{"id":35039,"date":"2021-06-23T09:30:06","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T13:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=35039"},"modified":"2025-09-17T16:06:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T20:06:09","slug":"otc-sleep-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/otc-sleep-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to take OTC sleep aids every night?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hTDUdUYgqD0?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having trouble falling and staying asleep? You\u2019re not alone. As many as 70 million Americans have sleep disorders that can keep them tossing and turning at night, according to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Library of Medicine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And many of these sleep-seekers reach for over-the-counter (OTC) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sleep-aids-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep aids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like antihistamines and herbal supplements to help them get the shut-eye they need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-the-counter sleep aids are a booming business<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the United States. Estimates vary on how many people take these medications and supplements, but use does seem to rise with age. One study revealed that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% of adults<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally\u2014as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can mount. Many of these products produce side effects, can interact with other medications you take, and may even stop working if you take them long-term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what\u2019s worth taking? And how often can you safely use it? We\u2019ve talked to the experts about it, so you don\u2019t have to lose sleep over it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/sleep-statistics\/\"><b>Sleep statistics<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-insomnia\/\"><b>Types of medications that cause insomnia<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-over-the-counter-sleep-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are over-the-counter sleep aids?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best OTC sleep aid will vary from person to person. Over-the-counter sleep aids generally fall into two categories: non-prescription sleep medications and natural, dietary supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"non-prescription-sleep-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-prescription sleep medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The active ingredient in many nonprescription medications used as sleep aids is an antihistamine, particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diphenhydramine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/doxylamine-succinate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doxylamine succinate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Histamine is a chemical the body produces that helps you feel awake (it also causes allergy symptoms). Antihistamines, which are often used in allergy medications, help block that chemical, so you feel drowsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diphenhydramine is an OTC drug that can be used in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/safety-prevention\/at-home\/medication-safety\/Pages\/Diphenhydramine-Benadryl-Antihistamine.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">individuals 6 years and older<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for allergic reactions and itching. It can also be used in children ages 2 years to 6 years old, if recommended by the healthcare provider. However, for short-term treatment of insomnia, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/2102\/diphenhydramine\/Peds-Dosing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diphenhydramine should only be used<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in adolescents and adults 12 years and older. The drug has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/sleep-aids\/art-20047860\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sedating effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can cause urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. Some of the diphenhydramine-containing products used as sleep aids include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benadryl-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zzzquil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ZzzQuil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nytol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/unisom-sleepgels\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unisom SleepGels<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/advil-pm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advil PM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which also contains the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tylenol-pm-extra-strength\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol PM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which also contains the pain reliever acetaminophen)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/excedrin-pm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excedrin PM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Headache (which also contains acetaminophen and aspirin)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doxylamine succinate works similarly to diphenhydramine, but it should not be used in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c5f276c2-f56c-43eb-b9bb-21f323d7f449\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">individuals younger than 12<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/a> S<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leep aids containing the drug include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unisom <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/unisom-sleeptabs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SleepTabs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tylenol-cold-flu-cough-night\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol Cold\/Flu\/Cough Nighttime<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which also contains the decongestant p<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">henylephrine, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, and the pain reliever acetaminophen)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People often wonder if there\u2019s an OTC alternative to prescription drugs such as Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), but there is not. Ambien (and similar drugs like Lunesta) is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a693025.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sedative-hypnotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that works by slowing down brain activity\u2014it is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/controlled-substances-act\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">controlled substance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and requires a prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"natural-sleep-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural sleep aids<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of herbal and dietary supplements that people take for sleep, including melatonin, valerian root, chamomile, and CBD.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"melatonin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your body has a natural circadian rhythm that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. In response to light, your body becomes more alert. And as daylight wanes and night creeps in, your body produces melatonin, a hormone made by the pineal gland that helps promote sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research published in the journal <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3656905\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plos One<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that melatonin helped study subjects fall asleep seven minutes sooner than those not taking the supplement and sleep eight minutes longer while also improving their sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But melatonin\u2014which seems to work best in those who have disruptions to their circadian rhythms, for example those who are shift workers or who are experiencing jet lag\u2014is not a magic bullet. Its effects are modest, and experts caution that taking more is not necessarily better. For most adults, a starting dosage is 1 mg to 2 mg, with a maximum daily dosage of 5 mg (or up to 10 mg under a healthcare provider\u2019s supervision).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/melatonin-dosage\/\"><b>A melatonin dosage guide<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term use of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/melatonin-gummies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">melatonin to combat sleeplessness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered safe for most people, but there are some who should proceed with caution. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/pharmacy\/craig-kimble\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craig Kimble, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an associate professor at the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, this includes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adolescents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women who are pregnant or lactating\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with migraines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with psychological conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People in cancer treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/expert-answers\/melatonin-side-effects\/faq-20057874\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like headache, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, and it interacts with certain medications\u2014which is why it\u2019s important to check with your healthcare provider before using melatonin or any OTC sleep aids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"valerian-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valerian root<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valerian-root\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valerian root<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an herb that\u2019s thought to promote sleep by interfering with the breakdown of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that helps you feel calm and relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most studies looking at valerian root and sleep are inconclusive. While some have shown that users fall asleep more quickly (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/Valerian-HealthProfessional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showed they fell asleep about seven minutes faster than nonusers, though researchers didn\u2019t believe that this finding was clinically significant) and felt they had improved sleep, others have found no effect. What\u2019s more, many of the studies include small sample sizes and use different sources and amounts of valerian, so it&#8217;s hard to draw definitive conclusions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valerian root should not be taken with other medications or alcohol and has the potential to slow breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"chamomile\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chamomile\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chamomile is an herb that may play a role in sleep due to its chemical compounds that bind to benzodiazepine and GABA receptors. But studies examining the sleep-inducing effects of chamomile\u2014in tea or extract form\u2014have been mixed. In one small <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0965229917302601\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involving older adult subjects, those receiving capsules containing chamomile extract twice a day for 28 days reported better sleep quality than those in the control group. Yet other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1472-6882-11-78\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that chamomile does not significantly improve things like sleep quality and the total time spent asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our wellness newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Wellness Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"cbd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBD<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/sleep-aids\/cbd-for-sleep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a compound found in the hemp plant. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6326553\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggest that oral CBD may be beneficial for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety. Although more research is needed, preliminary data indicates that the compound may be helpful for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28349316\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insomnia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24845114\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">REM sleep disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, CBD comes with risks, including liver injury, and animal studies have reported male reproductive toxicity (damage to fertility in males, or in male offspring of females who have been exposed to CBD). CBD can also interact with alcohol and drugs that slow brain activity, and cause side effects when combined with other medications. Be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider for medical advice before using CBD for sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better\/\"><b>Tips for better sleep<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sleep-diet\/\"><b>The best diet for sleep<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-best-otc-sleep-aid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best OTC sleep aid?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most people, virtually any of the OTC sleep aids are safe to use short term. Some people find them effective, others not as much. But long-term use is not a good idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf you feel as though one of these products benefits you and you\u2019re not encountering significant side effects, then I don\u2019t see a concern [for occasional use],\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcm.edu\/people-search\/philip-alapat-17273\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philip Alapat, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an assistant professor of medicine-pulmonary at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. \u201cBut these products should not be used on a regular basis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to use one, talk to your healthcare provider and pharmacist first. This is especially true if you\u2019re pregnant, breastfeeding, take other prescription or OTC medications, have certain medical conditions like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/sleep-apnea-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep apnea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/copd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or if you are 65 or older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other precautions to take:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read the dosing directions and don\u2019t exceed what\u2019s recommended.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid alcohol, which in and of itself can cause drowsiness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t drive or do anything that requires focus and concentration for at least 8 to 10 hours after taking sleep aids.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"is-it-safe-to-take-an-antihistamine-for-sleep-every-night\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it safe to take an antihistamine for sleep every night?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While antihistamines have been around for decades, there isn\u2019t a lot of good data supporting their use in treating sleep problems. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4634348\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has found that they are only minimally effective in getting people to sleep, can impact the amount of quality sleep you get, and can cause next-day grogginess, along with other potential side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. The latter can be particularly problematic for older individuals, increasing their risk of mental confusion and falling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, research published in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4358759\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JAMA Internal Medicine<\/span><\/i><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shows that repeated use of anticholinergic medications (including first-generation antihistamines like doxylamine or diphenhydramine) can increase a user\u2019s risk of dementia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s strongly recommended that elderly patients avoid taking OTC sleep aids, especially the ones with antihistamines,\u201d Dr. Alapat says. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/professional\/geriatrics\/drug-therapy-in-older-adults\/pharmacokinetics-in-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adults<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> generally metabolize drugs differently than younger ones, which means a drug can sometimes linger longer in their systems. And because they tend to take more medications than younger patients, drug interactions are more likely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, experts don\u2019t recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/non-drowsy-benadryl\/\">Benadryl<\/a> (or any form of diphenhydramine) for sleep more often than for the occasional sleepless night. The same goes for doxylamine, the tablet formulation of the Unisom sleep aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe antihistamine diphenhydramine [found in Benadryl] is only approved for management of short-term or temporary sleep difficulties, particularly in those people who have problems falling asleep,\u201d Dr. Kimble says. \u201cThe data for use in long-term or chronic insomnia is poor. Patients can become tolerant to the sedative effect within days of taking it repeatedly, and it is usually not recommended for more than three days in a row.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Kimble recommends that if you need Benadryl for more than 14 days, you should contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/taking-antihistamines-daily\/\"><b>More on daily antihistamines<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-would-a-prescription-sleep-aid-be-recommended\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When would a prescription sleep aid be recommended?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re having trouble sleeping, reach out to your healthcare provider. In some cases, a physical exam can shed light on an underlying medical condition that is interrupting your sleep (for example, sleep apnea, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/gerd-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gastroesophageal reflux disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/restless-leg-syndrome-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">restless leg syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor can also discuss with you whether you\u2019re a good candidate for prescription sleep medicines, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zolpidem-tartrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zolpidem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benzodiazepines\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/restoril\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restoril<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013all of which are controlled substances. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c36cadf4-65a4-4466-b409-c82020b42452\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is typically <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ambien.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescribed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> short-term for people who have difficulty falling asleep, while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=404c858c-89ac-4c9d-8a96-8702a28e6e76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien CR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be prescribed short-term for individuals who have trouble falling and\/or staying asleep. Ambien and related drugs have fewer side effects than benzodiazepines\u2014however, there is a black box warning alerting patients to the possibility of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-adds-boxed-warning-risk-serious-injuries-caused-sleepwalking-certain-prescription-insomnia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dangerous activities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as sleepwalking or sleep driving. Benzodiazepines may be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2007\/0815\/p517.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescribed <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in patients with chronic insomnia, but have many side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although nonbenzodiazepines like Ambien, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lunesta\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lunesta<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/eszopiclone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eszopiclone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and Sonata (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zaleplon\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zaleplon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) have fewer adverse effects than benzodiazepines, there is a risk of dependence with both classes of prescription sleep medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help yourself get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">good night\u2019s sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014with or without sleep aids\u2014you should practice good sleep habits. \u201cOften these small life changes yield the biggest benefits,\u201d Dr. Kimble says. Start with these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Establish a regular sleep pattern.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Go to bed and get up at about the same time daily, even on the weekends.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Make the bedroom comfortable for sleeping.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Avoid temperature extremes, noise, and light.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Engage in relaxing activities before bedtime.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For example, take a warm bath or read.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid stimulation at bedtime<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014that means shutting off the TV, computer, and phone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay away from <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/medicine.umich.edu\/dept\/psychiatry\/news\/archive\/202012\/when-stop-drinking-alcohol-water-or-caffeine-bed-better-sleep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>substances<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. All of these can keep you awake, or prevent you from having a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having trouble falling and staying asleep? You\u2019re not alone. As many as 70 million Americans have sleep disorders that can keep them tossing and turning at night, according to the National Library of Medicine. And many of these sleep-seekers reach for over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids like antihistamines and herbal supplements to help them get the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":33872,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[788,816],"coauthors":[10462],"class_list":["post-35039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-drug-safety","tag-sleep","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is it safe to take OTC sleep aids every night?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The antihistamine diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, is only approved for short-term sleep difficulties. 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