The Best Over The Counter Sleep Aids and Natural Sleeping Pills 2023 (Expert Reviewed)

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What are Over the Counter Sleep Aids?

Sleep aids, also known as sleeping pills, are medications or supplements that help a person sleep. You don’t need a prescription in order to buy over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills.

OTC sleep aids use antihistamines (like doxylamine succinate) as their primary ingredient. Antihistamines work by blocking certain brain chemicals, which make you feel sleepy. There are also natural sleeping aids that use herbs for sleep or other natural elements.

Let’s explore when to use sleeping pills and the popular options that are available.

When to Use OTC Sleeping Pills?

Many people take OTC sleeping pills to get quality sleep, but many people may not need them. Exercising, avoiding alcohol and other healthy behaviors can often improve sleep^[1] and prevent insomnia.

If lifestyle changes don’t work or you’re still experiencing poor sleep, an OTC may be a good solution. They may help you adopt better sleeping habits.

Sleeping pills are generally safe for short-term use. Yet, studies^[2] of OTC sleep aids don’t have reliable results on both how well they work and how safe they are.

Active Ingredients To Look For In Sleep Aids

There are some of the active ingredients to look at while choosing the best sleep aids.

Melatonin: Melatonin naturally exists as a sleep hormone and is made in the body. One of the factors that influence its production is time. That is, its levels notably increase during the evening and subside as it approaches the morning hours.

One review article published in the PLOS ONE Journal concluded that melatonin has a positive effect on sleep quality and that it impacts sleep-onset latency, and improves sleep hours. The study also indicates that it made the users feel more refreshed after sleep.

L-Theanine: This ingredient occurs naturally in the body in form of amino acids. It is mostly featured in anti-anxiety support supplements because of its calming effects.

Research published in the Pharmaceutical Biology Journal checked into the effectiveness of GABA and L-theanine formula on sleep in subjects. The conclusion hints that sleep latency improved by 14.9% and sleep increased by above 24.5% across the study participants.

Gama Aminobutyric Acid: Shortened to GABA acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is among the highly essential amino acids that support brain function. A research report appearing in the Journal of Clinical Neurology records that in a double-blind trial, the administration of 300 mg of this ingredient daily was done, it improved sleep quality and did not cause any unwanted results.

Chamomile: Most top-rated sleep support products and best sleeping pills list this ingredient as being their key component. Besides, the sedative properties of chamomile have made it a widely used herb and remedy for different conditions.

In the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, one study highlights that the oral administration of this herb promotes sleep quality in terms of time and consistency.

Tryptophan: This ingredient works indirectly in that it actively promotes the synthesis of key support chemicals in the body. In precise, tryptophan is an amino acid that aids heighten the production of serotonin and melatonin and serotonin.

A study shared in the Journal of Medicine points out that this component may ease sleep disorders temporarily.

Eucalyptus Leaf Oil: This is an essential oil that for centuries has been used in aromatherapy because of its stress-relieving benefits. It is said to improve sleep, support good mood, lower depression, and increase calmness.

A randomized trial study shared in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine supports the sleep support benefits associated with this leaf oil.

Tips For Choosing The Best Sleep Aids

First, identify what is affecting your sleep. There are lots of factors that may be preventing you from getting a good night’s rest. Since OTC sleep aids are best for short-term use, figuring out what kind of sleep problems you have will help you decide if they are right for you.

Then, talk with your healthcare provider. They can make sure the sleep supplement won’t interact with any other medications you are taking. Always ask your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before choosing a supplement.

Remember to read the label and look for any precautions. Some supplements may have limitations if you have medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer. Keep in mind that sleeping aids may also affect other areas of your life, like driving.

Review of The Best Sleep Aids 2023

The following sleep aids are highly popular in the market. They have commonly used sleeping pills with reviews from buyers.

Sleep Support Plus

Results: This formula offers a synergistic variety of active herbs, minerals, and vitamins; notably including l-theanine, melatonin and valerian root. Sleep Support Plus reviews are positive and you can definitely consider buying it.

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VitalSleep

Results: The snoring is effectively gone for maximum customers and they have said that VitalSleep has worked miraculously for them. Additionally, this natural sleep aid always comes under the list of top 10 sleeping pills and could be considered as one of the safe natural sleep remedies.

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Onnit New Mood

Results: Onnit New Mood is an all natural sleep aid that contains a number of ingredients that promote a relaxed, calm feeling. It also raises levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which can boost good mood and decrease feelings of anxiety.

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Som Sleep

Results: Som Sleep nighttime sleep aid formula is packed with all the right ingredients that address sleep from three different angles, providing a more comprehensive solution. This natural sleep remedy also has improved the sleep quality of people who have trouble falling asleep and provided them with peace of mind and relaxation.

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ActivatedYou AdrenaLife

Results: Some people prefer to take AdrenaLife, one of the natural sleep aids in the morning because the formula includes Taurine, which helps keep them calm throughout the day, while others report they like taking it before bed because it calms their mind and helps them sleep better.

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Snoran Plus

Results: Snoran Plus is one of the best sleep supplements designed for women and men who are looking for support in the fight against snoring. According to the reviews, Snoran Plus is the best method against snoring and for better sleep and regular consumption has made it easier to fall asleep and better recovery.

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ZzzQuil

Results: There are no any peer-reviewed studies on ZzzQuil that can show the effectiveness of otc sleep aids. Yet, many people comment that it works.

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Natrol Melatonin

Results: Melatonin supplements have been heavily researched in peer-reviewed studies with mixed results. Furthermore, Natrol Melatonin may not be the best over the counter sleep aid, as it has got some mixed reviews and reports.

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Olly Sleep

Results: Reports show that Olly sleeping pill has worked for users. Customer reviews have shown that vitamins for sleep boost the natural sleep hormone and encourage relaxation of the mind and body.

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Avinol PM

Results: Currently there are no peer-reviewed studies using Avinol-PM and many of the consumer reviews are mixed.

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Unisom

Results: The SleepGels have a 3.7-star rating with over 550 reviews on their website. But many of the reviews report it helped them fall asleep and they woke up feeling refreshed, however, few reviews say that there is better best otc sleep aid on the market.

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HUM Beauty zzZz

Results: Customers claim that all the active ingredients in HUM Beauty zzZz are natural, gentle, and non-habit forming. You can take it for as long as you feel necessary and stop anytime. But there might be some potential side effects that are associated with these types of over the counter sleeping pills.

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Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Supplement

Results: One of the customer’s experiences with the Calm sleep aid said, “When mixed with warm it turns into magnesium citrate, which is used as a bowel preparation in large doses. It also provides no benefit if it doesn’t fizz up when mixed in warm water and your wasting your money, has a pleasant taste.”

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Thorne Melaton-3

Results: Thorne Melaton-3 has sleep-promoting efficacy by decreasing the amount of time needed to fall asleep, by promoting the ability to stay asleep but sometimes this sleep supplement gives hard time waking up to some users, as it leaves the after-effects.

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Sleep Aids is Not a Magic Cure

OTC sleep aids are not a magic cure. They may be effective for an occasional sleepless night. Yet, with long-term use, many people develop a tolerance for them. So the longer you take them, the less likely they will help with sleep issues.

Many people also report feeling groggy the next day. While others report other side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or daytime drowsiness. Stop using OTC sleeping pills if you have any side effects, and try the options of natural sleep remedies.

Keep in mind that OTC supplements are not reviewed and regulated by the FDA. There is no standardization in terms of dosage or formulas. This doesn’t mean they don’t work. It just means it’s important to buy from reputable sources and to review the labels.

Best Sleep Aids – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between OTC sleeping pills and prescribed sleeping pills?

A. A primary difference is that prescribed sleeping pills are approved by the FDA, while OTC sleeping pills are not. OTC sleep supplements typically contain natural ingredients. Prescription sleeping pills tend to have chemicals.

Q. Are sleeping pills or sleep aids right for you?

A. OTC sleep aids may be right for you if you have short-term difficulty sleeping and if you’ve talked with your physician to ensure it is safe for you to take.

Q: Are Sleep Aids Safe?

A: All natural Sleep aids are generally safe, but they do have a few known negative effects that may affect your health.

Note: OTC antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate (also sold and bought over the counter). While they are often used as sleep aids, it is not their primary use. There is not a substantial amount of evidence that they work effectively as sleep aids, and they may involve adverse after-effects.

Always speak with your doctor before adding any medication or supplement to your regimen.

Q. Can sleeping pills treat insomnia?

A. Sleeping pills do work and can be an effective treatment for insomnia. There are side effects and it’s important to take it as recommended.

Q. How long do OTC sleeping pills take to work?

A. Once you’ve taken a sleeping pill, it’s important to plan on going to bed shortly after. Many OTC sleep supplements recommend taking 15-20 minutes before bedtime. It’s also helpful to stop doing activities after taking the supplement.

Q. When should I take a sleeping pill?

A. If you’re planning on taking a sleeping pill, take it at least eight hours before you want to wake up. If you take it sooner than that, you may wake up feeling groggy.

Q: What is the most popular OTC sleep aid?

A: Melatonin is chosen as the most popular OTC Sleep aid as per the best sleep aids reviews and research. But if Melatonin doesn’t seem to work for you, consider trying over the counter sleep aids like ZzzQuil or Onnit New Mood.

Q. What causes poor sleep?

A. Stress is a common cause of insomnia. Yet, there are many factors that affect sleep quality. Nutrition choices, hormones, chronic disease, or work schedules can affect sleep.

Best Sleep Aids – The Bottom Line

Taking OTC sleep supplements can be helpful for those who are unable to get quality sleep on their own. Since there are different formulas for each brand, trial and error can help individuals find the right one.

Always be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about supplements before starting to take one. Experts also agree that sleeping pills are not the only part of the solution.

*Disclaimer: Health Insiders aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or sleep disorder with fact-based content about the nature of sleep health conditions, treatment options, and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited, and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.