Top
Counter Sleeping Aids

If there’s anything The Matrix has taught us, it’s that one little pill can do a lot.

Okay, stop right there and don’t get me wrong.

I’m not talking about drugs.

I’m talking about sleep pills.

It took me a long time, but I found 7 best over the counter sleep aids to help you enjoy the sweet slumber every night. Let’s take a closer look at them, shall we?

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Luna Natural Sleep Aid by Nested Naturals

Luna-Natural-Sleep-aids

This product can surely be called the best over the counter sleep aid for a number of reasons. The most important is the fact that it contains only natural components and does its job well at helping you sleep better.

Let’s take a closer look at these sleep supplements:

  • There are 60 capsules in the package, which are in the form of vegan gel capsules.
  • The pills contain natural ingredients, such as Magnesium, L-Theanine, Valerian root, Chamomile root extract, Passion Flower whole plant extract, Lemon Balm whole plant extract, Hops flower extract, GABA, and Melatonin.
  • They don’t form a habit and don’t cause addiction thanks to the natural components.

These Luna aids are the best sleep pills for people who suffer from a light form of insomnia or can’t sleep well because of stress, worries, or anxiety. The formula is quite mild, the components are mostly plant-based, so these sleep aids aren’t the heavy duty ones. They won’t help with severe cases of insomnia or chronic sleep deprivation. They are a mild supplement to make you calmer and help you fall asleep faster.

“If you can’t sleep because of stress, perhaps you should try natural remedies first. For instance, essential oils are famous for their ability to calm people down, help us relax, and even reduce the stress levels. If natural remedies don’t work, then you can try going for specialized sleep aids.”

PROS

Vegan capsules

Natural ingredients

Work well in the majority of cases

Non-habit forming

Reasonably priced

CONS

Have a mild effect, won’t work for people with chronic or serious sleep issues

Here’s the deal:

Finding sleep pills that will work for you is completely an individual task. However, I feel like these Luna capsules can be called the best OTC sleep aid, as they really work. They won’t be able to deal with serious sleep issues, but if you need something.

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Driftoff Soothing Sleep Formula by Zhou Nutrition

Driftoff-Soothing-Sleep-Formula-By-Zhou-Nutrition

Another contestant for the right to be called the best over the counter sleep supplements are these Driftoff pills by Zhou Nutrition. They are great for relaxation and calming your mind before drifting off to sleep.

Here’s what you need to know about them:

  • They have a very mild effect and consist of natural ingredients.
  • These pills are presented in the form of vegetarian capsules.
  • The ingredient list includes Valerian root extract, GABA, Tryptophan, Chamomile whole plant extract, Passion Flower whole plant extract, Lemon Balm whole plant extract, Hops flower extract, and Melatonin.
  • The manufacturer offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

These sleep aids are perfect for people who aren’t looking for some extreme measures. You are going to love these sleep supplements if you simply need to calm down, relax, and ease your mind before going to bed. Because the dosage of each ingredient is quite moderate (especially Melatonin, even compared to the previous item on my list of top-rated sleep pills, the Luna capsules), these pills have a mild, soft effect.

PROS

Natural ingredients

Vegetarian capsules

A 60-day money back guarantee

Help with relaxation and calming down

Non-habit forming

Reasonably priced

CONS

Have a very mild effect, might not work for every person

Overall, these sleep pills pleasantly surprised me. They aren’t a universal remedy, but they did help me calm down and fall asleep peacefully after long stressful days at work.

“Sleep is precious. It gives our bodies a chance to heal, rest, and rejuvenate. Without enough sleep, we don’t only lose energy and a good mood. Our bodies also get affected by the sleep deprivation, the healing processes become slower, the immune system becomes weaker, and the overall health gets affected.”

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Melatonin Sleep by Natrol

Melatonin-sleep

These pills deserve to be called the best melatonin sleep aid (or at least to be among the best ones) simply because they work.

Let’s see their main characteristics:

  • The main ingredient is melatonin, although there are supplementary components, including Dextrose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Crospovidone, Maltodextrin, Glyceryl Behenate, Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids, Gum Arabic, Beet Root Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Artificial Flavor, Sucralose, and Menthol.
  • You can choose different strength levels and dosage: 1mg, 3mg, 5mg, and 10 mg.
  • They come in strawberry and citrus flavor.
  • The pills dissolve easily, which provides a faster effect.

These sleep aids are great for people who suffer from occasional sleeplessness and take too much time to doze off. They are also perfect for those who have troubles, trying to swallow the pills, since these Natrol aids are chewable, yummy, and don’t require any water.

PROS

Chewable, easy to swallow, don’t require water

Help with sleeplessness

You can choose among different strength levels

Affordable

CONS

Aren’t 100% natural

Have a mild effect, won’t help with serious cases of stress or insomnia

“All sleep pills are designed to work on the brain in order to create the feeling of drowsiness. Some of them also help the users relax and calm down, depending on the ingredients.”

Overall, this product deserves the right to be called the best OTC sleep aid in its price category. It made me fall asleep faster, even on the most stressful days.

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Pharmaceutical Grade Melatonin by Just Potent

Pharmaceutical-Grade-Melatonin-By-just-Potent

Here’s the deal:

Being simple melatonin pills, this small bottle has all the right to be called the best over the counter sleep aid. These pills are strong enough to send you to sleep but, at the same time, not overpowering or too sedative.

Here are the main features of this product:

  • The main acting ingredient is melatonin, although other components are also present, such as Cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.
  • Each pill has 10mg of melatonin, which is a rather strong dosage.
  • There is no sugar, dairy, soy, salt, gluten, yeast, wheat, artificial flavors and colors, preservatives.

These sleep aids would be a great option for people who require a bit more than just simple herbs and extracts. The amount of melatonin in each pill can help you fall asleep even when you’re very stressed or find it hard to fall asleep every night

PROS

Effective

Small and easy to swallow

Sugar and gluten-free

No artificial flavors or colors

CONS

Might not be strong enough for some people

Aren’t 100% natural

To be honest, these sleep pills managed to pleasantly surprise me. When I was having a stressful day and was feeling nervous before the upcoming events, the Melatonin by Just Potent helped me doze off and sleep all through the night.

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Sleep Aid Doxylamine Succinate by Kirkland Signature Sleep

sleeping-aids

You might be wondering why I decided to add this item to our list of the best over the counter sleep supplements. Well, the answer is simple: these pills work.

Let’s see their main features:

  • Each pill includes a single dose of the active ingredient Doxylamine Succinate (25 mg).
  • Doxylamine Succinate doesn’t cause people to develop any tolerance to its effects.
  • This ingredient is an antihistamine, which has a sedating effect.
  • The inactive ingredients include dicalcium phosphate, FD&C blue #1 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

These sleep aids are a great option for people who need to use them more frequently. Because Doxylamine Succinate isn’t an ingredient that causes people to develop any tolerance to its effects, it will work effectively every time.

“The signs of sleep deprivation are quite easy to spot. For instance, if it takes you less than 5 minutes to fall asleep, you should take better care of yourself. You see, usually, it takes people around 10 or 15 minutes to fall asleep. So, if you do it quicker, this is a sign of sleep deprivation.”

PROS

Have a fairly strong effect

Don’t develop any tolerance

Very affordable price

CONS

Might make you feel drowsy in the morning

To be honest with you, the first time I tried these pills they seemed like too much to me. So, I reduced the dosage to one pill and managed to sleep all through the night without having a “sleeping-pills-hangover” the next morning.

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Natural Sleep Aid by Nature’s Wellness

Natural Sleep Aid by Nature’s Wellness

Another contestant for the right to be called the best melatonin sleep aid are these pills by Nature’s Wellness. It’s worth noting that melatonin isn’t the only active ingredient in these capsules, maybe that’s why they are effective.

Let’s take a look at their main features:

  • The ingredients include Magnesium (oxide), L-Theanine, Lemon Balm powder, Passion Flower powder, Hops powder, Chamomile, GABA, 5 Hydroxytryptophan, Melatonin, L-Tryptophan, and Valerian extract.
  • The pills are natural and don’t form a habit.
  • The manufacturer offers their Certified Happy Guarantee, which means you can get a full refund for your first bottle.

Because this sleep aid is natural and doesn’t have an extremely strong effect, it is perfect for people who need to fight occasional sleeplessness. Don’t get me wrong: the dosage of each ingredient is higher than in the majority of natural sleep pills, so Nature’s Wellness capsules do work, just not in serious insomnia cases.

PROS

Natural

Non-habit forming

Work in the majority of cases

The money-back guarantee on the first bottle

Vegetarian

CONS

Might not be strong enough for some sleepers

Overall, I am rather happy with these pills’ performance. They helped me calm down and doze off without making me feel lethargic or groggy the next morning.

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Somnapure Natural Sleep Aid by Peak Life

The Somnapure pills deserve to be called the best over the counter sleep aid for a reason. They are effective and don’t cause any unpleasant consequences in the morning, like feeling lethargic or drowsy.

Let’s take a look at their main characteristics:

  • The main active ingredients are Valerian root extract, Lemon Balm leaf extract, L-Theanine, Hops extract, Chamomile Flower extract, Passion Flower extract, and Melatonin.
  • These pills are not vegetarian and might contain some traces of allergens, so you should be careful if you’re allergic to some ingredients.
  • The manufacturer offers a free 2-week sample trial.

Having a mostly natural formula, these sleep aids are a great option for people who require a mild effect and don’t suffer from any serious sleep issues. The Somnapure pills will be perfect for dealing with occasional sleeplessness and stress.

PROS

Work in the majority of cases

Mostly natural ingredients

Non-habit forming

Don’t cause the morning “after-sleep hangovers”

CONS

Might not be strong enough for some sleepers

Not 100% natural

Have a distinct smell, which might annoy some users

Overall, these sleep aids didn’t disappoint me. Though not instantly, they did help me fall asleep every night without fail.

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Know What You Are Taking: The Most Common Ingredients of the Over the Counter Sleep Aids

Let’s face it:

Taking medicine without it being prescribed by your doctor can be a risky business.

But there are moments in life when we simply need a simple and effective solution to our sleep issues. That’s why you should be familiar with the components of your pills. And the most popular ingredients the manufacturers use in sleep aids include:

  • Chamomile extract. This traditional herbal remedy is an effective natural component, which helps sleepers relax and calm their minds. It has a mild effect and doesn’t cause any negative consequences because of its natural origin.
  • Valerian extract. This is another herbal remedy that has a soft influence and works mildly on the sleepers. This component can be found in numerous sleep aids, mostly the natural ones.
  • Melatonin. This a hormone produced by the brain and serving to regulate the circadian rhythms and the sleep process. Its synthetic substitute is widely used as the active ingredient in sleep pills and works rather effectively in mild cases of sleeplessness.

“Sleep aids can become your best helper with your fight for the quality sleep. However, you should be very careful when taking them. The dosage must be moderate, as some sleep supplements have very unpleasant side effects.”

How Do You Know When You Need Help?

Let’s get real here:

Insomnia is a serious problem. While occasional restlessness can be dealt with by using mild sleep aids or some other methods of relaxation, chronic sleep issues require more attention.

To always be prepared, let’s see the main symptoms of insomnia:

  • Difficulty staying asleep all through the night.
  • Not being able to fall asleep for long periods of time.
  • Difficulty falling back to sleep after waking up during the night.
  • Having troubles with concentration.
  • Waking up too early.
  • Feeling tired, lethargic, or fatigue in the mornings.
  • Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or even aggression.
  • Always feeling tired.

Safety First: How to Take Sleep Aids Responsibly

Listen to me when I say this: it’s always better to remain on the safe side. Therefore, when thinking about turning to sleep pills, consider also doing the following:

  • Consult your doctor first. You don’t need your doctor’s permission to start taking over the counter sleep pills. However, it’s always a wise idea to simply talk to a professional. Your doctor might recommend you some good options or warn you about the sleep pills’ interaction with other medications you take.
  • Don’t get too much into it. Take just one pill one day at a time. Over the counter sleep pills are a temporary solution and they can’t help with serious health issues and chronic insomnia.
  • Don’t forget about the precautions. Some sleep aids aren’t suitable for people with certain health problems, so make sure you do your research first.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase the effect of the pills and make them stronger and more sedative, which can result in unpleasant circumstances.

Help Your Sleep Pills While They Are Helping You

Your sleep supplements might be effective, but why not create better conditions for yourself? Here’s what you can do:

  • Don’t eat too much before going to bed.
  • Try to avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol.
  • Use essential oils for relaxation, for instance, lavender, rose, or Ylang-ylang.
  • Exercise regularly or at least take regular walks in the fresh air.
  • Avoid bright screens before your bedtime.
  • Keep your room dark when it’s time to sleep.

These simple steps can improve the quality of your sleep. And who knows, maybe you won’t even need the sleep supplements anymore!

FAQ for Sleep Aids Users

What is the best over-the-counter sleep aid?

We’re all different, and sleep aids are different too, meaning that there’s no magic pill that would work for anyone. However, a good sleep remedy combines three following features: pure and quality ingredients, safety, and easy dosage adjustment.

Are sleep pills safe to take during pregnancy?

If you’re thinking of taking any medication or supplements during pregnancy, it is strongly recommended to consult with your healthcare practitioner. Although some sleep remedies (e.g., melatonin or doxylamine) are generally considered safe, you may have hypersensitivity to some components. Besides, it’s important to find the dosage that will work exactly for you.

Which one is better: one-ingredient pills or a mixture of ingredients?

Each of these types of sleep remedies has its features. For example, if you choose a mixed complex for sleep, you will get several ingredients that will work in synergy and may provide a smoother effect. With a one-ingredient pill, however, you will get exactly what you’re paying for with more predictable results.

Are there sleep pills that don’t make you drowsy during the day?

Excessive drowsiness is a common side effect during the use of sleep aids; however, not all pills provoke it. Adaptogens, herbal medicines or melatonin are the least likely to reward you with sleepiness. But if you’re taking antihistamine pills or hypnotics, chances are you will feel drowsy; it depends on how your body responds to these remedies.

How else can you improve sleep, along with taking sleep aids?

Besides taking sleep pills, you may want to change your overall routine too. Moderate physical activity, balanced diet, and dedicating some time to mindful practices have proven to have great benefits for your sleep and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Picking the right sleep aid for your personal needs is a tricky thing. Everyone has their own circumstances and sleep issues, so trying to find something that would actually work for you might take some time.

But don’t worry:

I’ve conducted my own experiments in order to help you get the best snooze every night. Are you ready to hear the verdict?

The best over the counter sleep aid among the natural ones is the Luna Natural Sleep Aid by Nested Naturals. It has a mild effect and won’t work perfectly well for everyone, but it is great for occasional sleeplessness and insomnia. These herbal pills have enough power to help you calm down and reduce the stress levels.

However, if you’re looking for something stronger than a simple herbal remedy, you might want to try the Sleep Aid Doxylamine Succinate by Kirkland Signature Sleep. It is fairly strong and might help with a bit more serious cases of insomnia. These pills sometimes make you drowsy in the morning, so try starting with just one before sleep and see whether or not you need more.

Get ready to receive your desired 8 hours of sleep but always be careful with the remedies you take.

By the way, have you taken any of these? Which one worked for you? Have you experienced any side effects? Please, let me know in the comments.

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1 Comment
  • Lexan
    Jul 13, 2018 at 11:54 am

    All thanks to the providers of Luna natural sleep aid. My biggest challenge has be insomnia due to serious stress and anxiety. But these natural pills has left me in the state of sleeping off at any little quiet moment i have.

    No side effect on me for now, unless am yet to see one.

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