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