| Melatonin has proved effective for some | | | | sedative effect but the danger of |
| insomniacs in regulating the sleep | | | | neurological and cognitive side effects |
| waking cycle, but lacks definitive data | | | | make these drugs a poor choice to treat |
| regarding efficacy in the treatment of | | | | insomnia. |
| insomnia. Melatonin agonists, including | | | | Some insomniacs use herbs such as |
| Ramelteon (Rozerem), seem to lack the | | | | valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and |
| potential for abuse and dependence. This | | | | passion-flower. Valerian has undergone |
| class of drugs has a relatively mild | | | | multiple studies and appears to be |
| side effect profile and lower likelihood | | | | modestly effective. Cannabis has also |
| of causing morning sedation. | | | | been suggested as a very effective |
| The antihistamine diphenhydramine is | | | | treatment for insomnia. Alcohol may have |
| widely used in nonprescription sleep | | | | sedative properties, but the REM sleep |
| aids, with a 50 mg recommended dose | | | | suppressing effects of the drug prevent |
| mandated by the FDA. In the United | | | | restful, quality sleep. |
| Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South | | | | Middle-of-the-night awakenings due to |
| Africa, and other countries, a 50 to 100 | | | | polyuria or other effects from alcohol |
| mg recommended dose is permitted. While | | | | consumption are common, and hangovers |
| it is available over the counter, the | | | | can also lead to morning grogginess. |
| effectiveness of these agents may | | | | Insomnia may be a symptom of magnesium |
| decrease over time and the incidence of | | | | deficiency, or lower magnesium levels. A |
| next-day sedation is higher than for | | | | healthy diet containing magnesium, can |
| most of the newer prescription drugs. | | | | help to improve sleep in individuals |
| Dependence does not seem to be an issue | | | | without an adequate intake of magnesium. |
| with this class of drugs. | | | | Other reports cite the use of an elixir |
| Low doses of certain atypical | | | | of cider vinegar and honey but the |
| antipsychotics such as quetiapine | | | | evidence for this is only anecdotal. |
| (Seroquel) are also prescribed for their | | | | |