Sometimes it doesn't matter how tired you are, how comfortable your mattress is or how warm and cozy you are, insomnia still has its way of wreaking havoc with your sleep schedule. For some, this condition happens occasionally; for others, it becomes a chronic issue. This is when you begin to delve into the world of sleep aids. They come in all forms, from over-the-counter to prescription medications; however, according to the medical experts at Help Guide, they should be used only as a temporary solution.
Over-the-counter Medications
The secret ingredient in these medications is antihistamines. Though these are generally used for treatment of allergies, they can also be used as a sleep aid.
Your brain contains histamine, a chemical that sends messages in your brain to keep you awake. Antihistamines block these messages, making you feel sleepy. The most common over-the-counter medications include Nytol and Sominex, both of which contain diphenhydramine. Unisom and Nighttime Sleep Aid are also sleep aids available without a prescription; their primary ingredient is doxylamine. Both diphenhydramine and doxylamine are types of antihistamines.
Sedative Hypnotics
Medications falling under this category are considered controlled substances and are available by prescription only. They are classified into two categories: benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics and non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics.
According to Gina Kemp, M.A., benzodiazepines are among the oldest types of prescription sleep medications still available. There is a high risk of dependency with these drugs, and though they are used primarily in the treatment of anxiety, the FDA has approved them for treating insomnia. They work by slowing down your nervous system, relaxing you to the point when sleep is induced. Medications in this category include Restoril, Dalmane and ProSom.
Non-benzodiazepines are considered to be less addictive with fewer side effects, though they are still considered controlled substances. They work the same way as their counterpart, benzodiazepines, and one of the medications in this category, Lunesta, is approved for use up to 6 months, following its clinical trials. Other types of this medication include Sonata and Ambien.
Antidepressants
According to a statement made by the National Institutes of Health in 2005, the antidepressant Desyrel (generic: trazodone), is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the Unites States for treating insomnia. However, the FDA has not yet approved it for this purpose.
