Which is better sominex or nytol

The doctor may refer your child to a counselor or a sleep physician for help. This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk. Developed in cooperation with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

To learn more about the sources used in this report and terms and conditions of use, please visit ConsumerHealthChoices. Continue the Conversation. For more about that one, you can see my Sominex Herbal review. Finally, in India the name Sominex is used for a heartburn and indigestion drug, not a sleep aid at all. So I took my first Sominex pill on a Sunday night, an hour before bedtime, in the hope it would put a stop to the sweaty sleeplessness.

I went to bed shortly after taking it to read a book, keen to keep at eye out for any noticeable sedative effect. After about 45 minutes I remember starting to feel quite drowsy. I only woke once in the night, which was markedly different from the previous few nights. I remember feeling very out of it though, had a sip of water and quickly fell asleep again.

I then woke up around 8 hours later, which is unusual for me, even on the best of nights. I normally have at least 2 to 3 memorable wakings, so it seems the Sominex had done its job and knocked me out. There was a cloudiness in my head, very similar to when I took Nytol — another anti-histamine sleep aid.

That slightly groggy feeling slowly subsided over the next few hours, and by mid-morning, I was pretty much back to normal. Another hot night, and another Sominex pill to see how it would work two days in a row. Once again, I could feel the sedative effect creeping in just under an hour after taking it. And I again slept all through the night. I also realized that I normally get woken at least once by insanely noisy seagulls around 5 am. So it was interesting that I slept even through their boisterous cacophony.

The fuzzy head appeared, and as with the previous day, it lasted into the mid-morning before losing the battle to strong coffee. And the temperature dropped a little anyway, which made it easier to sleep naturally. Having said that, these anti-histamines do have more safety warnings than herbal remedies. So check both the information below and the patient leaflet, and perhaps even consult your personal doctor before taking it.

The following information is taken from the patient leaflet that came with the box of Sominex that I bought from a Boots chemist. Make sure you check yours if you buy it in case there are any changes to the guidance. One tablet up to an hour before bedtime. If you take more than one, you should tell your doctor immediately or call emergency services.

If you experience any of the following, you should stop using Sominex and contact a doctor immediately. I know other readers always appreciate seeing a variety of experiences beyond mine. Will update with results tomorrow, although a little concerned about my gym appointment at 8am….

Hi It worked really well actually, I got to sleep more quickly and although I still stirred a few times, I managed to get back to sleep each time. Not too groggy in the morning either. Will use again. Hi, After a very traumatic experience that lasted several months, I had difficulty with sleep for 4 years working on little sleep which left me exhausted. I understand it is not suggested to use for long periods, however, the lack of sleep for so long also must have been extremely bad for my health.

I experience a little sluggishness until coffee then fine. I will try to reduce and wean off but value the sleep after so long. Hi Carol Thanks for sharing your experience. Doxylamine succinate is as effective as diphenhydramine but tends to work longer. For this reason, you shouldn't take it the night before a heavily scheduled morning and only if you intend to sleep for at least seven to eight hours.

Even then, you shouldn't drive or use heavy machinery until any wooziness passes. As with diphenhydramine, contact your healthcare provider if you need to take doxylamine more than three times weekly or if insomnia persists. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. There are two types of melatonin sold as an OTC remedy: one that is manmade and another that is derived from the pineal gland of animals.

The effectiveness of melatonin for sleep varies. Some people claim that it works and leaves them feeling refreshed the next morning. Others derive no benefits. According to a review of studies published in PLoS One, the effectiveness of melatonin for occasional insomnia is modest, although it does seem to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep for slightly longer.

On the downside, the effect appears to wane the longer that you take melatonin. As such, melatonin should only be considered a short-term remedy when needed. There is no melatonin dose agreed to be universally effective.

Generally speaking, higher doses deliver better results. Due to the lack of safety research, melatonin should not be given to children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Melatonin is likely the safest OTC sleep aid. Excess melatonin is quickly cleared and does not accumulate in the body. Side effects may include headache, nausea, and vivid dreams, but these are rare. Valerian root Valeriana officinalis has been used for centuries to treat insomnia.

It contains a substance known as valerenic acid believed to affect gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is responsible for tempering nerve signals and, by doing so, may delivering a calming, sedative effect.

Despite its long-standing use in traditional cultures, the effectiveness of valerian root in treating insomnia is uncertain. According to a review of studies in Sleep Medicine Reviews, valerian root and similar "calming" herbs like chamomile or kava had no discernible effect on insomnia.

There is no recommended dose for valerian root. Most valerian supplements are formulated in doses ranging from mg to mg and are considered safe within this range. Due to the lack of safety research, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should not take valerian root. Side effects of valerian root tend to be mild and may include headache, dizziness, itchiness, upset stomach, dry mouth, vivid dreams, and daytime drowsiness.

Although rare, liver damage has been known to occur, usually due to the overuse of valerian root or the use of "wild-crafted" dried root which may be contaminated with heavy metals, fertilizers, and other toxic substances.

Stop taking valerian root if use if you have signs of liver injury, including abdominal pain, nausea, clay-colored stools, dark urine, extreme fatigue, or jaundice yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Insomnia doesn't always require medication. In fact, improved sleep hygiene often is all that's needed to get a good night's rest. This includes not eating before bedtime, turning off electronics at least an hour before sleep, keeping the temperature cool, and ensuring that the bedroom is as dark and quiet as possible.

If insomnia persists despite your best efforts, see a healthcare provider. A prescription sleep aid can be very useful in treating occasional insomnia if used correctly and with supervision. Tossing and turning night over night can have a big impact on your quality of life. Our free guide can help you get the rest you need.

Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Over-the-counter medications containing diphenhydramine and doxylamine used by older adults to improve sleep.