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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sleeping pills come in many forms, such as supplements, and people can buy many of them over-the-counter pills. However, many people can fall asleep by practicing good sleep hygiene practices and trying alternative techniques and behaviors. Share on Pinterest Quick linksBest for sleep disorders MelatoninBest natural sleep aid Valerian rootBest short-term solution: Sedating antihistamines Who should take sleeping pills When a person has insomnia, they may have trouble falling or staying asleep, wake up too early, or not feel refreshed upon waking. However, many people may not need sleeping pills to treat insomnia. Lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising during the day and avoiding large meals, alcohol, and caffeine before bed can often improve a person’s sleep. Changing the sleep environment, such as replacing an old mattress, might also help. Learn about the best mattresses for sleep disorders here. If making these adjustments does not help treat severe insomnia, a sleeping pill may be a good short-term solution. There is a range of sleeping pills available to buy, including supplements and other over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Anyone with ongoing insomnia should consult their doctor about the best approach. Learn more about sleep Learn more about the science of sleep, how to treat sleep issues, and more about sleep here. Over-the-counter sleep aids Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Below are three of the best non-prescription sleeping pills a person can purchase online. Best for sleep disorders MelatoninDosage: Up to 10 milligrams (mg)Best for: Circadian rhythm sleep disordersBenefits: May help people with shift work, jet lag, insomnia, and those living in places with short night hoursRisks: Overdose and safety in pregnancy The brain produces the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle by telling the body that it is almost time for sleep. The brain makes less melatonin when it is light outside and more when it is dark, such as during the winter. Age also plays a role according to older research — as a person ages, they produce less melatonin. Learn about using melatonin for children here. Many sleeping aids contain melatonin. They tend to be most effective for people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders, which are problems with the timing of sleeping or waking up. Melatonin can beneficial for people:experiencing jet laghaving trouble falling asleep at nightdoing shift work In recent years, manufacturers have marketed snacks and drinks that contain melatonin as “relaxation” products. However, doctors do not know if they are effective. Learn about types of melatonin products here. Melatonin supplements are available without a prescription from drug stores, supermarkets, and online shops. Melatonin is available in dosages of 1–10 mg, and a person should take them at bedtime. How long the effects last depend on the dosage taken. Learn more about how long melatonin lasts here. It is possible to overdose on melatonin, so people should always follow product instructions or talk with a doctor about safe dosages. Limited evidence suggests that melatonin can treat insomnia. Although there are mixed findings, most research, including a 2017 meta-analysis, indicates that it can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Experts do not know if melatonin is safe to use during pregnancy. Learn more about using melatonin for sleep here.SHOP NOW Best natural sleep aid Valerian rootDosage: Variable, so it is best to speak to a doctor before takingBest for: Those who want a natural remedyBenefits: May help those with insomniaRisks: Can cause side effects including headaches and dizziness Valerian root is a common ingredient from the valerian plant. Many herbal supplements contain valerian to improve sleep, relieve anxiety, and support relaxation. Learn about the similarities and differences between valerian and melatonin here. The supplements come in many forms, such as teas, liquids, and capsules. They may suit people who do not want to take pills or medication. Several clinical studies show that taking valerian can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia. However, not enough evidence is available to confirm whether valerian root is an effective sleep aid. Learn more about if valerian root can help anxiety and insomnia here. The safety profile of valerian root remains unclear. Possible side effects may include headaches, dizziness, itchiness, and stomach problems. Some people feel groggy or drowsy in the morning after taking valerian root. Because the medical community is still unsure of the effects, people who are pregnant and children under 3 years of age should not use valerian root. Valerian root-based sleep aids are available in drug stores, health food stores, and online shops. People should speak to their doctor for advice on safety and dosage. Learn about other natural sleep supplements here.SHOP NOW Best for a short-term solution Sedating antihistaminesDosage: Depends on the drugBest for: Those seeking a short-term solutionBenefits: May help those who find it difficult to fall and stay asleepRisks: Drowsiness, the body can get used to them, thereby reducing their effectiveness Sedating antihistamines can help people who have trouble falling or staying asleep. Some OTC antihistamines, which people usually use to treat allergies, can cause drowsiness. Learn more about antihistamines here. Not all antihistamines have this effect. Some people use sedating antihistamines, also known as first-generation antihistamines, to promote sleep or relieve tension and anxiety. The following are sedating antihistamines:diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryldoxylamine, the active ingredient in Unisomcyclizine, the active ingredient in Marezine According to research, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness. People use them to treat long-term allergy symptoms, and they are not effective as sleeping aids. The following are nonsedating antihistamines:cetirizine, the active ingredient in Zyrtecloratadine, the active ingredient in Claritinfexofenadine, the active ingredient in Allegra Learn about the differences between Zyrtec and Claritin here. A doctor may recommend a sedating antihistamine, but only as a short-term solution. Though they are not addictive, the body gets used to them quickly, so they can become less effective over time. It is possible to overdose on antihistamines, so people should always follow product instructions or talk with a doctor to determine a safe dosage. Learn about the risks and how to take antihistamines safely here.SHOP NOW How to use sleeping pills safely Always follow the instructions for OTC sleeping aids, including valerian products and antihistamines containing diphenhydramine or doxylamine. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the following advice for people taking sleeping pills:never take a pill without a doctor’s approvaldo not drink alcohol before using the medicationtake the first dose when you have planned no activities for the following morningdo not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after taking a sleeping pillcontact a doctor right away if any complications occur Side effects and risks A 2018 overview of sedatives and hypnotics states that this type of medication can be effective for short-term use, but it may make insomnia worse if used over a long period of time. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sedating medications can leave people feeling drowsy during the following day. They may also affect a person’s ability to drive and engage in activities that require them to be alert. In some cases, they can cause people to perform actions, including driving, walking, eating, or making phone calls, while asleep. This is commonly known as sleepwalking. Some sleeping pills may also interfere with:remembering to take birth control pills regularlycimetidine for heartburnmedications for fungal infections Do not take any sleeping aids before driving or operating machinery. When to see a doctor According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people in the United States have sleep issues. In fact, drowsy driving is a major concern, causing thousands of injury crashes and hundreds of fatal crashes in a year. People who have trouble sleeping well regularly should see a doctor immediately. This can help them identify the best course of treatment and limit or eliminate risks of non-treatment, such as accidents on and off the road, work performance problems, and persistent fatigue. It can also help them pinpoint the causes of their sleep issues or disorders. For example, an individual may have a problem falling asleep due to stress, while another may find that they are a light sleeper and needs more deep sleep. Frequently asked questions about non-prescription sleeping pills The following are commonly asked questions and answers about sleeping pills. When should a person use sleeping pills The best time to take melatonin will depend on the nature of the sleep problem:Sleeping pills for insomnia: A person with insomnia should take a sleeping aid, which includes valerian and sedative antihistamines, just before or at bedtime.Sleeping pills for jet lag: Melatonin is a good option if tackling jet lag. Take melatonin several hours before the intended bedtime every day throughout the trip and a few days afterward. Sleeping pills for shift work: Melatonin may also be the best option for people managing shift work. Taking melatonin at the end of a shift can help prepare the body for bed. People taking sedating antihistamines should follow the directions on the medication or the advice of a medical professional. When to take valerian depends on the type a person uses. Generally, people can take valerian an hour before going to bed. People should follow the recommended dosage for supplements. Learn more about valerian dosage here. How to choose the best sleeping pill The best type of sleeping pill for a person will depend on the cause of sleep issues and a person’s sleep patterns. People with insomnia may benefit from one medication, while those with jet lag can experience the best results from another. People may want to start with a low-dose melatonin product or a valerian root supplement. If they do not experience improved sleep, they can look into a higher dosage. The best way to determine the most suitable sleeping pill or dosage is to consult with a doctor for personalized recommendations. What are ways to fall asleep naturally A range of practices can help encourage sleep naturally, including:Regular exercise: People can engage in physical activity several hours before bedtime to encourage sleep.Avoiding stimulants: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for several hours before bedtime.Sleep schedule: Maintain the same sleep schedule where possible, even on days off, going to sleep and waking up at the same time.Sleep environment: Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and slightly cool to encourage comfortable sleep.Avoid screens: People should stop using screens, such as smartphones, TVs, and personal devices, at least 1 hour before bed. Learn more about ways to fall asleep naturally here. What is the strongest sleep aid over the counter Doxylamine is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is an antihistamine. However, it is only suitable for short-term use. A person should contact a doctor and check that doxylamine is safe for them to use before taking it. It can cause extreme fatigue that can continue if a person wakes up soon after taking it. Can I take a sleep aid every night Sleeping pills can cause side effects, and certain medications, such as antihistamines may not be suitable for long-term use. A person should work with a doctor to determine what is causing their insomnia before taking sleep medications every night. A doctor will be able to advise on the best and most sustainable way to treat insomnia. Summary OTC sleeping pills may contain an antihistamine or melatonin. There are also natural options a person can choose, such as valerian root. Sleeping aids can help a person get more sleep, but most are only suitable for short-term use. A person should always speak with a doctor about their sleep problems before using a new over-the-counter sleep aid. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022Sleep / Sleep Disorders / InsomniaCat 1sleepsupplements 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Antihistamines. (2017).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547896/Auld, F., et al. (2017). Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders [Abstract].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28648359Doxylamine. (2018).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682537.htmlFernández-San-Martín, M. I., et al. (2010). Effectiveness of valerian on insomnia: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials [Abstract]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20347389Karasek, M. (2004). Melatonin, human aging, and age-related diseases.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15582288/#:~:text=Melatonin%20levels%20decline%20gradually%20over,an%20integral%20part%20of%20aging.Melatonin. (2020.).http://sleepeducation.org/treatment-therapy/melatoninSedatives and hypnotics. (2018).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547943/Ten safety tips for taking sleeping pills for insomnia. (2019).http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/01/10/ten-safety-tips-for-taking-sleeping-pills-for-insomniaTips for better sleep. (2016).https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.htmlValerian: Fact sheet for health professionals. (2013).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessionalFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Amanda Barrell — Updated on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageMelatonin for sleep: What to knowMedically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces when it gets dark to signal that it is time to go to sleep. Melatonin supplements can help people with…READ MOREWhat to know about sleep aidsMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD People who have difficulty falling or staying asleep may wish to try using sleep aids. Various over-the-counter, prescription, and natural sleep aids…READ MOREWhat are natural sleeping pills?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Natural sleeping pills include ingredients such as melatonin and lavender, but there has been limited research into these pills. Learn more here.READ MOREHaving trouble sleeping: What to knowMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Sleeping difficulties can negatively impact a person’s health. Read this article to learn about the causes and treatment options available.READ MORE