{"id":6866,"date":"2023-08-25T21:12:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T14:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6866"},"modified":"2023-08-25T21:12:47","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T14:12:47","slug":"what-to-know-about-taking-an-otc-sleep-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6866","title":{"rendered":"What to Know About Taking an OTC Sleep Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span>s there anything more irritating than feeling exhausted but being unable to fall asleep? Okay, probably, but struggling to drift off is still the worst. That said, if you feel like the only one in the world who can\u2019t seem to get a little shut-eye, know that you\u2019re not alone: <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/12119-insomnia#:~:text=Roughly%2C%201%20in%203%20adults,the%20criteria%20for%20insomnia%20disorder.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/12119-insomnia#:~:text=Roughly%2C%201%20in%203%20adults,the%20criteria%20for%20insomnia%20disorder.\">One in three adults worldwide is affected by insomnia<\/a>, according to the Cleveland Clinic.<\/div>\n<p>Perhaps unsurprising given this,\u00a0data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/products\/databriefs\/db462.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/products\/databriefs\/db462.htm\">National Health Interview Survey<\/a> in 2020 found that 8.4 percent of U.S. adults take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/do-sleeping-pills-work\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/do-sleeping-pills-work\/\">sleeping pill<\/a> or over-the-counter sleep aid, often every day. Additionally, proctors found that women were more likely than men to take sleep supplements, and the older women get, the more likely they are to reach for insomnia medication.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<p>That said, while the use of sleep vitamins and natural supplements has seemingly risen over the years\u2014in 2022, a Consumer Reports survey found that approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/health\/supplements\/the-truth-about-popular-sleep-supplements-a3009141489\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/health\/supplements\/the-truth-about-popular-sleep-supplements-a3009141489\/\">one in three U.S. adults say they\u2019ve taken sleep supplements<\/a>\u2014recent research shows that the <a href=\"https:\/\/ufhealth.org\/news\/2022\/sleep-medication-use-dropping-dramatically-study-led-uf-health-researcher-shows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/ufhealth.org\/news\/2022\/sleep-medication-use-dropping-dramatically-study-led-uf-health-researcher-shows\">sleeping pills prescriptions<\/a> have dwindled by a hefty 31 percent.<\/p>\n<p>While lifestyle changes could certainly be a factor contributing to this shift (given <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/insomnia\/treatment\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia#:~:text=CBT%2DI%20techniques%20involve%20stimulus,term%20insomnia%20and%20chronic%20insomnia.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/insomnia\/treatment\/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia#:~:text=CBT%2DI%20techniques%20involve%20stimulus,term%20insomnia%20and%20chronic%20insomnia.\">behavioral therapy is often suggested<\/a> as a means for insomnia treatment), another major reason why the prescription of sleep medications is being curbed is likely because so many great natural sleep remedies and safe over-the-counter sleeping aids now exist. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketdataforecast.com\/market-reports\/global-sleep-aids-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.marketdataforecast.com\/market-reports\/global-sleep-aids-market\">global sleep aids market is already valued at $76 billion<\/a> as of 2023, and it\u2019s expected to grow to just over $103B by 2028.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/over-the-counter-sleep-aids\/\" current-title=\"Are Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids the Answer to a Full Night\u2019s Sleep?\" current-image=\"over-the-counter-sleep-aid-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-02-25\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/over-the-counter-sleep-aids\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/over-the-counter-sleep-aids\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/over-the-counter-sleep-aids\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>How does an over-the-counter sleep aid work?<\/h2>\n<p>Many OTC sleep aid rely on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/too-much-melatonin\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/too-much-melatonin\/\">hormone melatonin<\/a> as the active ingredient. \u201cWhen cortisol becomes disrupted as a result of chronic stress, it can interfere with melatonin production, which means you\u2019ll have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both,\u201d says integrative medicine physician <a href=\"https:\/\/doctortaz.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/doctortaz.com\/\">Taz Bhatia, MD<\/a>, an ambassador for the <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Folly.sjv.io%2Fc%2F2372336%2F1013397%2F13300%3FsubId1%3DSTMSLS-1084255%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.olly.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.olly.com\/\">vitamin brand OLLY<\/a>. \u201cSleep aids that contain melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sleep-tips-circadian-rhythm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sleep-tips-circadian-rhythm\/\">regulate the internal clock<\/a> that controls your sleep cycle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In addition to decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep, Dr. Bhatia says that melatonin also increases rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, a phase of the sleep cycle characterized by vivid dreaming, increased brain activity, and rapid eye movements, during which most dreaming occurs. This is why some people have more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/melatonin-nightmares\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/melatonin-nightmares\/\">vivid dreams while taking sleep medications<\/a>. (Intrigued? The <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOLLY-Occasional-Melatonin-L-Theanine-Blackberry%2Fdp%2FB0145QI7O0%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx1146-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OLLY-Occasional-Melatonin-L-Theanine-Blackberry\/dp\/B0145QI7O0\">OLLY Sleep Gummies<\/a>, $10, are my personal faves.)<\/p>\n<p>Melatonin isn\u2019t the only type of over-the-counter sleep aid, though. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/work-hour-training-for-nurses\/longhours\/mod6\/10.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/work-hour-training-for-nurses\/longhours\/mod6\/10.html\">OTC sleep medications can take the form of antihistamines<\/a>, including allergy meds like diphenhydramine, which is found in <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FVicks-ZzzQuil-Nightime-Sleep-LiquiCaps%2Fdp%2FB007MB5YMO%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx1146-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Vicks-ZzzQuil-Nightime-Sleep-LiquiCaps\/dp\/B007MB5YMO\/\">ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep-Aid LiquiCaps<\/a> ($5), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A side effect of these medications is drowsiness, which is why they can be helpful at bedtime.<\/p>\n<h2>What is the OTC equivalent to Ambien?<\/h2>\n<p>As beneficial as sleep gummies and other sleep supplements can be for sinking into a steady slumber, it\u2019s important to note that no OTC sleep aid is equivalent to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK442008\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK442008\/\">Ambien (aka Zolpidem)<\/a>, a prescription sleeping pill that acts as a sedative designed to help users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.<\/p>\n<p>While no true substitute exists without a prescription, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleeplessinnola.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sleeplessinnola.com\/\">Sleepless in NOLA<\/a> sleep expert <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleeplessinnola.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sleeplessinnola.com\/about\">Nilong Vyas, MD<\/a>, who is a medical review expert at <a href=\"https:\/\/sleepfoundation.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/sleepfoundation.org\/\">SleepFoundation.org<\/a>, says that <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBenadryl-Ultratabs-Antihistamine-Allergy-Diphenhydramine%2Fdp%2FB001F1DV72%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx1146-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Benadryl-Ultratabs-Antihistamine-Allergy-Diphenhydramine\/dp\/B001F1DV72\">Benadryl<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnisom-Sleep-Tabs-Tablets-48-Count%2Fdp%2FB002CVV1JO%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx1146-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Unisom-Sleep-Tabs-Tablets-48-Count\/dp\/B002CVV1JO\">Unisom<\/a> mimic Ambien thanks to their sedative properties. That doesn\u2019t mean you should go gulping the medications or double-dosing pills, though.<\/p>\n<h2>Is it safe to take OTC sleep aids regularly?<\/h2>\n<p>Although the wellness industry would have you believe that melatonin supplements and other OTC sleep aids are necessary additions to your nightly routine, clinical psychologist <a href=\"https:\/\/sleepdoctor.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/sleepdoctor.com\/about\/\">Michael Breus<\/a>, PhD, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/thesleepdoctor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thesleepdoctor.com\/\">TheSleepDoctor.com<\/a>, says that taking over-the-counter sleep aids every evening isn\u2019t advisable.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery few people need one every night,\u201d he says. \u201cWhile there are some extenuating circumstances\u2014for example, pain, certain mental health issues, some medical diagnoses, and some medications\u2014I never recommend [OTC sleep aids] for daily use.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This is due to their potential side effects, according to Dr. Breus. \u201cThere is at least one study showing how daily use has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7925354\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7925354\/\">direct correlation to severe cognitive disorders like Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a>,\u201d he says. (Though, it\u2019s worth noting that this study specifically speaks to pharmacological sleep medication, such as benzodiazepines. This is an important differentiation, as OTC sleep aids are non-pharmacological medications.)<\/p>\n<p>That said, there\u2019s another study that reveals that there may be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4157947\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4157947\/\">link between OTC sleep aids<\/a> (as well as prescription sleeping pills) and strokes that was conducted on middle-aged to older individuals with no history of stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the potential risks associated with taking sleeping pills long-term, Dr. Breus points out that it\u2019s possible to overdose on over-the-counter sleep aids. \u201cIn addition, many people use alcohol while taking them which only makes things worse,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<h2>How to fall asleep faster without an over-the-counter sleep aid<\/h2>\n<p>While OTC sleeping pills offer temporary relief from insomnia and sleep disturbances, their potential side effects have not been extensively studied enough, and the little research there is indicated potential serious health risks from regular use. Because of this, many doctors and sleep experts suggest starting with lifestyle changes before reaching for sleeping pills, even of the OTC variety.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy clients who have trouble falling and\/or staying asleep have seen dope outcomes in the realm of lifestyle changes,\u201d says licensed therapist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kiergaines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kiergaines\/\">Kier Gaines<\/a>, who, like Dr. Bhatia, is an OLLY ambassador. \u201cThe three most recurring being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/ptsd-guideline\/patients-and-families\/cognitive-behavioral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/ptsd-guideline\/patients-and-families\/cognitive-behavioral\">cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a> [CBT], improving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-good-sleep-hygiene\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-good-sleep-hygiene\/\">sleep hygiene<\/a>, and moving your body. CBT is the therapy that I practice. My clients and I build coping skills and search through the ways our thoughts, feels, and behaviors are connected. It helps with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/depression-and-sleep-understanding-the-connection#:~:text=Depression%20and%20sleep%20problems%20are,falling%20asleep%20or%20staying%20asleep.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/depression-and-sleep-understanding-the-connection#:~:text=Depression%20and%20sleep%20problems%20are,falling%20asleep%20or%20staying%20asleep.\">anxiety and depression, which are closely linked to sleeplessness<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to boosting sleep and improving your sleep, you\u2019ll just want to be mindful of the movement you choose. If you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/evening-workouts-better-than-morning\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/evening-workouts-better-than-morning\/\">working out at night<\/a> (even if it\u2019s earlier in the evening), you\u2019ll want to implement calmer sequences, such as yoga, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/body-stress-release\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/body-stress-release\/\">tai chi<\/a>, barre, or Pilates. If you prefer higher-intensity workouts like HIIT, heavy lifting, and endurance training, practice them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4270305\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4270305\/\">earlier in the day<\/a>. While you may feel exhausted after such energy expenditures, research suggests that it <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30374942\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30374942\/\">takes longer to fall asleep following vigorous exercise<\/a>\u2014and it\u2019s more difficult to stay asleep.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, sleep hygiene may not be what you think\u2014it\u2019s about how snooze-friendly your routine and space are. Are you going to bed and waking up at consistent times? Are you filling your diet with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/8-foods-to-help-you-sleep\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/8-foods-to-help-you-sleep\/\">best foods for sleep<\/a>? Do you have a bedtime routine that allows you to unwind before you need to fall asleep? (Sipping on a cup of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tart-cherry-juice-for-sleep\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tart-cherry-juice-for-sleep\/\">tart cherry juice<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmoon-juice.pxf.io%2Fc%2F2372336%2F1443879%2F17153%3FsubId1%3DSTMSLS-1084255%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fmoonjuice.com%252Fproducts%252Fmagnesi-om-magnesium-supplement%253Firclickid%253Dwr0W8TxGhxyPWnF01jSUDXjbUkF2XKTuNzpjUM0%2526amp%253Butm_source%253Dimpact%2526amp%253Butm_medium%253Daffiliate%2526amp%253Butm_campaign%253DWell%25252BGood%2526amp%253Butm_term%253D2372336%2526amp%253Butm_content%253D%2526amp%253Bir_campaignid%253D17153%2526amp%253Bir_adid%253D1443879%2526amp%253Bir_partnerid%253D2372336%2526amp%253Birgwc%253D1&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/moonjuice.com\/products\/magnesi-om-magnesium-supplement?irclickid=wr0W8TxGhxyPWnF01jSUDXjbUkF2XKTuNzpjUM0&amp;utm_source=impact&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Well%2BGood&amp;utm_term=2372336&amp;utm_content=&amp;ir_campaignid=17153&amp;ir_adid=1443879&amp;ir_partnerid=2372336&amp;irgwc=1\">Moon Juice\u2019s Magnesi-Om<\/a>, $42, both of which are natural sleep aids, can help.) Is your lighting warm and soothing? Are your sheets comfortable and breathable? Is your bed positioned in sight of a window so you can still benefit from sunrise? If not, do you have a sunrise alarm clock (like the <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhatch.sjv.io%2Fc%2F2372336%2F1067883%2F13693%3FsubId1%3DSTMSLS-1084255%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.hatch.co%252Frestore-2%253Firclickid%253Dwvk0ZwxGhxyPUtKxwcRghXqXUkF2XKS%25253ANzpjUM0%2526amp%253Birgwc%253D1%2523shop&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fover-the-counter-sleep-aids%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.hatch.co\/restore-2?irclickid=wvk0ZwxGhxyPUtKxwcRghXqXUkF2XKS%3ANzpjUM0&amp;irgwc=1#shop\">Hatch Restore 2<\/a>, $200) to mimic the natural event, which proves beneficial for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6751071\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6751071\/\">circadian rhythms<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>These are all small changes you can make that can greatly impact the quality of your sleep, as well as how quickly you drift off.<\/p>\n<h2>The takeaway<\/h2>\n<p>As Dr. Vyas sees it, an over-the-counter sleeping aid is helpful temporarily to recover from jetlag or to get back into a healthy sleep routine, but it shouldn\u2019t be used nightly. If you feel compelled to always keep a jar of melatonin gummies by your bedside (guilty as charged), it may be time to call a doctor to determine any other underlying conditions that could be present. If they find nothing, consulting with a sleep coach may help.<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is there anything more irritating than feeling exhausted but being unable to fall asleep? Okay, probably, but struggling to drift off is still the worst. That said, if you feel like the only one in the world who can\u2019t seem to get a little shut-eye, know that you\u2019re not alone: One in three adults worldwide &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}