PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Sleep Aids

Stop tossing and turning and start sleeping

So ... for the third night in a row you find yourself watching 4 a.m. reruns of shows you didn't even like the first time around. But don't fret -- staring blearily at the television isn't your only option. Relief for occasional insomnia does exist. What is an unwanted drug side effect for allergy sufferers -- the drowsiness caused by antihistamines -- is an important element of sleep aids. Though warm milk and a Russian novel may be the first line of defense, sleep aids can serve as a backup for when you just have to get to sleep. Remember: sleep aids are for occasional use; chronic insomnia should be discussed with your physician.

Short- and Long-Term Insomnia

Over-the-counter sedatives are intended to alleviate the symptoms of transient or short-term insomnia.
Transient insomnia usually lasts for less than a week, and is associated with environmental or lifestyle stresses such as hospital stays, traveling, or stressful life events.
Transient insomnia can lead to short-term insomnia, which lasts one to three weeks.
Short-term insomnia may lead to chronic insomnia, which can last from three weeks to many years.

Limitations of Sedatives

Because sleep aids depress brain activity, they should only be used occasionally. No sleep aid should be used for longer than two weeks. If you are still having problems getting a good night's rest, consult your doctor.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking a sleep aid.
Do not use antihistamines if you suffer from asthma or glaucoma. Men with enlarged prostate glands should avoid antihistamines as well.
Children under age 12 tend to have a reverse reaction to sleep aids. While the medication puts most adults to sleep, it actually stimulates the central nervous systems of children. For this reason it is important not to administer sleep aids to children under age 12.
Do not use sleep aids if you are pregnant or nursing.

Try These Other Measures to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Sometimes, just changing a few things can help in getting a restful night's sleep. Here are a few tips:

Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.
Avoid extreme temperatures, noise, and light in the bedroom. Make sure your bed is comfortable.
Exercise regularly but not late in the evening.
Perform calming activities before bedtime. If you are tense or stressed out, try relaxation exercises.
Avoid eating meals or large snacks right before bedtime.
Avoid nicotine and alcohol in the evening.
Eliminate naps and avoid caffeine after noon.
Don't use your bedroom as an office or game room or for activities other than sleeping or relaxing with your spouse.
If you find you can't sleep, try not to become anxious. Go into another room and do something relaxing until you are tired.

Antihistamines

The only class of drugs FDA-approved to help you sleep. (Also commonly used in alleviating symptoms of the common cold, since they help improve runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.) Since their main side effect is drowsiness, they are often used as sleep aids. Antihistimines are not approved for use in children under age 12, as they may produce excitation.

Ingredient		Description
Antihistamines
Doxylamine	?	Although the safety and effectiveness of this agent in inducing drowsiness has not been proven to the FDA's satisfaction, some products containing it remain on the market.
Diphenhydramine	?	Safe and effective in inducing drowsiness, and is most often used for treatment of mild insomnia. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this drug, as it decreases motor coordination. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using antihistamines.

FDA-Approved Uses

Helps you fall asleep if you are having difficulty doing so.

For relief of occasional sleeplessness.

Temporary Relief -- Not Cure

Sleep aids are only intended for occasional temporary relief of short-term to transient insomnia. They are not intended for prolonged use. If you constantly rely on sleep aids to fall asleep, consult a physician to find the cause of your insomnia and treat it.

Recommended Dosage

Drug	Adults & Children Over Age 12	Max. Daily	Children Ages 6 to 12	Children Under Age 6
Antihistamines
Doxylamine	25 mg at bedtime	25 mg	Consult a physician	Consult a physician
Diphenhydramine	50 mg at bedtime	50 mg	Consult a physician	Consult a physician

Warnings

Antihistamines

Consult a physician before use or do not use if you have:

Allergy to any antihistamines
Chronic respiratory conditions
Enlarged prostate
Glaucoma
Urinary obstruction

Or if you:

Are pregnant or nursing
Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage if you are having difficulty urinating
Are administering to a child under age 6
Drive or operate machinery requiring alertness, dexterity, or quick reflexes

Or if you are taking:

Alcohol: increases antihistamine side effects
CNS depressants, such as:
- Diazepam (Valium): increases antihistamine side effects
- Phenobarbital (Luminal): increases antihistamine side effects
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a class of antidepressants), such as: