Over-the-conter (OTC) vitamins have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, driven at least in some capacity by the pandemic. But do you know what is in your vitamins, and are they really helping you to get better sleep? There is much controversy surrounding the efficacy (and need of) vitamins for the general population, but the fact remains that insomnia affects millions of people in the U.S. alone. If you’re looking for a solution that really works, a sleep aid is going to be a better solution. Like “natural” vitamins, there are also “natural” sleep aids available that are OTC—but why are there often so many ingredients listed? Or ingredients like antihistamines, which you don’t want to be taking long-term.
Some of the most popular OTC sleep aids include Unisom, zzzQuil, and many iterations of melatonin. Sip2Sleep® is sourced from tart cherry extract, and combined with the natural stress-buster Venetron®. It’s just two ingredients, both sourced from nature. Sip2Sleep® can be used long term without risk of dependency or side effects, unlike some sleep aids that are not the best choice for chronic sleep issues. Ultimately, help from a sleep doctor and lifestyle changes are going to be necessary if you struggle with chronic insomnia, and Sip2Sleep® can complement this approach.
Considering Medication for Better Sleep
Neither Rx nor OTC sleep aids are a magic cure. They can be effective occasionally, such as when you’re getting over jet lag, but there are some caveats to keep in mind. Most OTC sleep aids have antihistamines. This means you can quickly build up a tolerance and the longer you take them, the less they work. You might also wake up feeling groggy throughout the day, which is known as the hangover effect. There is also the possibility of medication interactions, and there is really little known about how safe and effective OTC sleep aids are.
Some of the most popular OTC sleep aids include Benadryl, which includes a sedating antihistamine. Known side effects include dry mouth, urinary retention, daytime drowsiness, and constipation. Unisom is a similar sedating antihistamine. Valerian is made from a plant and although side effects are typically mild, such as headache and weakness, there are not many studies that indicate it is effective for insomnia.
Considering a Sleep Aid?
Talk to your healthcare provider and/or sleep doctor before taking any sleep aids, especially if you’re taking other medications or have known medical conditions. They can help direct you with dosage. Also be cautious and avoid sleep aids with antihistamines, if you can. Two of the most common antihistamines are not recommended for those with some health conditions including glaucoma and peptic ulcers. Sleep aids can be dangerous for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over the age of 65.
Follow best practices whenever taking a sleep aid, such as knowing possible side effects and never mixing alcohol with these drugs. Alcohol enhances the sedative effects. However, the best approach is to avoid OTC sleep aids in general except in rare circumstances and opt for an organic solution like Sip2Sleep®.
Got Insomnia?
Around 18 million adults in the country have insomnia, and many of these cases are chronic. The gold standard in insomnia treatment is cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) which includes reassessing sleep hygiene practices and creating lifestyle changes. Sip2Sleep® can be part of this change and is an excellent, drinkable solution that complements other bedtime activities such as a warm bath or reading. Insomnia is most common in adult women, though anyone of any age can struggle with this condition. There are also triggers, such as stress and alcohol, that may be better managed and this can lead to a reduction in the severity of insomnia.
If you have trouble sleeping beyond the occasional rough night, it’s time to seek help. Sleep quality is tied to quality of life in every other regard, from physical to emotional health and relationships. Reclaim your life and sleep quality today with solutions that are safe, natural, and effective. Add Sip2Sleep® to your nightly routine with anti-inflammatory properties, and Venetron® that will help you get the sleep you need.