Sleeping pills what kind

Sleep problems can be caused by depression or anxiety, pain, restless leg syndrome, and many other conditions. Even if an exam does not turn up an underlying cause, you should try other solutions before you try drugs.

Side effects of some drugs can be especially bothersome for seniors: next-day drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Avoid these over-the-counter sleep drugs:. Consider these drugs if the sleep problems are affecting your quality of life and nothing else has helped. But your health-care provider should watch you carefully to make sure that the drug is helping and not causing bad side effects. This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider.

There are also concerns they may be as addictive as other sedatives. Get a thorough medical exam. Sleep problems can be caused by depression or anxiety, pain, restless leg syndrome, and many other conditions. Even if an exam does not turn up an underlying cause, you should try other solutions before you try drugs tips for better sleep are found below.

Sometimes medications under the class antipsychotics or antidepressants are prescribed primarily for sleep including:. Side effects of some drugs can be especially bothersome for seniors: next-day drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.

Avoid these over-the-counter sleep drugs:. Consider these drugs if the sleep problems are affecting your quality of life and nothing else has helped. But your health care provider should watch you carefully to make sure that the drug is helping and not causing bad side effects.

If it is considered necessary, then it should be used at the lowest possible dose and for a limited time. However, many people may not need sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Changing the sleep environment, such as replacing an old mattress, might also help. Learn about the best mattresses for sleep disorders here. If making these adjustments does not help treat severe insomnia, a sleeping pill may be a good short-term solution.

There is a range of sleeping pills available to buy, including supplements and other over-the-counter OTC medications. Anyone with ongoing insomnia should consult their doctor about the best approach.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based. The brain produces the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle by telling the body that it is almost time for sleep.

The brain makes less melatonin when it is light outside and more when it is dark, such as during the winter. Age also plays a role — as a person ages, they produce less melatonin.

Learn about using melatonin for children here. Many sleeping aids contain melatonin. They tend to be most effective for people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders, which are problems with the timing of sleeping or waking up. However, doctors do not know if they are effective. Learn about types of melatonin products here. Melatonin supplements are available without a prescription from drug stores, supermarkets, and online shops.

Melatonin is available in dosages of milligrams mg , and a person should take them at bedtime. How long the effects last depend on the dosage taken. Learn more about how long melatonin lasts here. It is possible to overdose on melatonin , so people should always follow product instructions or talk with a doctor about safe dosages.

Limited evidence suggests that melatonin can treat insomnia. Although there are mixed findings, most research, including a meta-analysis , indicates that it can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Experts do not know if melatonin is safe to use during pregnancy. Learn more about using melatonin for sleep here.

Valerian root is a common ingredient from the valerian plant. Many herbal supplements contain valerian to improve sleep, relieve anxiety, and support relaxation. Learn about the similarities and differences between valerian and melatonin here. The supplements come in many forms, such as teas, liquids, and capsules. They may suit people who do not want to take pills or medication. Several clinical studies show that taking valerian can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.

However, not enough evidence is available to confirm whether valerian root is an effective sleep aid.