Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Shiyan Ooi
,
School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester
Millions of people suffer from sleep disorders, turning to sleeping pills as a solution. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Some sleeping pills are designed for short-term use, while others may pose risks of dependency and side effects. This comprehensive guide will break down the best sleeping pills, their effectiveness, potential risks, and alternative sleep solutions that can provide lasting relief.
There are several categories of sleeping pills, each working differently to promote sleep. The most common types include:
Ambien is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep aids, helping users fall asleep quickly. However, it has been linked to side effects such as sleepwalking, next-day grogginess, and potential dependency. Read about Ambien side effects.
Lunesta is another widely used sleep aid, particularly effective for maintaining sleep throughout the night. However, users may experience a bitter aftertaste, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. Learn more about Lunesta.
These medications are highly effective but carry a high risk of addiction and tolerance buildup. They are usually not recommended for long-term use. Read about benzodiazepine risks.
Many OTC sleep aids contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which can induce drowsiness but also cause next-day grogginess. Explore OTC sleep aids.
Instead of relying on medication, consider alternative methods that promote natural sleep:
At Sleep Reset, we provide natural, non-medication-based sleep solutions tailored to your needs. Take our sleep quiz to identify your sleep challenges and get a personalized sleep improvement plan.
Our expert-led program combines CBT-I techniques, sleep hygiene improvements, and personalized coaching to help you achieve high-quality, restorative sleep.
While sleeping pills can be effective, they come with risks of dependency and side effects. Exploring alternative sleep solutions such as CBT-I and sleep hygiene improvements can provide long-term, sustainable results. Prioritizing natural sleep methods will improve well-being and overall health.
Dr. Shiyan Ooi
Dr. Shiyan Ooi is a medical doctor with over a decade of experience treating patients with chronic conditions. She graduated from the University of Manchester with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB UK) and spent several years working at the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, several Singapore government hospitals, and private functional medicine hospitals. Dr. Ooi specializes in root cause analysis, addressing hormonal, gut health, and lifestyle factors to treat chronic conditions. Drawing from her own experiences, she is dedicated to empowering others to optimize their health. She loves traveling, exploring nature, and spending quality time with family and friends.