results from them.
Medication interactions are possible as well and much remains unknown about the safety and effectiveness of over the counter sleep aids.