With the busy and hectic schedules people maintain today, it can be difficult to get a good night's rest. While making sleep a priority is ideal, the reality is that underlying issues or occasional sleeplessness leaves many looking for help. If you find yourself having trouble sleeping, there are a few different types of sleep aids available that may provide relief. However, it's important to choose carefully and understand both risks and benefits.

Over-the-Counter Sleep Medications
Some of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids available include antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). While these can cause drowsiness, they have been shown to reduce time to fall asleep when taken before bed. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Studies have found it effective and safe for improving sleep onset when used 1-3 hours before bedtime. Unfortunately, OTC medications like antihistamines do carry risks like next-day drowsiness and potential side effects in the elderly or those with certain health conditions.

Prescription Sleep Medications
For those with more persistent insomnia, prescription sleep medications may provide stronger, more targeted relief. Common types include benzodiazepines like temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion), which act on GABA receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and relaxation. Non-benzodiazepine options are also available that have fewer side effects and abuse potential. Another class is the antidepressants trazodone (Oleptro) and mirtazapine (Remeron), prescribed in lower doses for sleep than for depression. While prescription sleep aids can help when used short-term, dependence and next-day impairment remain potential concerns with long-term use.

Herbal Sleep Remedies
Some people choose to try herbal sleep remedies, though research on effectiveness and safety is limited for many. Valerian root extracts are one of the most frequently studied and have shown an ability to reduce sleep latency and improve sleep quality. Other herbal options to explore include chamomile, hops, passionflower, lemon balm, and kava. It's unclear if they work as well as prescription medications but many find herbal sleep aids to be a gentler option with fewer side effects. As with any supplement, speak with your doctor before use—especially if you take other medications—as herb-drug interactions are possible.

Natural Sleep Hygiene and Therapies
Beyond sleep aids, promoting good sleep hygiene and addressing underlying issues with lifestyle and behavioral therapies are important components of long-term insomnia management. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, and limiting caffeine and daytime naps can help reset your body's internal clock. Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and quiet activities before bed provide natural relaxation. Treatment of co-occurring issues like chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can also improve sleep quality over time with talk therapy or lifestyle changes. For some, cognitive behavioral therapy directly targeting sleep issues delivers long-lasting effects.

Choosing Wisely for Your Needs
Regardless of the approach, consulting your doctor is key when suffering from ongoing insomnia. They can help rule out medical conditions influencing sleep, address underlying risk factors, and monitor your response to treatments over time. When used judiciously and coupled with healthy habits, sleep aids can provide temporary relief. But establishing a consistent wind-down routine and addressing lifestyle factors that impair sleep are important for long-term success. With care and guidance, most people can find effective strategies tailored to their individual needs.