Sleep Support
Poor sleep affects every aspect of health. OTC sleep aids and supplements can help occasional sleeplessness.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking frequently at night
- Daytime fatigue from poor sleep
Over-the-Counter Options
Melatonin
Hormone that signals sleep onset
Examples: Natrol, Nature Made, ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs
Diphenhydramine
OTC antihistamine with sedating effect
Examples: Unisom SleepTabs, ZzzQuil, Benadryl
Magnesium glycinate
Relaxes muscles and promotes sleep
Examples: Natural Calm, Thorne
Valerian root
Herbal relaxant
Examples: Nature's Bounty, Solgar
Helpful Tips
- Start with low-dose melatonin (0.5–1mg) before escalating
- Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
- Antihistamine sleep aids lose effectiveness quickly — don't use nightly
When to See a Doctor
Seek care if sleep problems persist beyond a few weeks, you snore loudly, or wake gasping for air (possible sleep apnea).