Dietary supplements for insomnia
There are many herbal supplements marketed for their sleep-promoting effects. Some remedies, such as lemon balm or chamomile tea, are generally harmless, while others can have side effects.
Two of the most popular supplements are:
Melatonin – a naturally occurring hormone that your body produces at night. Melatonin supplements may be effective for short-term use, especially in reducing jet-lag. However, there are potential side-effects, including next-day drowsiness.
Valerian – an herb with mild sedative effects that may help you sleep better. However, the quality of valerian supplements varies widely.
Over the counter (OTC) sleep aids
The main ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills is an antihistamine, generally taken for allergies, hay fever, and cold symptoms. Sleep experts generally advise against their use because of side effects, questions about their effectiveness, and lack of information about their safety over the long term.
Prescription sleeping pills for insomnia
Prescription sleep medications may provide temporary relief, but can have serious side effects. It’s best to use medication only as a last resort, and then, only on a very limited, as-needed basis. Evidence shows that lifestyle and behavioral changes make the largest and most lasting difference when it comes to insomnia.