The Best Sleep Aids for All Night Comfort - Get a Full Night’s Rest

Rank	Products	Highlights
#1	Advil PM Pain Reliever/Nighttime Sleep Aid check price	Wonderful to fall asleep fast without being drowsy Eases pain quickly and for a long time Can help replace prescription doses
#2	Unisom SleepTabs, Non-Habit Forming Sleep Aid check price	One tablet right before bed will have you drift off quickly Easy to cut in half to avoid drowsy feeling the next morning Doesn’t make you sleep too hard to waken if needed
#3	Physician’s Choice natREM 100% Natural Sleep Aid with Valerian Root check price	Even half a dose may help you drift off to sleep (one dose is 2 pills) Non-drowsy and easy to wake the next morning Natural products non-habit forming or body damage. Easy on stomach
#4	LUNA Naturally Sourced Sleeping Pills for Adults check price	Does not aggravate GERD Helps you to fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly Customer Service is great and provides 100% satisfaction

Occasionally, the time may come when you struggle to sleep no matter how exhausted you are. Whether you simply have a lot on your mind, are in pain due to injury, work a night shift and need to sleep during the day, or simply are dealing with insomnia, an over the counter sleep aid may be an option worth considering. This is especially true if you do not feel that your lack of rest requires a doctor’s prescription and your struggle is not a chronic condition.

If you are looking for the best sleep aid to stay asleep each night (or day) so you can get the uninterrupted rest you deserve, then consider some of the top consumers picks below. Please take into account that you should always consult with your physician for chronic conditions if you are already taking any medication, or have any concerns about the use of over the counter options for a sleep aid.

You may want to read: Prescription Sleep Aids

Why Do People Struggle to Sleep?

It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep, with approximately 164 million Americans struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep. Sometimes the solution to this problem is fairly simple and requires a change in diet, or a new mattress or a more supportive pillow for better sleep positioning. But occasionally the problem is more deeply rooted or involves chronic pain or injury.

Things that you can control involve your sleep schedule, try to be as consistent as possible; diet, avoid foods that are difficult to digest closer to bed; caffeine intake, avoid after 2 pm; light exposure, put those screens down at least an hour before bed; and exercise, try to avoid close to bedtime. But those you cannot control can have you struggling to doze off each night and may not always be entirely within your control on a day to day basis. These include:

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Our Circadian Rhythm is what helps our body to recognize when it is time to sleep, and when it is time to wake up. Those who work night shifts, travel frequently, or simply do not keep a schedule can throw this off, which results in your body being unable to recognize what time it is. This also often leaves you feeling sluggish during the day as well.

Insomnia

Insomnia is defined by the inability to sleep or sleep for more than a few hours at a time. It can be caused by stress, depression, mental disorders, circadian rhythm disorder, and even medications.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is characterized by a restricted airway that creates the snoring noise and sensation. Sometimes this can be controlled by diet, a change in body mass, surgery, or even sleep products. Sleep Apnea is usually treated by a doctor once diagnosed but is defined by the restriction of the airway that can result in a pause in breathing. Both of these situations often leave the sleep feeling restless and tired as their sleep cycle is interrupted by their breathing through the night.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can force a sleeper to be in an unnatural position, create leg cramps, heartburn, and simply an uncomfortable experience. A tired mother to be also is not at her best self, and getting a dog night’s sleep is crucial to her health. Sleep products, such as pregnancy pillows, can help with this, but any sleep aids should be under doctor’s care- even natural options.

Restless Leg Syndrome

This syndrome is marked by the uncontrollable movement of the legs and feet at night, which often results in waking the sleeper.

Chronic Pain and Injury

Chronic pain and injury recovery may be under doctors care, but even the strongest painkillers wear off after a few hours. Responsible prescription pain users avoid having to take more than needed, but also often struggle through the long hours of the night to find comfort as their medication begins to wear off.

What is a Sleep Aid?

A sleep aid is a prescribed, or over the counter option, that provides the medication (both natural and synthetic) to allow you to fall asleep faster, sleep longer, wakeless, and improve the quality of your sleep. The type you take should be specific to the severity of your problem, and, as mentioned, consultation with your doctor is highly recommended. If you have tried non-medication related options, such as changing your schedule and diet, then a sleep aid may be right for you.

Types of Sleep Aids

There are many types of sleep aids to consider depending on your needs and each use varying ingredients to work upon your brain and body to influence sleep. This article focuses on the OTC options you have, rather than what a doctor might prescribe, but it important to understand the basic differences between them all.

Prescribed

If your doctor does prescribe you a sleep aid, chances are they have already had you try a few other options. Prescription sleep aids should be used with caution as they can be habit forming and gave severe side effects They also are rarely prescribed in high doses in order to allow you see if they work for you, or get you back on a proper schedule.

Over the Counter

OTC options are by far the most popular and are considered fairly safe. However, they also can be habit forming and have side effects, and should be used as needed and not depended on. These have a wide variety of choices concerning the ingredients, and any pharmacist can help you choose which might be best for you.

Natural

Natural sleep aids can include essential oils and melatonin ( a naturally occurring hormone that triggers sleep). Many plants also provide comfort at night- such as lavender, valerian, and chamomile. Just because they are natural does not mean they are entirely safe or without side effects, and directions should always be closely followed

You may want to read: Best Natural Sleep Aids

What to Consider When Choosing a Sleep Aid

When choosing a sleep aid you need to take into account the reasons why you have decided this route of relief. If you work a night shift, then daylight and nose most likely disturb your sleep and you need something to help you stay asleep. If you travel often, then some short-term use of aid may help you get your schedule back on track. If you are dealing with pain, and already take medication, care should be taken with mixing any sort of drug- even of the OTC variety.

Basically, do not be afraid to research your options, ask questions, and speak with a doctor or pharmacist about what may be best for you. Sleep aids are no magic cure and should be approached with caution and care in their use. But when used correctly can help you get the rest you seek.

Top 5 Best Sleep Aids for Staying Asleep Reviews

The following options are the best aids to help you sleep and stay asleep. They have been reviewed and are popular with consumers for their ease of use, and effectiveness.

1. Advil PM Pain Reliever/Nighttime Sleep Aid

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Diphenhydramine
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 80 capsules
• Pain Aid: yes

Advil has long been brand synonymous with ibuprofen, and anti-inflammatory, and pain relief. These liquid gels are easy to swallow and are combined with both diphenhydramines, a sleep aid, as well as an NSAID for all night pain relief and sleep support. Considered gentle, safe, and nonhabit forming when used correctly, Advil PM is a very popular choice with consumers.

Pros

• Wonderful to fall asleep fast without being drowsy
• Eases pain quickly and for a long time
• Can help replace prescription doses

Cons

• May bother stomach when taken without food or drink
• More than one capsule may make you groggy in the morning

Who Should Purchase this Product
If the pain is a source of your restlessness, the combination of ibuprofen with NSAIDS and a sleep aid will help block the pain and let you rest deeply to both heal and rejuvenate your body.

2. Unisom SleepTabs, Non-Habit Forming Sleep Aid

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Doxylamine Succinate
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 32 – 80 soft gels
• Pain Aid: no

Unisom has long been hailed as an excellent sleep aid to help with falling asleep faster and relieving feelings of stress and anxiety. The antihistamine, Doxylamine Succinate, encourages drowsiness, meaning that you should take it immediately before bed. It reduces your natural urge to stay awake to allow you to rest your mind and fall asleep more naturally and stay asleep. It is considered safe and non-habit forming when used correctly and is often doctor recommended during pregnancy.

Pros

• One tablet right before bed will have you drift off quickly
• Easy to cut in half to avoid drowsy feeling the next morning
• Doesn’t make you sleep too hard to waken if needed

Cons

• May feel drowsy with less than 7 hours of sleep
• May have a diuretic effect

Who Should Purchase this Product
If you find yourself struggling to sleep due to your mind bring too busy, stressed, or anxious, these SleepTabs are a good option to help you fall asleep faster to relax and sleep more soundly.

3. Physician’s Choice natREM 100% Natural Sleep Aid with Valerian Root

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Suntheanine L-Theanine, Melatonin, P5P, Chamomile, valerian root
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 60 capsules
• Pain Aid: no

Physician’s Choice Natural Sleep Aid, NatREM uses a combination of various natural ingredients such as the amino acid L-theanine (Suntheanine). Suntheanine, Melatonin, Valerian Root Powder, Chamomile and P5P, an active form of Vitamin B6, work together to allow you to drift off to sleep and stay asleep. The lack of synthetics also allows you to wake without feeling drowsy and helps you feel more rejuvenated and aware. The vegetable capsules make it vegan-friendly, and gluten-free as well.

Pros

• Even half a dose may help you drift off to sleep (one dose is 2 pills)
• Non-drowsy and easy to wake the next morning
• Natural products non-habit forming or body damage. Easy on stomach

Cons

• May not work for everyone, but may require the use of a week or more to see results
• Melatonin can cause restlessness in some people

Who Should Purchase this Product
If you are looking for more natural options, and one that fits your lifestyle choices, this is an excellent choice for help in falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.

4. Genius Sleep AID – Smart Sleeping Pills & Adrenal Fatigue Supplement

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Melatonin, l theanine, glycine, and inositol
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 40 capsules
• Pain Aid: no

Genius Sleep Aid is an all natural product that uses a small amount of Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, with the naturally occurring supplements l theanine, glycine, and inositol to help reduce stress and anxiety, increase relaxation, and allow you to better drift off to sleep. It also helps with mood and adrenal support for dealing with day to day work and stress as well. Non-vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, this all natural aid allows you to wake to feel refreshed without any grogginess.

Pros

• Works well to reset sleep schedule
• Provide all day awareness with no grogginess
• Allows you to wake if needed

Cons

• Dosage (2 capsules) may not be enough
• Ingredients may not work well with everyone and cause restlessness

Who Should Purchase this Product
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for not only a sleep aid, but a way to reinvigorate their day to day operations as well through a combination of deep, restful sleep, and more energy.

5. LUNA Naturally Sourced Sleeping Pills for Adults

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Melatonin, GABA, l Theanine, Valerian Root, and Chamomile
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 60 capsules
• Pain Aid: no

Luna is another popular all natural sleep aid that uses the naturally occurring hormone melatonin, as well as herbal valerian and chamomile, to help you drift off to sleep and stay asleep through the night. It also includes l theanine and GABA, a neurotransmitter, to help promote relaxation. A variety of other herbal supplements is included for a healthy choice. Marketed more as a supplement, this is a non-habit forming natural option that can be used when sleep is hard to come by and to reset sleep patterns.

Pros

• Does not aggravate GERD
• Helps you to fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly
• Customer Service is great and provides 100% satisfaction

Cons

• Nausea could occur with 2 capsules (dosage is 1 to 2 capsules) and when taken on an empty stomach
• Melatonin may cause restlessness in some people

Who Should Purchase this Product
The blend of ingredients in the supplement is designed for natural relaxation and is considered vegan as well. Safe to use for the promotion of sleep and a healthier lifestyle, this pill works well without any grogginess.

You may want to read: The Best Sleep Aid Non-Habit-Forming

Conclusion

Getting enough sleep is crucial for both your mind and body. A healthier you begins with a more rested you, and if you struggle with sleep from time to time, a sleep aid may be your best option. Whether you prefer a synthetic aid, something with a pain reliever, or an all-natural option to help reset your sleep cycle and to get you through the night, the above options are all worth considering. Be sure to consult a doctor if you already take medication or have any questions, and never continuing taking anything, no matter how natural, if you feel you have any side effects.