Over-the-counter sleeping aids can be very useful if you are trying to get over jet lag or adapt to a new shift at work. They can, however, also be dangerous. While there are many available, they all have different potential side effects and different efficiencies. They are generally not good at curing chronic insomnia. If you are searching for short term relief they are effective if you keep the following tips in mind.
The first thing you want to do is talk to your doctor. Even though these are over-the-counter, they can still cause troubles. If you have an underlying medical issue or currently need prescription medications, working closely with your doctor is essential. Even if you don’t have these issues, your MD will be able to help you settle on the most useful dose or recommend a better option.
The majority of OTC pills fall in two categories: doxylamine and diphenhydramine. Tablets like Bennadryl, Tylenol PM, and Sominex are all diphenhydramine. These pills should not be taken by anyone with a heart problem, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostrate. Doxlamine is also known as unisom. Individuals with a history of glaucoma, peptic ulcers, bronchitis, asthma, and enlarged prostrate should steer clear of this. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take either kind of medication. These do cause sleepiness, so avoid significant chores such as driving after you take them.
Several people are interested in natural sleep aids, trusting that they are safer than other kinds. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it is safe. You should talk to your physician before taking these, especially if you are taking a prescription or have a medical problem. More research needs to be done on these natural dietary supplements, but there are two that look promising.
Valerian is one of the dietary supplements you should consider. It is simple to find this as a tea or in pill form in virtually all grocery stores. Melatonin is the other one. Melatonin regulates your internal clock and is something that your body creates naturally. As you get older, however, your body begins to make less. Some individuals have trouble creating enough on their own. For these people, synthetic melatonin can be quite useful. It also seems promising in aiding people get over jet lag or adapt to shift work.
No matter what you settle on taking, there are some precautions that you should keep. One is to not mix the over-the-counter sleep aid with alcohol or any other pills. Another thing you should do is observe any side effects that you feel, and quit if they are severe. Don’t rely on these for too long of a time. And finally, try to work with your physician.
Because this issue is so detrimental to your health, it is vital that you do everything you can to defeat insomnia.If you are one of the millions who are kept awake at night, go to cure for insomnia to learn about strategies you can use to overcome your sleep problems.
Tags: fitness, health, insomnia, Sleep, sleep aids, sleep problems
