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