Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder that can occur acutely (short-term) or chronically (long-term). Acute insomnia lasts from one night to several weeks. But chronic insomnia occurs at least three nights a week and lasts for three months or more. Use it for a short time. Learn more about the most common medications that can help improve your sleep.

What is the best medicine for insomnia at night?

There are different types of sleeping pills.... Some of these drugs need to be prescribed by a doctor.. while you can get some of them without a doctor's prescription.

Non-prescription sleeping pills

Products that are provided to you by pharmacies without a prescription are:

1... drugs containing antihistamines

Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, which are formulated to relieve allergy symptoms, can also be used to treat insomnia because drowsiness is one of their side effects.

It's true that certain types of antihistamines are available over the counter, but it's best to consult your doctor before using them as an insomnia medication... because they can cause serious side effects or make you dependent over time.

Read more: How to control insomnia?.. + 5 techniques to treat insomnia

2.... melatonin supplement

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the body.. This hormone helps to regulate the sleep and wake cycle, and for this reason, its supplement is used as a medicine for insomnia at night.

There is not enough research on the effectiveness of melatonin supplementation....but it may be helpful in certain cases....This product is generally considered safe....but it may cause various side effects in some people, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Learn more: Insomnia

Sleeping drugs that must be prescribed by a doctor

Prescription drugs used to treat insomnia include the following:

1... Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that cause relaxation and drowsiness. Because the potential for dependence on these drugs is high, your doctor will probably ask you to use them for a short period of time (say, seven to 10 days). Some types of benzodiazepines that your doctor may prescribe include:

• Quazpam
• Triazolam
• Stazolam
• Tamazapam

2... Benzodiazepine receptor agonists

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists act faster than benzodiazepines and generally have fewer side effects. Among these drugs, the following can be mentioned:

• Zolpidem
• Zaleplon
• Eszopiclone

3....orexin receptor antagonists

Orexin is a neurotransmitter that stimulates wakefulness.. Orexin receptor antagonists can block the effect of this neurotransmitter.. but long-term use is not recommended... Antagonists approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:

• Belsumra
• Lemborexant
Daridorexant

4.... Tasimeltheon

Tasimelteon can help treat insomnia by increasing the effect of melatonin on the brain. It is usually recommended to take 20 mg of this medicine one hour before going to bed.

Read more: Insomnia is a symptom of which disease?... 4 problems that we may suffer from

5.... Doxepin

Doxepin can also be used as an insomnia drug.... This drug exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting histamine and other receptors in the brain.... To treat insomnia, you should take three to six milligrams of doxepin before going to sleep.

What herbal medicines or nutritional supplements are suitable for treating insomnia?

These days, there are various food supplements or herbal medicines on the market to prevent or treat insomnia... The results of various researches about these products are contradictory... But in some cases, their use can be useful.... Next, you will get to know some of these sleep-inducing products.

1.... supplements containing St. John's wort

Some people refer to milk thistle supplement as the best herbal sleeping pill... because research has shown that taking 300 to 600 mg of milk thistle an hour before bed can help people sleep and improve their sleep quality... However, it is said that this plant may have the opposite effect in a small percentage of people and cause insomnia.

Supplements containing valerian may be a good option for women who experience sleep problems during menopause, as some studies have shown that this herb can reduce menopause-related hot flashes and help treat insomnia.

The sedative effects of valerian may remain for a long time and sometimes even cause morning drowsiness... It is recommended to avoid driving and doing tasks that require alertness after taking this herbal supplement... Also, avoid consuming alcohol or sedatives.

A number of studies have shown that St. John's wort is more likely than other natural sleeping pills to cause unwanted side effects, including irregular heartbeat, dizziness, stomach upset, and headaches.. In addition, it may cause liver damage in rare cases.

Read more: What should be done to sleep better?

2.... glycine supplement

Glycine is a type of amino acid that plays a role in metabolism, absorption of nutrients, prevention of diseases and sleep.... The human body receives this amino acid by eating legumes, meat and dairy products.... It can also make it naturally.

New research shows that taking a low-dose glycine supplement before bed may improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness in people with insomnia symptoms. Currently, the recommended dose of glycine is about 3,000 mg per day.

3... magnesium supplement

Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in many processes in the body. According to research, the level of magnesium in the body affects the quality and quantity of sleep. Most people get the magnesium they need by eating whole grains, avocados, bananas, nuts, seeds and legumes. Patients with kidney problems should also take magnesium supplements with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

What are the risks of taking medicine for insomnia?

One of the main dangers of sleeping pills is that you become dependent on them and can no longer sleep without taking the medication...Also, if you stop taking them, you may feel uncomfortable or suffer from severe insomnia.

In addition, some sleeping pills can cause dizziness and forgetfulness, making it difficult for you to concentrate. These effects may increase the risk of accidents and falls in some people, especially the elderly.

Natural or herbal sleeping pills aren't completely safe either, as they can interact with other medications or supplements you're taking. Additionally, they may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions.

How to minimize the side effects of sleeping pills?

You can largely avoid the side effects of sleeping pills by observing the following points:

• Before prescribing sleep medications, give your doctor or pharmacist a list of all medications, dietary supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
• Use the medicine exactly as directed.
• Ask your doctor how long you can take the medicine and how you should stop taking it.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.... because they intensify the side effects of sleeping pills.
• Do not take other people's sleeping pills and do not share your pills with others.

Read more: What is sleep disorder and how is it treated?

Those who want to use medicine for insomnia during pregnancy or breastfeeding should ask their doctor for their opinion about these products... The use of insomnia medicine in children, the elderly and sick people must be under the supervision of a doctor... For more guidance in this field, you can consult a psychiatrist online.

Endword

If your insomnia is severe, interferes with your daily life, or does not respond to home treatments, see a neurologist for treatment..Also, depending on the underlying cause of your insomnia, you may need to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist....At GCORP LLC you can meet and consult with the best professionals in person or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: healthline, sleepfoundation, healthdirect