Choosing the best over-the-counter sleep medicine depends on how well it works for each individual. OTC sleep medications affect the body in different ways, and experimentation with the various types of sleep aids will help make the decision as to which ones are best. It is not necessary to try every brand, just to occasionally try one or another from each of the categories of sleep aids until the best one is found.
Natural Remedies
Chamomile tea is known for its sedative properties, according to HelpGuide.org. A soothing cup of chamomile tea before bedtime helps as a medicinal sleep aid. Valerian root, kava kava, lemon balm, passionflower, lavender and St. John's Wort also have sedative properties. Some of the natural remedies may stimulate allergies and interact negatively with medications, so any use of herbal supplementation should be discussed with a physician.
L-tryptophan, an amino acid, found in warm milk and turkey, appears to be sleep-inducing, according to HelpGuide.org. Drinking a cup of warm cocoa, which contains L-tryptophan, can be an effective way to induce sleep.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone that is naturally produced during nighttime or even in a dark room to induce the body to sleep. OTC melatonin supplements are most effective for insomnia due to travel across several time zones or for people that work night shifts and must sleep during the day. According to HelpGuide.org, the effects of long-term use of melatonin supplements are unknown.
Antihistamines
MayoClinic.com notes that antihistamins can be safe and effective OTC sleep medicines. Histamines produced by allergies tend to keep people awake. Antihistamine medications not only help with allergies, but also induce drowsiness. The majority of OTC sleep aids fall into this category.
Diphenhydramine, found in brand names like Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal and Compoz, will help induce sleep with short-term use. Diphenhydramine is also available as a generic sleep medication.
Doxylamine, found in brand names like Unisom and Nighttime Sleep Aid, works on the same principle as diphenhydramine and other antihistamines.
Because little aches and pains can keep people awake, some OTC antihistamines also include pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen sodium.
