Stop Snoring Exercises

Many people experiencing sleep problems just want to get some sleep fast! But the causes of insomnia are complex and vary by each person. Several of the successful behavioral treatments for insomnia are time-intensive and require a lot of work by the person experiencing insomnia. The thought of a pill that can solve the problem quickly is very appealing. Unfortunately, sleep medications don’t cure insomnia, and they can often exacerbate the problem over the long term.

Other concerns about the use of both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills include:

* development of drug tolerance

* development of drug dependence

* physical side effects

* interactions with other drugs or chemicals in the body

* withdrawal symptoms

* rebound insomnia

If you want to take medications to help you sleep because you are suffering from pain, are traveling, or just need to get some sleep, pay attention to the type of medication you choose and try to use the medication only when you really need it. If you also commit to making your sleep habits and sleep environment more conducive to sleep, you can limit the effects of insomnia on your life.

You can walk into a drugstore and choose from an array of sleep aids that do not require a prescription. The main ingredient of over-the-counter sleeping pills is an antihistamine. Antihistamines are generally taken for allergies, but also make you feel very sleepy. Common over-the-counter sleep medications are Sleep-Eze, Sominex, Nytol, and Unison; they contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine citrate, or doxylamine succinate.

In general, over-the-counter sleep medications are not a good option since they’re not intended for long-term use. They can also interfere with mental alertness during the day, so you should avoid driving and other similar tasks. And sleep medications can actually reduce the quality of your sleep by reducing time you spend in deep sleep.

If you must use over-the-counter sleep medications, make sure it’s only for transient or short-term cases of insomnia and in conjunction with changes to your sleeping habits. Be sure to pay attention to your body’s physical response to these sleep medications. Immediately discontinue use if you experience any severe adverse effects.

Common side effects of over-the-counter sleeping pills include drowsiness the following day, dizziness, lack of coordination, forgetfulness, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and dry mouth and throat

It is also easy to develop a tolerance for over-the-counter sleep aids after using them for just a few days. You may find quickly that you need a higher dosage to accomplish the same effect. As with any medication, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before taking over-the-counter sleep medications.