Sleep aid: Practical options and safety tips

Can't sleep? You’re not alone. This page gives clear, usable advice on common sleep aids, how to pick one, and what to watch for—so you can sleep safer and wake up clearer.

Types of sleep aids

Over-the-counter options: antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine are common, and melatonin supplements are widely used to shift sleep timing. Start low: many people do fine on 0.3–3 mg of melatonin rather than large doses.

Herbal choices: valerian, chamomile, and lavender appear in lots of products. They help some people but are less predictable than melatonin or prescribed drugs.

Prescription meds: doctors may prescribe zolpidem, eszopiclone, trazodone, or benzodiazepines for short-term problems. These can work fast but carry risks like next-day drowsiness, memory gaps, or dependency if used long-term.

How to pick and use them safely

Match the tool to the problem. Trouble falling asleep? Short-acting options or melatonin timing might help. Trouble staying asleep? Different meds or a sleep study could be needed. If you’re unsure, ask your clinician for a plan that has a clear end date.

Always try non-drug fixes first. Good sleep habits often reduce or remove the need for medication. Keep a regular bedtime, dim lights an hour before bed, stop caffeine by mid-afternoon, and avoid screens right before sleep.

Watch interactions. Don’t mix sedatives with alcohol, opioids, or many antidepressants—those combos raise the risk of breathing problems and accidents. Tell your provider about every drug and supplement you take.

Older adults need extra caution. Antihistamines and some prescriptions increase fall risk and confusion. Risk vs. benefit should guide decisions, and lower doses are usually safer.

Short-term use is less risky. Many meds should be used only for a few weeks while you fix habits or address underlying issues. If insomnia lasts more than a month or affects daily life, get a medical review—sleep apnea, restless legs, or mood disorders can mimic insomnia.

Buying online? Use reputable pharmacies, verify credentials, and avoid sellers that skip prescriptions. If a site seems too cheap or won’t confirm a script, don’t risk it—your safety matters more than a discount.

Finally, track what you try. Note dose, timing, side effects, and sleep quality for a week. That record makes follow-up with your clinician faster and smarter.

Browse the posts below this tag for deeper reads—how to buy meds safely online, drug interaction alerts, and alternatives to common prescriptions. Use the info here to ask better questions and make safer choices about sleep aids.