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Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol While Taking NyQuil?
© Master1305/Getty Images woman grabbing a beer from the fridge In the United States, approximately 90% of adults have consumed an alcoholic beverage at least once throughout their life, according to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). While drinking can be a pleasurable and social pastime for some people, it is important to understand the implications of taking alcohol, especially while on medications like NyQuil, an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold and flu symptoms. NyQuil contains a combination of drugs, including doxylamine, per Drugs.Com, which is used to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching brought on by allergies or the common cold. Doxylamine can also be a sleep aid to treat insomnia (via MedlinePlus). It works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance produced by the body that causes allergy symptoms.
In addition, Vicks NyQuil is comprised of the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. This is commonly used to treat coughs caused by the common cold. Lastly, the medication also contains the pain reliever-fever reducer known as acetaminophen. Some formulations contain additional ingredients, such as a nasal decongestant like phenylephrine.
NyQuil is available in several different formulations, including liquid and capsules. The recommended dosage for NyQuil varies depending on the formulation and the specific symptoms being treated. You'll have to read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
It's All In The Ingredients
© New Africa/Shutterstock pouring glass of wine For starters, drinking alcohol while taking NyQuil is generally not recommended. According to Healthline, the active ingredients in NyQuil, such as doxylamine succinate, can stay in your system for up to 50 hours after taking the medication. However, the exact length of time can vary depending on factors such as dosage, age, and weight. Plus, the liver processes alcohol consistently at a fixed pace of around one drink per hour. So, if you consume one drink, it will typically take about an hour for your body to process and eliminate it from your system.
The main concern with combining alcohol and NyQuil is the potential for an increased risk of drowsiness and impairment. As mentioned, NyQuil already contains an antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Likewise, alcohol can also cause drowsiness, and when combined with NyQuil, it can increase the risk of side effects.
Another concern with combining alcohol and NyQuil is the potential for liver damage. Both alcohol and acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver. After all, your liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol and acetaminophen in your body. Therefore, consuming excessive amounts of either substance can harm your liver. In fact, combining the two can also add extra pressure on your liver and increase the risk of liver damage, especially if you take NyQuil frequently or in large amounts.
What Else You Should Know About NyQuil
© Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock pharmacist wih customer Generally speaking, it is essential to be aware of any potential interactions between NyQuil and other medications you are taking. If you take medications containing acetaminophen, you should know that the maximum daily dose for adults is 4,000 milligrams (mg), as per Healthline. Taking additional medications containing acetaminophen can result in exceeding the recommended daily limit, which can be harmful.
After all, in addition to drowsiness, dizziness is another common side effect of NyQuil. The medication can also cause dryness in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms in some people. As with any medication, it is always best to speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about using NyQuil. Be sure to use only as directed and avoid taking it with other medications with similar ingredients. Also note that alcohol can interact negatively with various medications, including over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and many others, which can lead to adverse effects and potentially harm your health, as per Drugs.Com.
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Best Sleeping Pills: The 7 Best Sleep Aids For A Great Night's Sleep.
* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to make sure they are right for you.
(Ad) I suffered from insomnia for years, always struggling to get a good night's sleep.
Even though I felt tired, my brain came alive as soon as my head hit the pillow, and I couldn't switch it off.
I tried numerous remedies, from herbal teas to relaxation exercises, but nothing worked.
I was desperate for a solution that would help me get the restful sleep I needed, so I began researching sleeping pills.
By the way, I always recommend speaking to your doctor before taking any new supplement.
After a lot of research and testing, I am proud to present the 7 best sleeping pills available on the market today.
I found these pills highly effective in helping me get a good night's sleep.
I've tried them all and can confidently say they may help you get the restful sleep you need too.
So, let's start with my top pick.
1: Sleep Upgrade by NooCube
If you've been struggling with sleepless nights, Sleep Upgrade is the first product I recommend trying.
When I first tried Sleep Upgrade, I was surprised at its effectiveness. Within 30 minutes, I felt relaxed and sleepy and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I slept like a baby.
Sleep Upgrade contains science-backed ingredients that are non-habit-forming and labeled for daily use, and customers are getting great results with it.
The main ingredients in Sleep Upgrade are:
The makers recommend taking Sleep Upgrade 30 minutes before bed, so that you begin to feel slightly drowsy, allowing you to drift off to sleep faster.
I was very skeptical about Sleep Upgrade, but they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. So, I bought a bottle and decided to try it.
Here's what happened:
At first, I thought I might have experienced a placebo effect and maybe it wouldn't work again. But, to my surprise and relief, the same thing also happened on the second night.
Sleep Upgrade is the real deal, and I love its consistency. I use it every night, and it always sends me right off to sleep.
Since using NooCube Sleep Upgrade, I feel like I have so much more energy throughout the day and, because I'm getting the sleep I need, I'm no longer tired and cranky all the time.
Sleep Upgrade is made in the USA and offers free worldwide shipping. Plus, there's a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.
If you're ready to start getting the sleep you need, try Sleep Upgrade because it worked for me.
Click here to get your supply of Sleep Upgrade and start getting the sleep you need.
2: HealthA2Z Sleep Aid
Second on my list of the best sleeping pills is a product called HealthA2Z Sleep Aid.
As someone who has struggled with insomnia and sleep issues for years, I know how important it is to find an effective sleep aid you can rely on.
That's why I was excited to try the HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, which contains Diphenhydramine HCl and has excellent reviews on Amazon.
Diphenhydramine HCl is an antihistamine for treating allergies, insomnia, and other sleep disturbances.
It causes drowsiness and can help people fall asleep more easily.
However, it is important to note that Diphenhydramine HCl should not be used regularly for more than two weeks, as it can cause dependence and tolerance.
I tried the HealthA2Z Sleep Aid to see if it could help me sleep properly.
I felt more relaxed after taking it, and it helped me fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
I also felt rested in the morning.
At $12.95, it's super cheap, and the 250 capsules will last you a long time.
However, I wouldn't recommend it as a long-term solution because, if you use it for more than two weeks, you can build up a tolerance and become dependent.
This is a good choice for people who have sleep issues now and then or people who travel to different time zones and need something to help fight jet lag.
It's also important to note that this product is not recommended for children under 12 and to talk to your health care provider to see if this one is right for you.
Click here to learn more about the HealthA2Z Sleep Aid on Amazon.
3: ZzzQuil Ultra
Third on my list of the best sleep aids is a product called ZzzQuil Ultra.
If you're one of the millions who struggle to get a good night's sleep, ZzzQuil Ultra might be just the product you need.
Made by Nyquil, the makers of ZzzQuil Ultra say it will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep up longer.
The active ingredient is doxylamine succinate, a non-habit-forming antihistamine used in many over-the-counter sleep aids, including ZzzQuil Ultra.
It has excellent reviews on Amazon, too!
I bought some ZzzQuil Ultra to try and found it great at helping me relax and unwind before bed, and it did help me drift off to sleep faster.
Although, there are a few downsides. It occasionally gave me weird dreams and nightmares, and I sometimes felt groggy in the mornings and found it hard to wake up properly.
I'm not the only one who experiences these side effects, as other Amazon customers also mention them.
But the price is right - only $19.99 for 48 pills - and it does work.
All in all, I recommend giving ZzzQuil Ultra a try for anyone looking for a natural, non-habit-forming sleep aid that helps you fall asleep fast and stay asleep all through the night.
Click here to learn more about ZzzQuil Ultra on Amazon.
4: Luna Sleep Aid
Fourth on my list of the best sleeping pills is a sleep aid called Luna.
Luna is a gentle herbal sleep supplement. The ingredients are all naturally sourced and scientifically backed, so you don't have to worry about unpleasant side effects.
They're also non-habit forming.
Luna contains a proven list of ingredients, including:
The reviews are positive, too.
I bought Luna sleep to try it, and I can confidently say that it helped me get to sleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.
I took it about 30 minutes before I planned to go to bed and, within 15 minutes, felt very calm and relaxed and drifted off to sleep quickly.
The only downside is that it contains melatonin. While it is excellent for helping you get to sleep, some people like me experience weird dreams and grogginess in the morning.
However, the grogginess quickly disappears after a nice big cup of coffee.
The price is reasonable at $18.95 for a 30-day supply, and it comes with a money-back guarantee.
I'd highly recommend Luna to anyone struggling to get a good night's sleep. It's a natural option that may help you get the rest you need.
Click here to learn more about the Luna Sleep Aid on Amazon.
5: Olly Ultra Strength Sleep Melatonin
At number 5 on my list of the best sleeping pills is a sleep aid called Olly Ultra Strength Sleep.
Olly Sleep contains five natural ingredients, all tested to help you drift off to sleep faster and get the rest you need.
The main ingredient is called melatonin.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the body that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
It is released by the pineal gland and helps control your body's internal clock, which governs when you feel sleepy and alert.
When taken as a supplement, melatonin works to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, as well as improve the quality of your overall sleep.
Olly Sleep also contains L-Theanine and Chamomile, which I talked about earlier and are both shown to be effective sleep aids.
Customers on Amazon like it as well.
Taking one soft gel 30 minutes before bedtime, I found Olly Sleep did precisely what it was supposed to.
I fell asleep easily and stayed asleep for a good 8 hours.
I experienced some weird dreams and morning grogginess because of the melatonin, but I still believe it's a good product and worth trying if you find it challenging to get to sleep.
Click here to learn more about Olly Sleep on Amazon.
6: Sleep Well by Garden of Life
At number 6 on my list of the best sleeping pills is Sleep Well by Garden of Life.
If you're looking for a natural sleeping aid that can help you get a good night's sleep, Sleep Well is worth trying.
This sleep aid helps you relax and unwind before bedtime, allowing you to drift off into a deep, restful sleep.
Sleep Well contains proven ingredients like:
And with a 4.2-star rating on Amazon, customers genuinely rate this as a good product.
Garden of Life says all you need to do is take one tablet before bedtime, and you will be on your way to a truly refreshing night's sleep.
So, I decided to give it a try.
After taking one tablet before bed, I felt calmer and ready to wind down.
My husband fell asleep before me, wearing his anti-snoring device and it took me a bit longer to fall asleep than with the other products on this list. But, when I woke up the next morning, I felt well-rested and ready to start the day.
Sleep Well is reasonably priced at $20.15 for a 30-day supply, so if you want to sleep better and wake up refreshed, it may be worth a try.
Click here to learn more about Sleep Well on Amazon.
7: Natrol Melatonin Gummies for Kids
Getting a good night's sleep can also be a challenge for kids.
This is why number 7 on my list of the best sleeping pills is Natrol Melatonin Gummies for Kids.
Natrol gummies are a natural way to help kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
The berry-flavored gummies contain 1mg of melatonin, a natural and fast-acting sleep aid that is created for kids over the age of 4 to consume.
Many reviews say to start with half a pill and then increase the dosage, if needed.
As an auntie, when I heard my 5-year-old nephew was having trouble sleeping, I bought some for him with my sister's permission.
To mine and my sister's delight, he was fast asleep just 25 minutes after taking it. My sister was shocked because it usually takes him hours to fall asleep!
When dealing with kids you always want a medical professional's opinion before starting any new supplement.
With a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, based on 17,218 reviews, parents genuinely love this product and are getting great results.
So, if you're looking for a natural sleep aid for your kids, check out the Natrol Melatonin Sleep Gummies today.
Click here to learn more about the Natrol Gummies on Amazon.
Best Sleeping Pills and Sleep Aids RecapAfter years of suffering from insomnia and sleep issues, I am thankful I found these products.
The one I recommend trying first is Sleep Upgrade by NooCube because I found it to be the most effective.
It will help you fall asleep faster and wake up rested, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you will either get a great night's sleep or your money back.
Here's the list again:
I hope you found this article helpful, and I hope you will be getting the restful sleep you need very soon!
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.
10 Natural Sleep Aids For Better Sleep In 2023
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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
Several natural remedies may help you to sleep better, including melatonin, magnesium, and valerian root. But even natural sleep aids should not replace good sleeping habits.
Getting a good amount of sleep is incredibly important for your health.
Sleep helps your body and brain function properly. A good night's sleep can help improve your learning, memory, decision-making, and even creativity (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
What's more, getting insufficient sleep has been linked to a higher risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (6).
Despite this, many people don't get enough sleep each night and around 20% of adults experience occasional symptoms of insomnia (7, 8).
Getting good quality sleep often starts with good sleep practices and habits. However, for some people, that's not enough.
If you need a little extra help to get a good night's sleep, consider trying the following 10 natural sleep-promoting supplements.
Melatonin is a hormone your body produces naturally that signals to your brain that it's time to sleep (9).
Time of day influences this hormone's cycle of production and release — melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening and fall in the morning.
For this reason, melatonin supplements have become a popular sleep aid, particularly in instances where the melatonin cycle is disrupted, such as jet lag (10).
Several studies report that melatonin improves daytime sleep quality and duration. This is particularly beneficial for individuals whose schedules require them to sleep during the daytime, such as shift workers (11, 12).
Melatonin may improve overall sleep quality in individuals with sleep disorders. Specifically, melatonin appears to reduce the time people need to fall asleep (known as sleep latency) and increase the total amount of sleep time (13, 14).
While some other studies have not found that melatonin has a positive effect on sleep, they are generally few. Those that have observed beneficial effects generally provide participants with 3–10 milligrams (mg) of melatonin before bedtime.
Melatonin supplements appear to be safe for adults when used for short periods, although more research is needed on their long-term effects (15, 16).
Furthermore, melatonin is not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing, because there is limited research on its safety and effectiveness (15).
Summary
Melatonin supplements may improve sleep quality when taken in doses of 3–10 mg. They seem to be especially helpful if you have jet lag or are doing shift work.
Valerian is an herb native to Asia and Europe. Its root is commonly used as a natural treatment for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and menopause.
Valerian root is also one of the most commonly used sleep-promoting herbal supplements in the United States and Europe (17).
However, study results remain inconsistent.
Menopausal and postmenopausal women have seen their sleep quality and sleep disorder symptoms improve after taking valerian, according to one research review (18).
Another small study found that taking 530 mg of valerian per night for 30 days led to significant improvements in sleep quality, latency, and duration compared with a placebo in people who had undergone heart surgery (19).
A study in 39 people undergoing hemodialysis found that taking 530 mg of valerian root before bed for 1 month improved sleep quality, anxiety, and depression compared with a placebo (20).
Nevertheless, most observed improvements in these trials and studies were subjective. They relied on participants' perception of sleep quality rather than on objective measurements taken during sleep, such as brain waves or heart rate.
Other studies have concluded that valerian's positive effects are negligible at best. For instance, it may lead to a small improvement in sleep latency (21, 22).
Regardless, short-term intake of valerian root appears to be safe for adults, with minor, infrequent side effects (17).
Despite the lack of objective measurements behind valerian, adults may consider testing it out for themselves.
However, the safety of valerian remains uncertain for long-term use and use in certain populations, including people who are pregnant or nursing.
Summary
Valerian root is a popular supplement that may improve sleep quality and sleep disorder symptoms when taken in doses of 300–600 mg, at least in some people. More studies are needed on the safety of long-term use.
Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of processes in the human body, and it's important for brain function and heart health.
In addition, magnesium may help quiet the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep (23).
Studies show that magnesium's relaxing effect may be partly due to its ability to regulate melatonin production. Magnesium is known to relax muscles and induce sleep (24, 25).
Many forms of magnesium supplements are available, including some that combine magnesium with other sleep-promoting ingredients such as glycine or melatonin.
One study found that a combination of magnesium, melatonin, and vitamin B was effective in treating insomnia regardless of the cause (26).
Magnesium also appears to increase levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain messenger with calming effects (27).
Studies suggest that insufficient levels of magnesium in the body may be linked to troubled sleep and insomnia (25, 28).
On the other hand, increasing your magnesium intake by taking supplements may help you optimize the quality and quantity of your sleep.
One review of three studies in older adults found that magnesium supplementation could help reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep compared to a placebo (29).
It's worth noting that this review focused on older adults, who may have had lower blood magnesium levels to start with. It's uncertain whether these effects would be as strong in individuals with a higher dietary magnesium intake.
In another study, supplementing with 250 mg of magnesium and melatonin for 8 weeks significantly improved sleep quality in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (30).
However, more research is needed to understand how magnesium supplements could impact sleep when taken alone.
Summary
Magnesium has a relaxing effect on the body and brain, which may help improve sleep quality. Though most studies use doses of 225–729 mg daily, you should not take more than 350 mg per day unless advised by a healthcare professional.
The lavender plant can be found on almost all continents. It produces purple flowers that, when dried, have a variety of household uses.
Moreover, lavender's soothing fragrance is believed to enhance sleep.
In fact, several studies suggest that simply smelling lavender oil shortly before sleep may be enough to improve sleep quality in those with or without insomnia (31, 32).
A small study in older adults with dementia also suggests that lavender aromatherapy is effective at improving sleep disturbance symptoms. Participants' total sleep time increased, and fewer people woke up very early and found themselves unable to get back to sleep (33).
Another study found that lavender aromatherapy improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety after 15 days in 60 people with coronary artery disease (34).
Though lavender aromatherapy is considered safe, the oral intake of lavender has been linked to nausea, belching, and diarrhea in some cases. Essential oils are intended for aromatherapy, not oral ingestion (35).
It's also worth noting that only a limited number of studies are available on the effects of lavender supplements on sleep. Thus, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Summary
Lavender aromatherapy may help improve sleep. More studies on lavender supplements are needed to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
Passionflower, also known as Passiflora incarnata or maypop, is a popular herbal remedy for insomnia.
The species of passionflower linked to sleep improvements are native to North America. They're also currently cultivated in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Passionflower's sleep-promoting effects have been demonstrated in animal studies. However, its effects in humans appear to depend on the form consumed (36, 37).
One older study in humans compared the effects of a passionflower tea with those of a placebo tea made from parsley leaves (38).
Participants drank each tea about 1 hour before bed for a period of 1 week, taking a 1-week break between the two teas. Each tea bag was allowed to steep for 10 minutes, and researchers took objective measurements of sleep quality.
At the end of the 3-week study, the objective measurements indicated that participants had not experienced improvements in sleep.
However, when they were asked to rate their sleep quality subjectively, they rated it around 5% higher following the passionflower tea week compared with the parsley tea week (38).
In a recent study of people with insomnia, those who took passionflower extract over a 2-week period saw significant improvements in certain sleep parameters compared with a placebo (39).
Those parameters were:
Though more studies are needed, it's worth noting that passionflower intake is generally safe in adults. For now, it seems that passionflower may provide more benefits when consumed as a tea or extract as opposed to a supplement.
Summary
Passionflower tea or extract may help slightly improve sleep quality in some individuals. However, the evidence is mixed, and some studies have found no effects. Thus, more studies are needed.
Glycine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the nervous system. It may also help improve sleep.
Exactly how this works is unknown, but glycine is thought to act in part by lowering body temperature at bedtime, signaling that it's time to sleep (40).
In one 2006 study, participants experiencing poor sleep consumed 3 grams (g) of glycine or a placebo immediately before bedtime.
Those in the glycine group reported feeling less fatigued the next morning. They also said their liveliness, peppiness, and clearheadedness were higher the next morning (41).
A 2007 study also investigated the effects of glycine in participants experiencing poor sleep. Researchers took measurements of participants' brain waves, heart rate, and breathing while they slept.
Participants who took 3 g of glycine before bedtime showed improved objective measures of sleep quality compared with the placebo group. Glycine supplements also helped participants fall asleep faster (42).
Glycine also improves daytime performance in individuals who are temporarily sleep deprived, according to one small study from 2012.
Participants had their sleep restricted for three consecutive nights. Each night before bedtime, they took either 3 g of glycine or 3 g of a placebo. The glycine group reported greater reductions in fatigue and daytime sleepiness (43).
You can buy glycine in pill form or as a powder that can be diluted in water. Taking up to 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight per day appears to be safe, but more studies are needed. Many sleep study participants took only 3 g per day (44).
You can shop for these supplements on Amazon.
You can also increase your glycine intake by eating foods rich in the nutrient, including (45):
Summary
Consuming glycine immediately before bedtime may help you fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your sleep. Most studies use a dose of around 3 g, which is taken before bed.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound derived from hemp, which is featured in many products including oils and capsules (46).
Because it contains low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — using CBD products doesn't cause the same high as other cannabis products (46).
Interestingly, some studies have found that CBD could relieve anxiety and act as a natural sleep aid.
For instance, one review of 34 studies concluded that CBD could help alleviate symptoms of insomnia when used alone or with equal amounts of THC (47).
Another study in 72 people with anxiety found that using CBD enhanced sleep quality and reduced anxiety within the first month in nearly 67% and 79% of participants, respectively (48).
On the other hand, a 2020 research review concluded that more high quality research is needed before CBD can be routinely recommended for the treatment of sleep disorders (49).
Note that there is also limited research on the long-term safety of CBD and it is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (46).
Furthermore, CBD is still classified as a controlled substance in some states, so its legality may vary depending on where you live (46).
Summary
Some research suggests that CBD could help improve sleep quality and ease symptoms of anxiety. However, more high quality research is needed.
There are many additional sleep-promoting supplements on the market. However, not all are supported by strong scientific research.
The following supplements may be beneficial for sleep but require more scientific investigation:
Kava is another plant that has been linked to sleep-promoting effects in some studies. It originates from the South Pacific islands, and its root is traditionally prepared as a tea. It can also be consumed in supplement form (57).
However, kava use has been linked to severe liver damage, potentially due to low quality production or adulteration. Some countries, such as Germany and the United States, have temporarily banned kava in the past or issued an advisory about its use (57).
Proceed with extra caution before using kava. Only buy supplements that have been certified by a reputable third-party organization.
Summary
Tryptophan, ginkgo biloba, and L-theanine may also help promote sleep. However, they are not backed by many studies, so more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made. Use caution before trying kava for sleep.
Diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate are other OTC sleep aids. They're both antihistamines.
The evidence in favor of either ingredient as a sleep aid is weak. Many experts also recommend against diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, with some saying that they are potentially unsafe for certain populations, including older adults (60, 61).
Other side effects may include dizziness, falls, and cognitive impairment (60).
Long-term use of OTC sleep aids can lead to drug tolerance. Over time, the use of anticholinergics, such as antihistamines, may increase your risk of dementia (62, 63).
If you're interested in trying these sleep aids, occasional use is recommended, as more research is needed on their long-term safety and effectiveness (64).
However, people with respiratory conditions, high blood pressure, or heart disease should avoid both of these drugs altogether. They may induce a nervous system reaction that leads to tachycardia, or an elevated heart rate (65).
Older adults, especially those with liver or kidney issues, should not use diphenhydramine because they are at an increased risk of experiencing negative side effects (62).
Summary
The antihistamines diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate may help you sleep, although that is not their primary purpose. Much stronger evidence is needed. Also, be aware of the possible side effects before taking these drugs.
Reach out to a healthcare professional before using any herbs or OTC medications for sleep, especially since there is a potential for drug interactions with medications such as blood thinners.
Also, let a doctor know if your sleep issues last longer than 2 weeks.
Many OTC sleep aids cause only minor side effects. However, it's important to be cautious since relatively little is known about the long-term effects of some of them.
Side effects that have been associated with specific sleep aids are listed below. Some of these side effects were reported only anecdotally or in a few studies or were observed only in people who received high doses:
In general, people who are pregnant or nursing should speak with their doctors before trying these or any other supplements. These populations should avoid most supplements since there's little research to confirm that they are safe during these life stages.
Magnesium, glycine, and tryptophan are all important to fetal development, and you do not have to avoid them if you're pregnant or nursing. However, a healthcare professional will still need to advise you of the proper dosage to avoid potential side effects (72, 73, 74).
Summary
Many OTC sleep aids have only minor side effects when used short-term. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbs or OTC medications for sleep and to avoid most of these products when pregnant or nursing.
Are natural sleep aids effective?Certain natural sleep aids, such as melatonin, are effective. Other herbal supplements, such as valerian root and passionflower, have shown mixed results.
While some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that natural sleep aids may be helpful, more research is needed to say for sure.
Are natural sleep aids safer than prescription sleep aids?Natural sleep aids like those discussed in this article are generally considered safer than prescription sleep aids because they have fewer side effects.
Still, it's important to choose a quality product from a reputable brand because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements in the same way as medications.
Look for products that are tested by an independent lab for heavy metals, toxins, and contaminants to ensure safety. You may also want to consider purchasing supplements produced in third-party certified facilities.
Additionally, even natural sleep aids are intended to be a short-term solution. If you're regularly experiencing trouble sleeping, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.
Are OTC sleep aids safe?Diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate are antihistamines that are sold over the counter. While they're sometimes used as sleep aids, that's not their primary use.
There is not strong evidence that they work well as sleep aids, and they may cause side effects.
Older adults, especially those with kidney or liver issues, should not use diphenhydramine.
It's best to avoid taking OTC sleep aids regularly, since doing so can lead to dependence or tolerance. If you do use them, do so only occasionally and for no more than 2 weeks at a time. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional if you're regularly experiencing trouble sleeping.
If you're interested in trying out these supplements, you can find most of them online in various forms.
Keep in mind that high quality sleep is just as important for overall health as eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly.
Nevertheless, many people have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently, or do not feel rested when they wake up. This makes it challenging to maintain optimal health and well-being.
Before taking any medications, try incorporating good sleep practices into your routine, such as keeping electronics out of your bedroom and limiting caffeine intake before bedtime.
The supplements above are one way to increase the likelihood of getting restful sleep, but they're probably most effective when used in combination with good sleep practices and habits.
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