Sleep Aid

What are sleep aids?

Sleep aids are medications or supplements that help people fall asleep, stay asleep, or improve the quality of their rest. They are commonly used to manage insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Some work by calming the brain, while others support the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to get restorative sleep.

How do sleep aids work?

Sleep aids help the brain relax, making it easier to fall asleep. They work in different ways: some boost a brain chemical called GABA, which slows down brain activity, while others act like natural hormones such as melatonin to help control your sleep-wake cycle.

Types of sleep aids

• Prescription medications: Include benzodiazepines (e.g., temazepam), non-benzodiazepine hypnotics or "Z-drugs" (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone), and others like ramelteon and suvorexant that target specific sleep pathways.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Common OTC sleep aids include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine, which cause drowsiness.
• Natural supplements: Melatonin, valerian root, and chamomile are popular natural remedies believed to support sleep.

Conditions treated with sleep aids

• Acute or chronic insomnia
• Jet lag
• Shift work sleep disorder
• Restless legs syndrome (in some cases)

Important considerations

Sleep aids can be helpful, but you should use them carefully since they can cause side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty thinking clearly, and even dependence, especially with prescription drugs like benzodiazepines and "Z-drugs." To stay safe, follow your doctor’s instructions and use them under their guidance.

Good sleep habits, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, reducing screen time before sleep, and keeping your room comfortable, are very important to help any sleep medicine you may be taking.