Modern sleep medications that do not lead to addiction

Updated: 08.27.2020 In the modern world, overload is inevitable, both physical and psychological. The brain overloaded with information and experiences does not allow you to relax and rest. And if you also have an unstable sleep schedule, then all the biological rhythms occurring in our body are disrupted. After all, a special hormone is responsible for sleep - melatonin, which is produced only under certain conditions and at a certain time, in accordance with a person’s internal clock.

Accordingly, when this mechanism is disrupted, melatonin does not enter the brain. And the first thing that affects this is sleep, and already the lack of sleep brings with it more serious problems. Without proper rest, the body gradually depletes its resources and fatigue accumulates, a person becomes lethargic, nervous, reaction speed worsens, and forgetfulness appears. That is, the quality of life suffers in principle.

It is already known that melatonin is also responsible for regulating the activity of the entire endocrine system, slows down the aging process, normalizes blood pressure, has antioxidant properties, participates in the regulation of the digestive system and affects the functioning of brain cells. Therefore, it is extremely important to organize your vacation properly. To do this, you need to remove all devices that provide at least some light, since melatonin is produced only in complete darkness, organize comfort in your sleeping place, and build the correct regime in accordance with the needs of the body. But, of course, even in this case, there is no guarantee that sleep will come faster, because stress and overload cannot be easily ruled out. Then sleeping pills come to the rescue.

Here we will not consider serious psychotropic drugs that are prescribed by a doctor based on the problem and are issued strictly according to a prescription.

Our rating presents available over-the-counter medications, but in cases where sleep disorders are not caused by diseases, they are the ones that can help.

These drugs will differ from each other in their active ingredients:

• Preparations based on melatonin.
  Yes, the same hormone that is responsible for sleep, and if you have messed up your schedule and your own melatonin does not have time to be produced, then by taking it in tablet form, you will give a signal to the body that it is time to sleep. At the same time, you should not be afraid that this is a hormone; taking melatonin is completely safe, moreover, since after 25 years the production of this substance in the body decreases every year, it is called the “hormone of youth.” By adding melatonin, you will not only affect the amount of sleep you get, but also improve the quality of your sleep, and perhaps even lose weight. This is the effect!
• Based on extracts of medicinal plants.
  They have a more calming property, eliminating increased nervous excitability. These plants contain substances that affect the nervous system, thus relaxing the brain. Such plants include valerian, lemon balm, motherwort, mint, hawthorn, hops and others. But it is worth remembering that these plants can also have additional actions that are not so harmless, for example, they can reduce blood pressure, and if for some this is a plus, then for others it is a minus.
• Based on chemicals.
  Such as phenobarbital and ethylbromoisovalerianate, which are part of the well-known drops Valocordin, Corvalol, Valoserdin and have pronounced sedative properties.

A more minor difference between sleeping pills will be in the form of release: tablets, capsules, syrups, solutions. And here the choice will be mostly based on your personal convenience. At the same time, in the form of syrup, the drugs act faster, but at the same time they can finish their work earlier. But at the same time, they most often contain alcohol, which limits the use of such drugs.

Introducing the rating of over-the-counter sleeping pills 2021. The best 12 remedies that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

There are contraindications, be sure to consult your doctor!

Causes of insomnia

To cope with difficulties falling asleep, you need to know the reason why it arose. There are a number of reasons:

• reasons that are psychological in nature: stress, bipolar disorder, consequences of trauma;
• long-term use of medications: painkillers, antidepressants, diuretics, caffeine-containing, hormonal drugs;
• the presence of the following diseases: kidney disease, oncology, gastric reflux (the release of acid from the stomach back into the esophagus due to malfunction of the valve), hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, allergies, asthma;
• neurological diseases: narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea (short-term cessation of breathing);
• Increased anxiety and conditions caused by depression are the main causes of sleep disturbances. Not getting enough quality sleep only makes these conditions worse.

Sleep hygiene as a method of combating insomnia

In situations where sleep problems are caused by lifestyle features, and not by somatic or mental pathologies, treatment can be carried out without pills.

Practice shows that it is enough to adjust the regime, choose the optimal daily routine and get rid of a number of bad habits.

Following simple recommendations guarantees a positive effect, regardless of the patient’s age.

The best remedy for insomnia is proper organization of rest:

• going to bed and getting up at the same hours, including on weekends;
• duration of rest at night is at least 7-8 hours, refusal of daytime sleep;
• eliminating the influence of stress factors on the body after 18 hours - anxious thoughts, business meetings, serious conversations, sorting out relationships, working with documents and everything that makes you tense;
• providing the body with comfortable conditions - cool temperature and sufficient level of humidity in the room, silence, absence of bright or flashing lights, comfortable bedding;
• revision of nutritional principles - refusal to overeat during dinner, the last meal no later than 2-3 hours before going to bed, exclusion of stimulants (coffee, alcohol, chocolate) from the evening diet;
• using the bed strictly for its intended purpose is not a place for eating, working, watching TV, using gadgets, or even reading.

It's better not to eat chocolate before bed.
Compliance with these rules in most cases ensures that you fall asleep within 10-15 minutes after going to bed. In this case, sleep is sound and of the required duration. If night awakenings occur, the person quickly falls asleep again after them. In the morning he feels fresh, rested, restored.

Generations of drugs and types

Many modern sleeping pills allow the patient to choose, following reviews, the one that suits them. There are drugs that are affordable, powerful, but at the same time gentle. But, if you drink them uncontrollably, they can cause a habit, withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, they should only be prescribed by a doctor. But there are several products that do not have this drawback. Today, first generation drugs - barbiturates (phenobarbital) are used in rare cases. They inhibit the action of cerebral vessels and disrupt respiratory function, and are also addictive. Second-generation insomnia medications are benzodiazepines (nitrazepam, phenazepam). They are also addictive, but have far fewer side effects. The advantages include: relieving anxiety, calming effect.

Recently, non-addictive sleeping pills have been produced. These are drugs - Z. Unlike previous generations, they act for a short time and do not disrupt sleep function. Sleeping pills also include allergy medications - the first generation of antihistamines. In fact, the new generation of sleep disorder medications can also be addictive. But this does not happen quickly; they can be used in long courses.

Requirements for drugs

There are current requirements for effective and safe drugs:

• creation of natural physiological sleep;
• absolute harmlessness for different categories of people;
• absence of unwanted reactions;
• no memory problems;
• lack of addiction and psychological dependence.

But perfect sleeping pills have not yet been identified. New benzodiazepine-type hypnotics have advantages over barbiturates. But due to the nature of the inducible sleep and the side reactions, they do not fully meet physiological needs.

In what cases are drugs prescribed?

Normally, a person should fall asleep within seven minutes. Certain rituals performed on a regular basis can help the body with this: going to bed at the same time, lying in bed with your eyes wide open, turning on quiet monotonous music, counting some animals. If these steps do not help the first time, you need to get out of bed and repeat everything again.

If bedtime rituals have not had any effect during the week, then you need to consult a doctor for help. If the cause of your insomnia is anxiety, stress or depression, he will prescribe the necessary medications for you.

Depressive conditions are very dangerous for human health and it is almost impossible to cope on your own without the use of medications: the quality of life suffers due to the eternal lack of sleep. Doctors have this opinion: if you have difficulty falling asleep, then the reason is anxiety; If you are constantly waking up, then depression is to blame. In the modern world, due to the busy pace of life, the number of people who need to be prescribed sleeping pills is constantly increasing.

Alcohol compatible list

There is almost always incompatibility between the strongest sleeping pills and ethyl alcohol. Combining alcohol with sleep medications can be dangerous to human health and life.

Alcohol+barbiturates

Ethyl alcohol increases the toxicity of barbiturates, enhances their effect, reduces the adequate response and leads to increased depression of the central nervous system.

In people with respiratory failure, the combined use of ethyl alcohol and barbiturates can lead to depression of the respiratory center.

In people with alcohol dependence, treatment with barbiturates leads to rapid drug dependence.

Alcohol+benzodiazepines

Only under the supervision of a physician are benzodiazepine drugs prescribed for alcohol withdrawal as a sedative. Medications make the detoxification process easier.

The combination of benzodiazepines and alcoholic beverages leads to severe intoxication. In humans, the functions of the central nervous system are disrupted, the respiratory center is depressed.

If you do not wake up the victim and provide first aid, he may die from respiratory arrest.

Alcohol and H1-histamine receptor antagonists

Ethyl alcohol reduces the sedative effect of antihistamines and increases the risk of side effects. In this case, a person cannot fall asleep due to increased heart rate, anxiety, and dry mouth.

In order for sleep to occur, the patient has to increase the dosage. Ultimately, this leads to drug addiction.

Alcohol + drugs based on Melaxen

Ethyl alcohol can neutralize the effect of melatonin preparations. Preparations based on this hormone are adaptogens and help you fall asleep quickly.

Alcoholic drinks do not cause poisoning when combined with melatonin. Sometimes nausea and dizziness may occur.

Alcohol+z-drugs (non-benzodiazepines)

During treatment with z-group drugs, you should not drink alcohol. The combined effect increases the risk of side effects of the drug. A person experiences rapid intoxication, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. After a combination of these substances, retrograde amnesia develops.

Forms of release of sleeping pills

Sleeping pills are available in the following forms: tablets, capsules, powders, ampoules, drops.

Sleeping pills in tablets, as well as in capsules, are one of the simplest and most common forms of release of the drug. It is characterized by ease of dosing of the medicine. The disadvantages are as follows: you cannot divide the tablet into parts so as not to break the shell and open the capsule, as this reduces their bioavailability; tablets are contraindicated for stomach diseases.

Some people cannot take tablets or tablets due to medical conditions. They need sleeping pills in solution in ampoules for intramuscular or intravenous administration. But since the ampoules contain a potent sleeping pill, these medications are sold only with a prescription from a doctor. These sleeping pills are strong: they are mainly prescribed for alcoholic hallucinations and severe anxiety disorders. They are also used as anesthesia. Sleeping pills in ampoules most often belong to the group of benzodiazepines.

Sleeping pills in drops are characterized by rapid absorption due to the liquid consistency and the entry of active substances into the blood, thereby beginning to act fairly quickly. The bottle with drops is easy to use and you can take it with you.

Sleeping pills in powders are soluble and are used mainly in the preparation of injection solutions for injections and infusions.

The best medicines for children, pregnant women, the elderly

At a young age, in the absence of pathologies, virtually any type of medicine can be used. It is more difficult to find medications for children, the elderly and pregnant women. The names of acceptable insomnia pills for use at certain periods of life are given in the table:

Priority goes to plant medicines with a sedative effect. In old age, short-acting medications and tablets with artificial melatonin are more relevant to restore the usual sleep-wake rhythm.

New generation drugs created for the treatment of insomnia are not addictive and rarely provoke adverse reactions. The effectiveness is due to a carefully designed composition. When choosing, it is advisable to focus on customer reviews. You must first consult with your doctor.

Rating of the best sleeping pills sold in pharmacies without a prescription

Melaxen

It can be used independently by people of all ages. It greatly facilitates going to bed, normalizes the rhythms of wakefulness and sleep, and makes waking up easier. Also used when changing hourly trains, when working at night. Available in tablet form. This is one of the fast-acting drugs.

Donormil

It has a strong sedative effect, helps you fall asleep quickly, increasing the length of sleep. Side effects: rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, dry mouth. Donormil does not have a harmful effect on the brain. Available as effervescent tablets.

Corvalol

Perfectly soothes, reduces spasms of smooth muscle tissue, dilates blood vessels, and makes it easier to go to sleep. With prolonged use or overdose, it suppresses the central nervous system, but is nevertheless well tolerated. Available in the form of drops. Corvalol is relatively cheap and is available to everyone based on its price.

Novo-Passit

This drug allows the patient to relieve anxiety, relax, and makes it easier to fall asleep. It does not cause habit due to its completely natural composition. Due to this, it can be used during pregnancy. Available in tablets and syrup. The duration of use is two weeks. Novo-Passit is inexpensive and can be ordered online at any pharmacy.

Persen Forte

It is aimed at combating insomnia. The difference between Persen and other analogues is that it can be used for a long time (1.5-2 months). It is drunk two hours before bedtime. Contraindicated during pregnancy, despite the fact that it consists of components of plant origin.

Dormiplant

An excellent sedative used to simultaneously reduce nervousness and excitability in people with sleep disorders. Approved for use by children from 6 years of age. It is drunk 2 hours before bedtime. It is not recommended to chew the tablets. Dormiplant is commercially available.

Glycine

These are sublingual tablets that reduce central nervous system excitation, increase brain metabolism, increase mental performance, and improve sleep quality. Glycine is recommended for use by persons with emotional instability and increased excitability. Glycine is a mild, over-the-counter (over-the-counter) drug.

Persen Night

This is a sedative medicine, which contains exclusively plants. Indicated for insomnia caused by increased nervous excitability. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Available in capsules.

Sungmil

Already from the first letters in the name you can understand that it is intended to normalize sleep. Its action is aimed at the quality and duration of sleep. Does not cause addiction.

Used for problems falling asleep and frequent awakenings. It does not affect the ratio of REM to slow-wave sleep. Does not cause drowsiness during the daytime.

Notta

These are sublingual homeopathic tablets. They help cope with emotional stress more easily, normalize physiological sleep, fight anxiety, irritability, increased excitability, and fatigue. Can be used from the age of three.

Classification

The category of sleeping pills includes a large number of drugs, which, depending on the active substance, can be divided into five main groups:

• Barbiturates (phenobarbital) - are included in many sedatives and sleeping pills (Valocordin, Corvaltab), sold without a prescription, and in a number of prescription drugs (Luminal, Butizol, Cyclobarbital, Pentotal), are characterized by a rapid action, but are addictive and have a high probability of overdose .
• Benzodiazepines (flunitrazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam, triazolam) are a class of psychoactive substances that reduce the excitability of central nervous system neurons, have a sedative effect, provide longer sleep, but have negative consequences, for example, they worsen the quality and change sleep cycles, and also cause addiction.
• Supplements and medications based on melatonin (a hormone that promotes deep sleep). Melatonin production decreases for various reasons, for example, due to bright light (light bulbs, monitor screens), mature age (after 45-50 years, the level of endogenous melatonin gradually decreases). The synthetic hormone reduces the time it takes to fall asleep by approximately 12 minutes.
• Z-drugs or non-benzodiazepines (zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon) – used to treat mild insomnia. The pharmacodynamics of the drugs are similar to benzodiazepine, but the advantages include a lower likelihood of developing dependence and less negative impact on health.
• Natural herbal remedies (valerian, motherwort, mint, hops) - affect the speed of transmission of nerve impulses in the brain, resulting in a reduction in stress levels, the intensity of mental processes and a more sound sleep.

Rating of prescription-only drugs

Phenazepam

This drug puts you into pharmacological sleep, lasting up to eight hours. This is a second generation tranquilizer: an anticonvulsant, antiepileptic drug. The duration of sleep depends directly on the amount of medication taken. This drug should be discontinued gradually to avoid withdrawal syndrome, tremor, nausea, and drowsiness. Because Phenazepam is a drug that depresses the central nervous system; therefore, in case of respiratory failure, its use is not acceptable. Refers to benzodiazepines. It is sold by prescription and takes first place in the ranking in terms of the number of drugs prescribed.

Imovan

Imovan, like Phenazepam, belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. The psychoactive substances included in the composition provide a depressant effect on the central nervous system, i.e. have hypnotic, anti-anxiety, sedative, relaxing, and anticonvulsant effects. Addiction develops as with any benzodiazepine within 4 months. Imovan is sold by prescription.

Ivadal

This is a sleeping pill that belongs to the imidazopyridines. The principle of action is very similar to benzodiazepines. It has the following effects: sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant. In the patient, Ivadal reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, the number of awakenings, and also increases the duration of sleep. As with benzodiazepines, habit formation is possible; use in patients with respiratory failure is prohibited.

Reladorm

Belongs to the class of barbiturates of medium duration of action. Indicated for insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, irritability. The risk of dependence on this drug directly depends on the dose taken. To achieve the required therapeutic effect, namely, a sleep duration of 8 hours, the drug must be used 1 hour before bedtime.

Sanval

Sanval is a hypnotic from the imidazopyridine group, like Ivadal. It is also indicated for use for insomnia and sleep disorders: problems falling asleep, night and early awakenings. Simultaneous use of Sanval with alcohol is strictly not recommended, because the sedative effect increases. Due to the fact that the drug contains an opioid analgesic, mental dependence may occur due to a feeling of euphoria and withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, long-term use is not recommended. Contraindicated for children, pregnant and lactating women.

Andante

A hypnotic drug of the pyrazolo-pyrimidine group. Its chemical composition differs from benzodiazepines and other hypnotics. It reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, prolongs sleep, and does not change the ratio of sleep phases. When used for up to 4 weeks, it is not addictive. Used primarily for the short-term treatment of severe forms of sleep disturbance (difficulty falling asleep) that lead to excessive fatigue. The main side effects include: amnesia, drowsiness. Contraindicated for use in children, pregnant and lactating women, patients with renal and liver failure.

What sleeping pills are best to buy?

Most serious sleeping pills have a narcotic effect and change the structure of sleep, so they are prescribed only by a doctor and are available with a prescription. The class of prescription sleeping pills includes barbiturates and benzodiazepine-based drugs. Such drugs have a sedative or stimulating effect and are prescribed according to an individual regimen. Sleeping pills without a prescription are a solution if you are temporarily unable to see a specialist or in case of short-term sleep problems.

Modern synthetic drugs based on ethanolamines are relatively safe, do not change sleep phases and provide a sleep duration of up to 8 hours. And as a pleasant bonus from taking them, you will get strong nerves and a good mood.

Melatonin will give you sound sleep without the addictive effect and dizziness. A synthetic analogue of the sleep hormone regulates rest-wake cycles, and has a positive effect on the emotional and intellectual sphere. In addition, melatonin is an excellent remedy for weather dependence, as it adapts the body to changing weather conditions.

There are homeopathic medicines on sale that are safe for children and the elderly, and which, when used regularly, relieve insomnia. If sleep problems are the consequences of neuroses and worries, choose sleeping pills with a sedative effect. Also suitable for children are soothing herbal infusions and syrups that will calm a hyperactive baby and give him a sound and healthy sleep.

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The best teas for insomnia

Chamomile tea

Chamomile for insomnia is an effective method for improving sleep. Chamomile calms the central nervous system, helps relieve tension and fatigue.

There are times when it is necessary to use a safe, natural, pharmaceutical product to normalize sleep. For example, use in children and pregnant women. Chamomile is one of these remedies. The plant has earned popularity because it has virtually no contraindications. Chamomile has an unobtrusive odor and contains an antioxidant that promotes relaxation, stress relief and easy falling asleep. This is a very good remedy for insomnia in children, provided there are no allergic reactions, because it's harmless.

Chamomile tea has the following benefits:

• relieves stress and anxiety;
• improves sleep.

Drinking one cup of tea at night is enough to help the body fall asleep easier and sleep more soundly. But you should not expect an immediate effect; such teas must be drunk for at least two weeks to feel their effects and the tea must be strong enough.

Mint tea

Mint is known to everyone for its medicinal properties. Peppermint tea is used for stress, insomnia, and anxiety.

The recipe for tea has been known since ancient times; our ancestors coped well with the disease without medications. Mint could solve not only sleep problems, but also alleviate more severe diseases.

Tea restores and strengthens the nervous system and improves sleep. It helps to calm down and relax after a hard day, relieve tension and pain. This is due to the fact that mint contains menthol. Just like chamomile, peppermint tea is a completely natural and natural sedative. It can be drunk by children in small quantities, as well as by pregnant women. This is a definite advantage over sleeping pills for insomnia. But, despite the advantages of mint tea, it also has disadvantages: in case of severe sleep disorders or depression, it is unlikely to lead to the desired therapeutic effect; Use with caution in men - it negatively affects potency with prolonged use. Buying mint at a pharmacy kiosk is not difficult; doctors even recommend using it in complex therapy.

Tea with hawthorn

Hawthorn is a medicinal plant that has been known since ancient times. Hawthorn tea is used in folk medicine to normalize the psycho-emotional state and treat diseases of the circulatory system. Tea is also used in traditional medicine. Doctors agree with the fact that when used simultaneously with hawthorn and classical therapeutic treatment, hawthorn helps improve the patient's condition. For stress, insomnia, nervous tension and pressure surges in pregnant women, tea is an excellent remedy for normalizing the condition of women. Many people think that hawthorn acts on the body as a sedative and a remedy for insomnia. But this opinion is not entirely correct, hawthorn only stabilizes blood pressure, has a relaxing effect on the heart muscle, thereby achieving a weak sedative effect. The main action that is most valued in hawthorn is its strong cardiotonic effect. The substances contained in hawthorn strengthen and relax the heart muscle, dilate the blood vessels that nourish the heart and brain. The tea is easy to prepare at home and is suitable even for the elderly and diabetics.

Hop cone tea

It has broad medicinal properties and is used as an effective method of combating insomnia. The unique properties of hop cones can be explained by its composition, which contains beneficial microelements in huge quantities. They contain essential oils, zinc, potassium, iodine, tannin, and B vitamins. Hops, although a useful and medicinal plant, are poisonous. It is necessary to know not only what hop cones are used for, but also when it is contraindicated to use it. The substances contained in the buds can accumulate in the body, so it is necessary to take breaks from taking this tea. It is recommended to use it for no more than a month. Pregnant and lactating women, those with cancer and high estrogen levels should not drink hop teas.

Considering the beneficial effect of tea on the body for insomnia, you should not immediately consult a doctor to prescribe serious medications; you can try to cope with this condition on your own. Cones can be freely purchased at a pharmacy or grown on your own plot and harvested yourself.

Side effects

Long-term use or overdose of insomnia drugs can lead to a number of negative consequences:

• less deep and slow breathing (dangerous for bronchial asthma and other pulmonary diseases);
• complications from liver diseases (especially when taking medications containing valerian);
• hypotension;
• nausea, heartburn, poor digestion (constipation, diarrhea);
• dizziness, loss of balance;
• drowsiness in the morning after waking up;
• decreased mental performance, attention and memory;
• lethargy and feeling of overwork;
• addiction and decrease in pharmacological effect (especially in old age);
• rebound syndrome after stopping medication (shallow sleep, nightmares, deterioration in well-being);
• allergic reaction (chest pain, difficulty swallowing, urticaria, hoarseness, nausea, tachycardia, swelling of the eyelids, lips or nose).

It is necessary to follow the general rules for taking sleeping pills:

• Use medications no more than once every 3-5 days, and if taken daily, no more than 2 weeks.
• Study the interactions of drugs taken simultaneously. In some cases, combinations of drugs increase the sedative effect, cause bleeding, and a decrease in pressure to critical levels.
• Avoid the use of alcohol, antihistamines and painkillers.

The best folk recipes for insomnia

Folk remedies for insomnia in healthy but easily excitable people come down to maintaining a sleep schedule. To prevent insomnia, you need to go to bed at the same time, observing biological rhythms. The most effective way is to go to bed early and wake up early. For insomnia that continues for a long time, along with the treatment prescribed by the doctor, it can be advised to regularly take some simple natural traditional medicine. Recipes for insomnia:

• Honey is the most delicious and safe sleeping pill for people who are not allergic to it. There are no special recipes with honey, just take 1 teaspoon of it before bed. Due to its sedative properties, drowsiness will appear after half an hour;
• medicinal baths - essential oils, salt and herbal infusions based on mint, hop cones and other soothing herbs are added to hot water;
• herbal teas, decoctions and tinctures from: oregano, St. John's wort, mint, motherwort, valerian root, chamomile flowers, hop cones, lavender. These teas can replace coffee and tea. To prevent insomnia, teas can be used independently without a doctor’s prescription. They are suitable for children and adults;
• using clay - make compresses and apply to the soles of your feet, wearing warm socks at night. Or apply it to your temples and forehead before going to bed and keep it for 20 minutes;
• aromatherapy - oils are rubbed into whiskey, aromatize the room or added to hot baths. The aromas of the oils will help you relax and calm the nervous system. The following oils are used: bergamot, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, orange.

Other non-addictive sleep medications

Popular new generation products are not suitable for everyone. The reason is the presence of current contraindications, intolerance to the composition, sale by prescription or other factors. As an alternative, modern medicine offers other groups of pills to normalize sleep:

• over-the-counter insomnia medications;
• medicines with natural composition;
• hormone-based tablets;
• homeopathic medicines.

Regardless of the group of tablets you choose, you should definitely consult your doctor before starting treatment. The specialist will recommend the optimal course of treatment and, if necessary, adjust the treatment regimen.

Sleeping pills without a prescription

Pharmacies do not require a doctor’s permission when purchasing medications that are recognized as harmless to health. This category includes herbal sleep-improving tablets, vitamin complexes, and the previously mentioned neurohormones and antihistamines. The rating of the most popular and safe over-the-counter medications for insomnia includes the following medications:

The duration of use depends on the severity of insomnia. Before using the tablets, you must carefully study the instructions.

Hormonal drugs

Hormonal-based drugs restore daily biorhythms due to the presence of melatonin. The artificially synthesized sleep hormone quickly stabilizes the condition and rarely causes adverse reactions. In addition to Melaxen, there are several effective analogues prescribed for insomnia:

• "Vita-Melatonin";
• "Melarena";
• "Cikrkadin";
• "Melarhythm".

Melatonin-based medications help improve sleep and eliminate other problems caused by lack of sleep. It is recommended to take hormonal pills for no more than 2-3 weeks.

Herbal sleep aids

Naturally based medications are gentle and rarely cause adverse reactions. The exception is cases of intolerance to the composition. Preparations from plants with a sedative effect are produced:

• old flower;
• valerian;
• peony;
• chamomile;
• hop;
• St. John's wort;
• lavender;
• motherwort.

The medicine can be purchased or prepared by following a prescription. Herbal medicines are sold in the form of tablets, drops and tinctures. The raw materials for the infusion or decoction can be collected independently or purchased at the pharmacy.

Homeopathy against insomnia

The slogan of homeopathy is: “like cures like.” According to adherents of science, the effect is due to the highly diluted natural components included in the preparations. It is recommended to take the following medications to relieve anxiety and improve sleep:

• "Ignacia";
• "Lycopodium";
• "Aconite";
• "Coffee";
• "Apcenikum album".

It is important to know! Due to the low concentration of active ingredients, many scientists compare homeopathy with placebo. The term refers to the provision of a positive effect due to belief in the effectiveness of a drug that does not have medicinal properties.

How to take it so you don't get used to it

Despite the fact that many sleeping pills are freely available in modern pharmacies, their use should be treated with the utmost caution.

In order to avoid addiction to such products, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

• carefully study the proposed instructions;
• strictly follow the dosage indicated in the instructions;
• do not exceed the maximum permissible duration of taking the drug.

Advantages of drops

Sleeping pills come in different types. They differ in both release form and composition. And, despite their common purpose, they cope with the task in different ways.

Some remedies have a short-term effect, others help you fall asleep quickly, and some affect the depth of sleep, but do not make it easier to fall asleep.

The action of synthetic tablet drugs is aimed at inhibiting impulses and suppressing the central nervous system. Preparations with a more natural composition have a slight sedative effect, reduce emotional arousal and provide healthy and natural relaxation. Most often, such drugs are produced in the form of liquid solutions.

The main advantage of drop formulations is their bioavailability. These are fast-acting agents that are absorbed into the bloodstream in a short time and provide the desired result.

The dosage of such drugs is easy to adjust up or down and they do not cause withdrawal symptoms or persistent addiction.

How to choose sleeping pills

Sleep disorders are common. The cause may be serious mental illness, nervous disorders due to overwork, etc. One person has difficulty falling asleep, another wakes up in the middle of the night, a third cannot sleep at all.

In order to choose the most suitable sleep aid, you need to consult your doctor.

Perhaps one medication is not enough to normalize sleep; complex treatment is required. If you have persistent insomnia, you need to be examined by a somnologist. Treatment is selected according to the existing sleep disorders. Some drugs (for example, herbal) require long-term use, while others are prescribed in short courses to avoid drug dependence.

What you need to know about taking sleeping pills

If dreams are normal at night, there are no constant awakenings and the process of falling asleep is quick, then there is no need to use sleeping pills. But if problems appear, then the person begins to experience unpleasant sensations, powerlessness, and overwork. If a person cannot sleep well for a week, then he will be overwhelmed and have difficulty performing any normal activities.

To combat sleep disorders, you will need to resort to more targeted measures. If a person is depressed and goes to work daily or on the night shift, then sleeping pills are indicated.

Before you start taking over-the-counter sleeping pills to help you sleep soundly, here are some tips to follow:

1. Medicine for insomnia must be taken daily, not from time to time. This will help eliminate unwanted symptoms and stabilize dreams.
2. When taking mild sleeping pills, you should not take other medications together or resort to alcoholic beverages. They will affect the effect of the sleeping pill and significantly reduce it.
3. If a person is taking sleeping pills, then one should not drive a car or perform actions that require attention.

Attention! If insomnia troubles you regularly, then choose herbal remedies for insomnia.

In pharmacy kiosks, people can find a large number of remedies for insomnia without prescriptions.

Homeopathic

Homeopathic medicines are mild and non-addictive medicines. They help correct sleep and overcome all associated symptoms. But not everyone knows which is the best sleeping pill to use. Let's consider homeopathic tranquilizers that will help overcome sleep disorders and nervous system disorders.

Notta

This is the best homeopathic medicine that fights the symptoms of insomnia and all manifestations of nervous system excitability. It is particularly effective for irritability, fatigue, feelings of fear, and sleep disorders. Produced in tablets and drops.

Pros: the advantages of the drug are:

• improves night sleep;
• no addiction;
• prevents headaches;
• does not cause adverse reactions;
• fights signs of drowsiness;
• stabilizes the activity of the nervous system.

The disadvantages of the drug are:

• may cause increased sensitivity;
• sometimes when used, symptoms worsen;
• These are weak sleeping pills.

The only contraindication is hypersensitivity to the active component.

Price: the cost of the drug in tablets is 190 rubles, in drops – 360 rubles.

Studying the reviews, we can say that Notta helps cope with obsessive insomnia. For complete disappearance of all symptoms, long-term use of the drug will be required.

Analogues: the drug has no analogues.

Nervochel

A non-addictive sleeping pill of a new generation. It is characterized by a sedative and anticonvulsant effect. Helps cope with all problems of the nervous system, and also normalizes restful sleep.

Pros: Advantages include:

• completely natural herbs (contains only harmless herbs);
• has a mild effect without causing addiction;
• considered the safest sleeping pill.

Cons: Negative points include:

• may cause allergic reactions;
• sometimes during treatment there may be an increase in symptoms;
• there are contraindications.

Contraindications: the drug is prohibited for use in cases of hypersensitivity to the components in the composition, in children under 3 years of age.

Price: the cost of the drug is within 350-380 rubles.

Reviews about the product are mixed, as buyers say that it did not help with insomnia, but eliminated nervous tension. It is considered an excellent sedative, but not a sleeping pill.

Analogs are Rinitol Edas, Passiflora Edas, Mastodinon.

Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy is produced in the form of drops that need to be instilled under the tongue. After instillation, wait 10 seconds, after which the product is swallowed.

Pros: the benefits of the product include:

• drops eliminate signs of fatigue;
• effective for symptoms of depression;
• Excellent help to cope with sleep problems;
• correct the activity of the nervous system;
• used during pregnancy and lactation.

Cons: the drug also has disadvantages:

• has no analogues;
• not sold in pharmacies, but only on the manufacturer’s official website;
• not recommended for children under one year old.

Contraindications: the medication is prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to the components in the composition.

Price: the cost of the drug is from 700 to 1,700 rubles.

Reviews from patients indicate that the drops quickly help cope with sleep problems. Improvements are noted after the first instillation. After 14 days, all symptoms completely disappear.

Analogues: Rescue Remedy has no analogues.