Insomnia Medications - Non-Prescription

Medications are among the most commonly used treatments for insomnia and can be quite effective. However, medications should always be used judiciously and in conjunction with the non-pharmacological approaches as discussed previously.

There are several classes of medications used for sleep, including:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• “Natural” or herbal remedies
• Sedative-hypnotic medications
• Sedating antidepressants

Sleep aid guidelines

Most experts recommend taking medications for insomnia only as a “last resort” after the behavioral techniques discussed previously have been attempted. The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following guidelines for use of medications to treat sleeping disorders:

• The cause of the sleep disorder has been identified and is best treated with medication.
• Sleeping difficulties are causing problems in daily activities.
• Behavioral approaches have not been completely effective.
• Treatment with medication should “begin with the lowest possible effective dose.”
• Be short term if used nightly.
• Be intermittent if used long term.
• Be used only in combination with good sleep practices and behavioral approaches.

• Article written By:
• William Deardorff, PhD, ABPP

September 7, 2006

Print