The best sleep drugs. A list of effective over-the-counter sleep pills. But you should know that he

Make sure your bedroom is dark. Light suppresses the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Therefore, the room where you sleep should be completely dark. This will increase melatonin production and help you fall asleep faster.

• Draw back the curtains or close the blinds to block out the light from the streetlights.
• If you are unable to achieve complete darkness, you can use a sleep mask (or even wear a T-shirt over your eyes if you don't have a mask).

Make sure that the temperature in the room during sleep is within 15-19 C. Similar to animals that hibernate, our body temperature drops during sleep. A cool room will be optimal for sleeping.

• If you have a room thermostat, set the temperature so that the room you sleep in is cool and comfortable.
• If you don't have an air conditioner, or are unable to regulate the temperature in the bedroom for some other reason, and the room is too hot, you can open a window or turn on the fan. If the bedroom is cold, you can use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or extra blanket to keep you warm.

Eliminate sources of noise. Traffic, noisy neighbors, partner snoring and dogs barking can all prevent you from getting adequate sleep. Unfortunately, in such circumstances, there is little we can change. Earplugs are the most popular way to deal with external noise. Alternatively, you can use a white noise generator or soothing music to help you fall asleep.

• Turn on a fan, white noise generator, or tune your radio between stations to hear the characteristic white noise, a constant, monotonous sound that masks sleep disturbing noises.
• If you don't have a fan or white noise generator, you can download the app to your phone with the sounds of a waterfall, thunderstorm, or ocean waves. These sounds will lull you to sleep.

Practice deep breathing to promote relaxation. Deep breathing is an easy and quick way to calm down and release tension.

• Breathe in deeply through your nose, exhale through your mouth.

Write down anything that bothers you. If you are haunted by anxious or obsessive thoughts, write them down.

Have a snack, such as a slice of bread. The food we eat before bed affects the quality of our night's rest. Of course, eating before bedtime affects people in different ways. If you find it difficult to fall asleep when you feel hungry, be sure to have a snack before bed.

• Foods containing carbohydrates and tryptophan, such as whole grain breads, turkey, and bananas, cause drowsiness.
• Prefer mild foods. Spicy or acidic foods can cause digestive problems. Also try not to eat fatty foods. The body will have to work hard to digest fatty foods, which will make it difficult for you to sleep.
• Avoid candies and caffeine before bed, which are stimulants and keep you awake.

Often due to severe stress, negative effects of the weather, as well as improper nutrition, biological rhythms fail, as well as a number of other disorders leading to insomnia. When sleep is disturbed, melatonin, which is known to everyone as a sleep hormone, ceases to be produced in the required amount. With its lack, the body cannot fully renew itself and restore energy, so in the morning people feel lethargic and sleepy.

During such a period, the quality of human life is significantly reduced, which affects the physical and psychological levels. To solve this problem, you can use both synthetic means and medicines, which include herbs. Let's try to analyze and choose which remedy will have strong sedative properties.

When such problems arise, people try to find a good anti-anxiety drug that can help normalize sleep and restore health. Sleep pills are a great option for dealing with problems such as insomnia.

When choosing a medicine in a pharmacy, it becomes difficult, because some of them are sold by prescription. But there are over-the-counter insomnia pills that you can buy freely available at any pharmacy. However, such serious drugs as barbiturates, tranquilizers, antipsychotics can not only not help, but also harm the body if taken incorrectly, so a specialist consultation is required.

Important! These pharmacological groups are prescribed for severe evening sleep disorders and problems with the nervous system.

Over-the-counter drugs do not have such serious contraindications and do not cause strong dependence. They are not sold in injections, because are created for home use. Typically, you can find such sedative dosage forms:

• dissolving tablets;
• powders;
• potions;
• tinctures.

Important! Because these drugs are made in a lighter version, they do not have serious contraindications.

Sedative drugs are prescribed for sleep disorders of various etiologies, as well as before bedtime with strong overexcitation of the nervous system. They are also recommended for people who often change their time zones, which leads to disruption of biorhythms.

Strong sleeping pills can be prescribed for patients with chronic insomnia.

Types of pills

Sedatives can be divided into several types:

• herbal medicines - contain plant extracts;
• drugs of synthetic origin;
• combined means - in their composition they contain both extracts and chemicals;
• homeopathic remedies are completely natural remedies, but not clinically proven.

Important!Many doctors are critical of homeopathy because do not believe in its effectiveness.

These drugs belong to a serious pharmacological group, and have a limited list of contraindications:

• with systemic ailments of the genitourinary system;
• preschool children and adolescents under 15;
• period of childbearing and breastfeeding;
• excessive susceptibility to one of the components of the drug;
• it is not allowed to take drugs if the kidneys and liver function are impaired

Important! If there are special indications for the use of sleeping pills in tablets, then it is better to carry out the treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

Each drug has its own characteristics, so contraindications should be looked at depending on the purchased medication.

In case of an overdose of sedatives, the following side effects may occur:

• dizziness;
• depression;
• muscular dystrophy;
• migraine;
• drowsiness;
• dysfunction of the stomach.

Side effects from the liver, kidneys and heart may occur, but this depends on the agent chosen.

List of lungs without prescriptions

Despite the many drugs for normalizing sleep, a list of non-addictive insomnia pills was highlighted:

An excellent remedy for insomnia, which contains natural medicinal extracts. Soothing drops are completely herbal, free of harmful chemicals that can cause intolerances or other complications.

Advantages: Effectiveness occurs after the first dose, and after completing the full course of treatment, the following changes can be noted:

• In the evening, drowsiness will appear faster, the quality of sleep will improve, because herbs have a cumulative sedative effect. Dreams will become long and colorful.
• After this sedative, there is no addiction or side effects.

Disadvantages: frequent percentage of allergies, should be taken with caution by people with bronchial asthma.

Reviews: A mild sedative that is always present in my medicine cabinet. I like it because it can be used not only as a course, but also once to reduce stress and improve sleep.

Analogues: not.

Price: 1600 RUB

Inexpensive herbal sedatives or tablets. They help to calm down and improve sleep.

Advantages: inhibits the activity of the nervous system, accumulates in the body, and the effectiveness remains even after elimination.

Disadvantages: specific smell, it is not allowed to drink the tincture for people who have problems with alcohol.

Individual intolerance to one of the components. Tinctures are not recommended for people with alcohol dependence.

Reviews: A classic remedy that always helps with severe neuroses, especially before exams and interviews. I drink it in courses, and I think it is no worse than other expensive sedatives.

Prices:

Got the name due to their active component. - an essential amino acid of the human body, which has a good ability to calm and improve psychomotor functions.

Advantages: strengthening of intellectual characteristics, calming the nervous system.

Disadvantages: can be attributed to a long time of admission. To be effective, the course should last about 2 months.

Individual intolerance to one of the components.

Reviews: Harmless pills, from which you have to wait a long time for results. Nevertheless, I drink them on drink to improve my memory.

Prices:

A medicinal product belonging to the tranquilizer. Removes anxiety syndrome, nervous overexcitement and nervousness. Improves brain activity by increasing blood circulation. Does not cause lethargy, drowsiness, depression, and is also allowed to be taken by those who drive vehicles.

Advantages: Good for people suffering from neuroses, irritability.

Disadvantages: this drug has not been identified.

Individual sensitivity to one of the components, period of childbearing, glucose-galactose malabsorption, children under 18 years of age.

Reviews: I'm taking a course, because I decided to quit smoking, and I am constantly in tension, for two weeks I have been feeling well, drowsiness, anxiety and irritability have not arisen.

Prices:

A natural herbal remedy, one of the most famous sedatives. It is recommended to take it for mental stress, severe migraine, overstrain of the nervous system, anxiety syndrome.

Advantages: It is not addictive, so it can be taken in small courses (21 days).

Disadvantages: Natural compound that may cause an allergic reaction.

Ischemic heart disease, muscular dystrophy, possible intolerance to natural ingredients.

Reviews: Is one of my favorite medicines. I like its naturalness, because I do not like to overload the body with synthetic agents. We made friends with him for many years.

Prices:

Sedative tablets. Compared to the rest of the most popular sleeping pills, it is relatively cheap and effective. Its positive aspects are that it contains the components of magnesium B6, which play an important role in the functioning of the brain.

Advantages: Taken together, the active components strengthen the vascular walls, improve cerebral circulation, and also increase intellectual abilities.

Disadvantages: It can be noted that with an excess of magnesium B6, the drug can cause headaches.

With gastritis, intolerance to substances, the period of bearing a child, breastfeeding.

Reviews: I often drink this drug for prophylactic purposes, it does not cause drowsiness, addiction, memory gets better.

Prices:

A classic sedative that is recommended for minor stress, anxiety, depression, and systematic insomnia. It contains exclusively natural herbal ingredients.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Reviews:

Prices:

Sleep Formula

The composition of this dietary supplement is dominated by traditional "sleepy" herbs, such as hops and passionflower, as well as vitamins B and magnesium. This composition makes it easier to fall asleep and get deeper and better sleep. There is also a variant of the drug fortified with phytomelatonin.

Pros. Natural plant composition, available in various forms (tea, tablets, syrup), suitable even for children (from 3 years old), improves sleep quality, relieves stress, has passed clinical trials at the clinics of the State Research Institute of Mental Health of the Tomsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, does not cause addictive.

Minuses.It does not work immediately, but has a cumulative effect.

Reviews.“I had the strongest effect from the first pill. I slept much better, the sleep was deeper, and in the morning I was vigorous, during the day I was calmer than usual. I like the drug. I rarely take it, but when I can't sleep I immediately think of it. "

Prices:

Tryptophan Calm Formula

A drug based on the amino acid L-tryptophan, which affects the sleep-wake cycle. Also contains vitamin B and pantothenic acid, which are important for maintaining anti-stress functions in the body.

Pros.It improves mood during the day, reduces irritability, helps to calm down and fall asleep with insomnia against a background of stress, good composition.

Minuses.Price.

Intolerance to the components, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Reviews. “I ordered a large package right away, as a friend recommended and there were a lot of good reviews on the Internet. The dietary supplement perfectly calms the nerves, I am emotional and worried all the time at work, according to my feelings I noticed that my soul became calmer. At the same time, there is no drowsy effect, it became easier to fall asleep in the evening. "

Prices:

List of over-the-counter strengths

It should have a complex effect on the body, namely, help to make a person fall asleep faster, to ensure a sound sleep. The best sedatives that meet all the criteria are not easy to find. Strong over-the-counter medications that can help you fall asleep quickly include:

A potent drug, which contains an active ingredient - synthetic melatonin, which is an analogue of a natural hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Dosing regimen: take a tablet half an hour before going to bed.

Advantages: Allows you to restore circadian rhythms even after it is removed from the body, has a strong hypnotic effect. Treatment can be stopped at any time, because the drug is not addictive. After the completed course, insomnia will go away forever. It is considered the fastest drug with the best price. It does not cause side effects, inhibition, does not cause disorders of the nervous system, which means that it can be used while driving. Does not belong to the group of tranquilizers.

Disadvantage: The pill is intended for adults only.

Able to cause body pastiness and allergic reactions. Not recommended for small children, as well as for people with liver and kidney problems.

Reviews: He is considered by right the best among the potent sleeping pills, so I always take him with me on the plane for a quiet flight.

Prices:

Important! Do not exceed 3 mg dose. In severe cases, the doctor has the right to increase the dose to achieve the desired result. The duration of therapy for good sleep is 20 days.

Soothing sleeping pills, its name owes its name to the active ingredient - doxylamine succinate. It is allowed to take a strong sleeping pill once, it allows you to increase the duration and quality of sleep, and also allows you to remove lethargy and fatigue.

The drug can help you fall asleep faster, is easy to use because it comes in effervescent tablets. Take one tablet at bedtime with plenty of water. It can only be taken by adults, and the duration of treatment is no more than 14 days.

Advantages: The tablets help promote the production of melatonin, which is a hormone from the pituitary gland. Effectively helps to cope with severe insomnia.

Disadvantage: after it can dry in the throat, vomit.

Not to be taken by people driving vehicles, as well as at work, where attention is required, with apnea syndrome

Reviews: I have been using it for a long time, this is the only drug that helps me out at any time.

Prices:

A drug intended for the treatment of acute neurosis, anxiety syndrome and overexcitation of the nervous system.

Advantages: Helps to eliminate short-term sleep disturbances, works quickly.

Disadvantages: With prolonged use, anemia may develop.

An allergic reaction to one of the components, chronic diseases of the kidneys and liver.

Reviews: An effective remedy for all times. quickly helps, relieves irritation, gives peace of mind.

Prices:

List on herbs

Despite the benefits of synthetic drugs, you can use more natural medicines. These drugs are non-addictive, with little or no symptoms. What herbal sedatives can be bought without a prescription:

A classic sedative that is recommended for minor stress, anxiety, depression, and systematic insomnia. It contains exclusively natural herbal ingredients. It is easy to take, does not cause drowsiness, lethargy, and does not interfere with concentration.

Advantages: It is easy to take, does not cause drowsiness, lethargy, and does not interfere with concentration.

Disadvantages: This drug was not found.

The body's susceptibility to the components of the medication

Reviews: Despite the wild popularity, I do not feel a special effect, although for the course, I became noticeably calmer, and irritability went away.

Prices:

Herbal tea used for making tea. The recipe is very simple: pour a bag of raw materials with a glass of boiling water and insist.

Advantages: Natural remedy, pleasant to take.

Disadvantages: Not found.

People with heart problems, alcohol problems. Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Reviews: A great way to relax without wasting time. I drink Fitosedan every evening.

Prices:

French sedative, designed to eliminate fatigue, neurosis, overexcitation of the nervous system.

Advantages: The composition includes exclusively herbal ingredients. Improves not only intellectual ability, but also strengthens the heart.

Disadvantages: Tanakan is allowed after 18 years of age.

Allergy to one of the components, pregnancy period, ulcer, gastritis, thrombosis.

Reviews: After severe stress at work, only he can help. However, sometimes after taking it, tinnitus may occur.

Prices:

Novopassit

A natural herbal remedy, one of the most famous sedatives. it is recommended to take in case of mental stress, severe migraine, nervous system overstrain, anxiety syndrome. It is not addictive, so it can be taken in small courses (21 days).

The disadvantages can be attributed to its natural composition, which can cause an allergic reaction.

The most popular and cheapest drops. From the name it is clear that the active ingredient is the medicinal plant motherwort. It can be used in severe stressful situations to calm down, to calm the pulse.

Acts as a sedative and sedative. Adults can take 20-40 drops. They also normalize blood pressure. The effectiveness of the treatment will be noticeable after 14 days. Insomnia will pass, the nervous system will return to normal.

A natural sedative intended to eliminate neuroses, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia.

Advantages: It helps quickly, it is allowed to take children of school age.

Disadvantages: Not detected.

Liver problems, an allergic reaction to one of the components.

Reviews: A wonderful preparation that I give to my child. It does not affect the activity of my baby, and at school he became calmer.

Prices:

A combined product that combines hawthorn and valerian extracts.

Advantages: Allows you not only to calm down, but also improves heart function.

Disadvantages: Not detected.

Allergic reaction to one of the components.

Reviews: Due to severe insomnia, the doctor gave me phytorelax to drink. I've been drinking for 2.5 weeks, but I don't feel any visible effect.

An excellent remedy that prevents nervous breakdowns, fatigue, and also helps to better adapt.

Advantages: Allowed to be taken by children of school age.

Disadvantages: Difficult to acquire.

Individual intolerance to one of the components.

Reviews: A good effective remedy that helps to sleep better, and also allows you to have colorful and pleasant dreams.

Prices:

Important! These tinctures are made with alcohol, so they cannot be taken during the period of gestation, lactation, and also for young children.

The drug is so called because it contains peony extract. The best remedy for eliminating the excitability of the NA, eliminating anxiety syndrome.

Advantages: Gives rest at night, increases phase time, and is effective for severe sleep disturbances. Night awakenings will go away without causing addiction.

Not allowed to be taken by children, people with alcohol dependence, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Reviews: Good, which I take with tachycardia, high blood pressure, severe anxiety. It helps quickly and does not require long-term use.

A sound sleep is necessary for a person for effective rest. The causes of disturbances in this area can be stress, leading to overexcitation of the nervous system, illness or changes in the usual way of life.

Consider the types of drugs, methods of administration and the expected effect of their use. It is also necessary to mention the means of traditional medicine, especially for insomnia in babies.

Types of drugs and their effects on humans

According to the effect on the human body and chemical composition, medications are divided into types. Every medication to improve sleep has a calming effect, and this also applies to folk remedies. The difference lies in the way it affects the body.

If you have insomnia, the drugs will help bring your night's rest back to normal, but they should be taken on the advice of a doctor, excluding self-medication.

In order to choose the remedy that suits you, you need to understand what medications are and what is their difference, according to the effect on a person and composition, the drugs are divided into the following groups, namely:

1. Tranquilizers belong to the benzodiazepine group and have a psychotropic and somatotropic effect, which is expressed in a decrease in the feeling of fear, anxiety and other emotional stresses;
2. Sedatives of a milder effect, which include barbiturates, herbal products, and bromides;
3. Antihistamines, which are characterized by antiallergic properties, but they are inherent in the normalization of the activity of the central nervous system.

Choice of drug:

• creation of a physiologically normal sleep cycle, stable in time;
• during wakefulness, lack of drowsiness, memory impairment, decreased reaction rate;
• lack of dependence and addiction to the drug.

Medical indications, including age, determine the choice of medications designed to normalize the patient's daily sleep and consolidate the positive effect over time.

It is very important that the side effects of taking the sleep pill do not affect the productive life during wakefulness. In addition, the course of treatment should not be too long, so that the normalizing effect does not lead to dependence on the drug and does not require an increase in the dosage of the drug.

The effect of tranquilizers on the human body is to suppress excessive excitability, feelings of fear and anxiety, as a consequence of stress on the psyche.

You need to know that the use of these medicines excludes the simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs.

The course of treatment should be from small doses to a gradual increase in the amount of the drug, in order to improve sleep. It is necessary to achieve the normalization of rest under the supervision of the attending physician in order to exclude the occurrence of addiction to the drug and the formation of persistent dependence on the drug.

Side effects when using this type of medications are a decrease in the reaction rate, some lethargy and decreased activity. Benzodiazepines are taken half an hour before bedtime and these include drugs such as: phenazepam, radedorm, nitrazepam and eunoctin.

Sedatives that increase sleep duration include barbiturates, bromides, and herbal sleep preparations.

It should be noted that long-term use of barbiturates leads to an addiction of the body, but they have a more gentle effect on a person than tranquilizers. This group includes cyclobarbetal, pentobarbital and phenobarbital.

In addition to barbiturates, there is a wide range of bromine and magnesium-containing preparations of mild hypnotic action, and herbal preparations include valerian, hawthorn and motherwort tincture. But even herbal medicines should not be consumed for more than 30 days in a row.

Antiallergic properties should be attributed to the action of antihistamines, but the hypnotic effect of these tablets is also well known. A striking example is a drug such as diphenhydramine.

Donormil, Sonmil and many other medications, which need to be taken 20-30 minutes before bedtime, by half a tablet, also increase sleep time.

The body gets used to external influences and it is required to increase the dose of the drug to obtain the desired sound sleep, therefore, strict medical supervision is necessary.

Medicines based on medicinal herbs have a lesser negative effect on a person, and we will talk about them.

Traditional medicine and drugs for insomnia

Older people, children, pregnant and lactating mothers are often contraindicated in the use of potent sleeping pills. The indisputable calming effect on the nervous system, both of individual herbs and their combinations, has long been known and widely used in the treatment of insomnia.

In severe cases of postoperative rehabilitation or with various chronic diseases of the nervous system, folk remedies are unlikely to help, but in mild forms of sleep disturbance, they are effective.

Self-made tinctures of valerian, motherwort, hawthorn and their mixtures are very popular. Also used are lily of the valley drops, tincture of peony and lemon balm on alcohol, passionflower extract, Ivan tea.

Medicinal mixtures based on several herbs are more effective, such as:

• novopassit, which includes guaifensin, elderberry, valerian, St. John's wort, hops, passionflower and lemon balm;
• persen forte, which includes mint, lemon balm and valerian;
• phytosedan, it includes oregano, valerian, sweet clover, thyme and motherwort;
• a sleep formula that combines B vitamins, hops, motherwort and magnesium.

Homeopathic remedies occupy a special place in this line of drugs for normal sleep.

They are not addictive or otherwise negative and consist of the following drugs:

• hypnosed by migraines, insomnia, irritability, nervous tension;
• the drug soothes, makes it possible to fall asleep even with frequent nighttime awakenings;
• passidorm helps to cope with fatigue and nervous strain.

Taking alternative drugs, you need to drink them with clean water in large quantities, this contributes to the best absorption of drugs. Acupuncture, yoga and breathing exercises are also used as alternative treatments for insomnia.

You need to realize that disturbances in the resting process are a consequence that you can temporarily get rid of with the help of a pill, but you still need to treat and eliminate the reason, which may be as follows:

1. a tough work schedule requires the mobilization of a person's moral, psychological and mental resources, as a result, nervous exhaustion may occur;
2. insomnia can occur due to vascular diseases, including the brain;
3. the cause of sleep disturbance can be osteochondrosis;
4. diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
5. skin diseases, including venereal;
6. parkinson's disease;
7. chronic diseases.

In the case of such diseases, insomnia can serve as one of the symptoms in the diagnosis, and a visit to the medical office should not be postponed indefinitely. Self-medication will not be beneficial, and the harm can be tangible.

If the cause of sleep disturbance is stress, then you must first try to do without medication.

Nervous strain can be relieved in many ways, namely:

• more often in the fresh air, walking, fishing, picking mushrooms;
• airing the room and taking a shower before going to bed;
• turn off all annoying sound and image sources while falling asleep;
• using self-hypnosis to clear the brain of negativity, focus on positive thoughts and feelings;
• proper nutrition;
• sports, especially outdoors;
• spend time with animals, they are great stress relievers;
• do the "five Tibetans" exercises or yoga for half an hour a day.

Of course, everyone will find their own way to relieve stress and tune in to positive emotions, normalizing their sleep, but a healthy mind lives only in a healthy body. In the vast majority of cases, sound sleep is not in the hands of doctors, but in your own hands.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to stay awake during the day. For this, the body needs 6-9 hours of rest per day. But we rarely pay attention to his needs. How to accustom yourself to the correct regimen?

Our expert is a candidate of medical sciences, psychotherapist Leonid Savchenko.

The body is in shock

We spend the whole day at work and after the end of the working day, of course, we are not in a hurry to go home: a warm spring evening is so pleasant to spend with friends. As a result, we often go to bed already well after midnight, trying not to think that tomorrow we will get up early again. And so the whole week. But on weekends we sleep in full and we can stay in bed until lunchtime. And everything seems to be returning to normal. But doctors warn: this is how sleepy bulimia develops (shifted mode). And it is extremely harmful!

The fact is that, alas, it is impossible to get enough sleep for the future. The failure of the regime plunges our body into a state of shock, and then it begins to produce cortisol, a hormone that helps to respond to stress: regulates blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, affects carbohydrate metabolism and suppresses inflammatory processes.

Normally, the level of cortisol in a person rises in the morning (from 6 to 9) and decreases in the evening (closer to 21 hours). But with strong mental or physical exertion, as well as with stress, the hormone begins to be produced unplanned. Such surges lead to feelings of fatigue and muscle weakness.

Regime enterprises

Both health and appearance suffer from lack of sleep. What to do? Urgently change the regime, that is, try to go to bed early. This is not an easy task, but the result is worth all the pain. Surely at first you will have problems. Let's try to solve them.

Difficulty number 1

You are used to staying up late and adjusting to a different schedule does not work simply because the body does not want to sleep.

Decision. If you go to bed, say at three in the morning, get up at eight in the morning. Dedicate the whole day to active loads (work, a walk in the park, sports, and so on). Believe me, going to bed at eleven o'clock next night will be much easier for you!

Difficulty number 2

You break the regime every now and then because you don't look at your watch.

Decision. It's really difficult to organize your time at first. In order not to forget, set an alarm clock on your mobile phone, which will remind you that it's time to sleep soon.

Difficulty number 3

Winter is over, and now you constantly wake up at night because the room is stuffy. And from this, even if you go to bed early, in the morning you still feel overwhelmed.

Decision. To get a good night's sleep, the bedroom should be 18-20 degrees, no more and no less. If you don't have air conditioning, ventilate the room or keep windows open all night.

For better relaxation and sleep, take a warm shower or bath before going to bed, turn on the table lamp, not the overhead light. Consume any drinks 2 hours before bedtime.

Time is approaching midnight, and you still can't sleep? This means that you have used up a little energy in a day. Urgently rebuild your schedule, move more, jog or walk in the park in the evenings, sign up for a sports club. Remember, any physical activity promotes a sound night's sleep.

Neither sleep nor wake up

There are 82 types of sleep disorders in the world. However, the most popular were, are and remain insomnia and drowsiness. Let's try to find out their causes and methods of treatment.

Insomnia. On average, 25-50% of the world's population suffer from it, and 95% have faced this misfortune at least once in their lives.

The nervous system is regulated by two types of neurons. Norepinephrine is responsible for awakening, and serotonin adjusts to sleep. If the latter is hindered by something, for example, excessive excitement, obsessive thoughts, stuffiness or cold, the process of falling asleep becomes noticeably difficult.

Drowsiness. It happens that sometimes twelve hours of sleep is not enough to get enough sleep. And during the day you still yawn and think only about how to take a nap again. What's the matter? Here's what. During sleep, our brain immerses us in different states. For example, there is the so-called REM phase (that is, sleep with rapid eye movements), conditionally it can be called REM sleep. Although it does not last long, it is at this time that we are in a state of the deepest peace. It is at these moments that dreams come to us. If this or any other phase is not enough for us in a dream, or if they are too short, the person does not get the necessary rest.

For the coming sleep

Auto-training, warm baths, soothing teas and, of course, medications help to tune sleep in the right way.

Sleeping pills. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is found in the central nervous system, inhibits the activity of the brain. The task of any sleeping pill is either to enhance the effect of GABA on neurons, or to increase its amount in the nervous system.

Barbiturates. They work in the same way as other sleeping pills, but they also have anticonvulsant and relaxing effects. As a result, these drugs have very strong side effects. With prolonged use, the phase of REM sleep is shortened. In addition, these drugs are addictive as early as the second week. Therefore, today barbiturates are practically not used as sleeping pills.

Benzodiazepines. In the 60s of the XX century, a new generation of hypnotics appeared - benzodiazepines. They also work on GABA, but have fewer side effects. However, they are addictive, and with prolonged use, it becomes necessary to increase the dose. Heavy awakening and daytime sleepiness in many people completely discouraged them from using them.

New generation tools. These are selective drugs derived from imidazoperidine and cyclopirrolone. Among their undoubted advantages is the minimum number of side effects. But the most remarkable thing is that such funds are able not only to quickly induce yawning, but also to establish the natural distribution of sleep phases. True, this is not a panacea - with long-term use of them there is the same danger of developing addiction.

Antihistamines. Are you surprised if these are allergy medications? But it turns out that histamine is one of the most important receptors responsible for our wakefulness. Drugs that block histamine receptors relieve allergy symptoms. Improving sleep is just a side effect. But for some of them, it is so strong that they are considered common sleeping pills.

However, allergy sufferers can breathe easy, antihistamines without sleeping pills have been invented for them today.

Melatonin. Melatonin is a neurohormone. At night, our body produces about 70% of its daily dose.

Melatonin somehow regulates the rhythms of sleep and wakefulness, in particular, it affects the increase in the amount of GABA in the nervous system.

As sleeping pills based on it, it is considered to be light, and they are prescribed for minor sleep disturbances.

And yet, despite the abundance of drugs, if sleep disturbance does not go away over time, you should seek help from a doctor.

The names of sleep pills contain information about their formulation and the origin of the components. Depending on the composition and effect on the body, sleep pills are stored in pharmacies in different ways and dispensed to patients.

Without prescriptions they release

• plant-based hypnotics - valerian, motherwort, persen, dormiplant, novo-passit, melaxen;
• blockers of histamine receptors and ethanolamines - donormil, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, valocordin-doxylamine.

The remedies are effective for episodic insomnia, short-term sleep disturbances.

Prescriptions are released:

• barbiturates: phenobarbital;

• benzodiazepines: phenazepam, diazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, nozepam, tazepam, relanium, flunitrazepam, lorazepam;
• non-benzodiazepines: zopiclone, zolpidem, zaleplon.

Sleep formula

"Sleep Formula" is a dietary supplement to improve sleep. The phytocomplex makes it stronger and longer lasting, additionally enriches the body with B vitamins and magnesium.

Coated tablets 0.5 g each contain magnesium, extracts of motherwort, hops, hawthorn, vitamin B complex.

• Magnesium is an “element of calmness”: it takes part in muscular and nervous activity, impulse transmission, activates vitamins and enzymatic processes.
• Thanks to phytocomponents, sleep pills act as a sedative and cardiotonic agent, normalize the functions of the nervous system.
• Vitamins are indispensable in the processes of nervous activity, they are involved in the construction of the membranes of neurons and the transmission of impulses. In the complex, they have a more effective, including anti-stress, effect.

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Donormil

Donormil tablets (synonym - doxylamine) are indicated for insomnia and other sleep problems. The drug has sedative and hypnotic properties, due to which it accelerates the process of falling asleep, prolongs the period and improves the quality of sleep. Acts for a period of time sufficient for the rash.

Donormil is available in two types of tablets: coated and effervescent, which must be dissolved in water before use. Apply 0.5 or a whole tablet a quarter of an hour before going to bed. If the problem persists after a few days of taking, you should consult your doctor to change the daily dose or apply another treatment.

Sleep pills can cause drowsiness while awake, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. They should not be prescribed to children under 15 years old, nursing mothers (pregnant women - with caution); contraindications are also:

• individual intolerance to ingredients,
• hyperplasia and prostate adenoma,
• glaucoma.

Donormil is incompatible with alcohol. When using the drug, it is not recommended to control complex mechanisms (due to a reduced reaction).

In pharmacies, the drug is dispensed by prescription. Overdose causes severe symptoms, up to seizures and epileptiform seizures, which require qualified treatment.

Melaxen

Melaxen is considered an effective and safe sleeping pill, which is why it is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. It is an effective synthetic analogue of a natural hormone. Synonyms - metatone, melatonin, melapur.

The drug normalizes sleep, especially in case of primary insomnia in elderly patients, therefore it is recommended for people over 55 years old who suffer from insomnia with poor sleep quality. Melaxen is useful for insomnia associated with shift work, flights to different time zones, in stressful situations. Side effects are rare (in particular, allergies).

Positive properties of melaxen:

• not addictive;
• does not impair memory;
• does not cause drowsiness during the daytime;
• does not disturb the structure of sleep;
• does not aggravate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Contraindications to the use of melaxen:

• hypersensitivity to components,
• violations of the functional ability of the liver,
• autoimmune pathologies,
• childhood,
• work that requires quick reaction and concentration,
• pregnancy and lactation.

An overdose of the drug causes drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination of movements. No treatment is required, after 12 hours the substance is excreted from the body.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a synthetic substance created as an analogue of the natural hormone of the pineal gland. It is a powerful antioxidant, protects against the formation of free radicals that provoke aging and cancer.

The substance is also called sleep hormone. It comes in the form of sleep pills for internal use.

Melatonin has the following effects:

• adaptogenic,
• sleeping pills,
• sedative,
• immunostimulating,
• antioxidant.

Melatonin regulates the body's circadian rhythm, ensures timely falling asleep, good sleep and normal awakening.

Melatonin is useful in violation of temporary adaptations when changing time zones, improves well-being after sleep, and reduces reactions to stress.

The dosage and frequency of admission are set according to the specific indications of the patient, usually once a day, before bedtime. Sleep pills should be taken whole with plenty of water.

The positive quality of melatonin is that it does not cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and does not have serious side effects. Thanks to this, it is allowed to be dispensed without a prescription. However, some contraindications for use still exist, for example:

• autoimmune and allergic diseases,
• chronic kidney failure,
• tumors,
• diabetes,
• epilepsy.

Melatonin should not be given to children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating mothers, people working with equipment or other mechanisms requiring special attention.

Melanin

Melanin is a natural pigment, the amount of which in the body determines the intensity of the color of the skin, hair, six. With a lack of substance, such a pathology as albinism is observed.

Melanin is constantly synthesized in the epidermis. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the process is activated and leads to the formation of sunburn - protection of the skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation.

The pigment is produced by special cells - melanocytes. With a lack of them, melanin from the outside is required to protect the skin. For this, you need melanin tablets.

Melanin tablets are used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

• In a cosmetic sense, melanin is used to create a tan. The basis of the tablets is dihydroxyacetone, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin.
• It is used as a remedy for low pigmentation and skin cancer. The big positive of such protection is that pills, unlike ultraviolet radiation, do not cause burns on the skin.

Melanin tablets are also produced on the basis of biologically active substances. They also stimulate the production of melanin.

It is also known that melanin tablets not only promote tanning without a tanning bed, but also have additional beneficial properties. For example, they stimulate the libido of both sexes and increase the burning of excess fat.

Restful sleep

"Peaceful Sleep" tablets Geron-Vit are designed taking into account the changes taking place in the aging body. Sleep pills contain a complex of herbal ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Motherwort, cyanosis, lemon balm, hawthorn, sweet clover, St. John's wort, eleutherococcus, melatonin, biotin, vitamins C, B - the combination of these substances eases the symptoms of menopause, depression, restores memory, sleep, attention, physical strength.

• neuroses from stress;
• sleep disorders;
• depression;
• chronic fatigue;
• emotional disturbances;
• to improve the condition of people permanently living in big cities.

According to research by scientists, the combination of medicinal plants with minerals and vitamins has a beneficial effect on the functions of the elderly body: the complex preserves and protects nerve cells, maintains vigor and cheerfulness, prevents memory impairment, Alzheimer's disease and similar diseases.

The duration of the treatment and prophylactic course and the daily dose is determined by the doctor.

Sleep hormone

The sleep hormone is called melatonin. It regulates sleep - wakefulness, cures insomnia, improves mental and emotional state, eliminates stress, normalizes blood pressure, slows down the aging process, prolongs life, and increases immunity.

Melatonin relieves some types of headaches, has antioxidant and anticancer properties. Useful for people who have to change time zones while traveling.

It is possible to increase the level of the hormone naturally. To do this, you need to go to bed no later than midnight, sleep in a dark room and enough time. After all, the substance in the body is formed precisely at night, from midnight to four o'clock.

With a lack of its own substance, it should be taken additionally, in the form of sleep pills. Taking pills

• improves falling asleep,
• relieves stress,
• slows down aging,
• increases defenses,
• regulates pressure and brain activity,
• reduces the amount of cholesterol,
• relieves pain in the head area.

No undesirable effects from the use of sleep hormone have been recorded. At risk, as usual, are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, patients with serious illnesses. However, other people should not take sleeping pills without consulting a doctor.

Phenazepam

Phenazepam is a powerful tranquilizer. It also has a muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, hypnotic effect.

Sleep pills are prescribed:

• with disorders of nervous and mental activity - with symptoms of anxiety, fear, irritability, mental imbalance;
• to overcome obsessive states, phobias, hypochondria, psychosis, panic reactions;
• to relieve alcohol withdrawal;
• as a sleeping pill in surgical procedures.

The substance can provoke unwanted reactions: ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness. The use is contraindicated in patients with severe myasthenia gravis, functional changes in the liver and kidneys, and in pregnant women.

Long-term use of phenazepam in large quantities causes pharmacological dependence.

Healthy sleep

The "Healthy Sleep" drug is produced in the form of round blue coated tablets containing the active ingredient zolpidem tartrate. They are used internally as a sleeping pill for various sleep disorders:

• short-term,
• situational,
• chronic.

Sleep pills "Healthy Sleep" can cause side effects. They are manifested by unpleasant symptoms: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, memory impairment, tremors, depression, skin rash. An overdose of the drug provokes a similar picture.

The drug is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, the presence of myasthenia gravis, apnea, liver disorders, pulmonary insufficiency. It cannot be administered to pregnant women in the first trimester, children under 15 years of age. Particular caution is required when prescribing to nursing and pregnant women, patients with liver problems, prone to depression, alcoholics.

When using “Healthy Sleep” tablets, it is prohibited to drive or operate complex mechanisms.

Doctor sleep

The herbal sedative "Doctor Sleep" is available in capsules. Extracts of medicinal plants in its composition have sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anti-stress, adaptogenic properties. Does not provoke addiction.

Indications for use of "Doctor Sleep":

• sleep disorders,
• insomnia,
• stress,
• anxiety,
• obsessive thoughts
• irritability,
• nervous excitement,
• depression.

"Doctor Sleep" is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age and people who have hypersensitivity to certain components.

Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions, gastric disorders, feelings of fatigue. Overdose is undesirable, but does not pose a danger: the symptoms disappear on their own within 24 hours after stopping the medication.

Taking the drug adversely affects the ability to drive a car or work with complex equipment. It is also not recommended to watch TV, listen to radio or other sources of information after taking capsules.

The effect of capsules on the female body during pregnancy and lactation has not been studied. Only the doctor decides on the appointment of the drug to such patients.

Sonex

Sleep pills Sonx in a shell contain the active ingredient zopiclone. They differ from other tablets by a strip on one side.

The drug is used for severe sleep disorders. Sonex promotes falling asleep, soothes, relaxes, has an anticonvulsant effect. The dosage of the medicine is determined by the doctor, writing out the prescription.

Contraindications:

• individual sensitivity,
• respiratory failure
• myasthenia gravis,
• complex liver problems,
• attacks of sleep apnea,
• children, adolescents under 18 years old,
• pregnancy and lactation.

Undesirable consequences are manifested in the form of visual impairment, activity of the nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal systems, metabolic processes.

Evalar

Evalar company produces the drug "Sleep Formula" - a completely natural remedy related to dietary supplements. The sleeping pill is intended to improve sleep, has a tonic, mild relaxing and soothing effect.

Sleep Formula is available in three forms:

• sleep pills,
• colloidal solution,
• baby syrup.

The drug has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves stress, promotes falling asleep, deep and prolonged sleep thanks to the following substances:

• motherwort (soothes);
• hops (promotes sleep);
• escholzia (hypnotic effect);
• vitamins B1, B6, B12 (ensure adequate functioning of the nervous system);
• magnesium (activates B vitamins, soothes).

Herbal components, in addition to the hypnotic effect, have a positive effect on the heart: they increase the contraction of the myocardium, reduce its excitability, and eliminate arrhythmia. To achieve the effect, you need to take the full course of treatment.

"Sleep Formula" is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug, as well as for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

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Sonmil

Sonmil sleep tablets contain the active substance doxylamine from the ethanolamine group. It is used in the therapy of sleep pathologies (synonym - donormil).

The drug has sedative, hypnotic, antihistamine properties. Facilitates falling asleep, improves the quality of sleep, does not affect its phases. Recommended to apply 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. The drug effect lasts at least seven hours.

Sonmil is usually well tolerated by patients, except for slight drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination of movements. Dry mouth, urination and stool disorders are possible.

Contraindications to the use of sunmil:

• hypersensitivity
• angle-closure glaucoma,
• prostate problems
• galactosemia.

Sonmil is not used in pediatrics, for the treatment of insomnia in pregnant and lactating women. Special care is needed when managing technical facilities.

An overdose of tablets is fraught with daytime sleepiness, anxiety, tremors, hyperemia, and fever. In more difficult cases, convulsions and coma are possible. Treatment of intoxication is symptomatic.

Sleep Regulating Tablets

Sleep problems can hit a person at any age, starting with childhood. Throughout life, each person is confronted with many adverse situations that adversely affect sleep. Age-related changes in the body tend to exacerbate insomnia.

Pharmacists offer sleep-promoting pills for every age group.

• For children: persen, dormiplant, novo-passit.

It is better for children not to prescribe medication for sleep at all. Their use is allowed only in exceptional cases, with serious indications (and not earlier than from three years).

• For adults: novo-passit, persen, motherwort, afobazole, melatonin, roserem, zopiclone, phenibut, imovan.

Synthetic and combination drugs should only be taken at night as they promote deep and prolonged sleep. And in the morning it is not recommended to get behind the wheel of a car or perform other complex manipulations.

• For the elderly: zopiclone, zolpidem.

For this category of patients, sleep pills should be selected taking into account the specific disease. Transient insomnia is treated with herbal remedies, expressed by drugs that leave the body within a few hours.

Zopiclone and zolpidem are considered versatile drugs because they help you fall asleep easily and provide natural-like sleep. The elderly tolerate these medications well enough without feeling lethargic or sleepy during the day.

Herbal sleep pills

Sleep pharmaceuticals differ in composition, effects on the human body and, of course, cost. The most delicate products are based on herbal ingredients. These are phytocomplexes and supplements.

Herbal sleep pills:

• Ortho-Taurine

Normalizes sleep, improves vigor and mood, relieves nervousness and groundless anxiety. It is taken in a course lasting from two to several weeks.

• Neurostabil

Contains herbs and B vitamins, used to prevent and treat partial sleep deprivation.

• Biolan

A complex of amino acids and peptides, relieves stress and insomnia. At the same time it improves blood circulation in the brain, efficiency. An expensive but completely harmless drug.

• Balance sheet

A multivitamin, in the formulation contains, among other things, an extract of ginkgo biloba. Supports the body during psycho-emotional overload, enriches the body with useful substances. Recommended for insomnia typical of high-level managers.

Herbal sleep pills also include novo-passit, afobazole, persen, motherwort tablets.

Valerian for sleep

Valerian is a well-known medicinal plant. On the basis of rhizomes, plants produce tinctures; dry, thick, oily extracts; decoctions and infusions; briquettes; powder; filter bags. All dosage forms, when taken regularly, have a hypnotic, sedative, antispasmodic effect on the patient.

Valerian for sleep in tablets with a shell is created on the basis of dry plant extract. Valerian is not suitable for relieving symptoms of acute agitation and insomnia, because the sedative effect appears gradually, with systematic use (from two weeks to a month).

• Valeriana-Belmed - 200 mg of rhizome powder;
• "Valerian forte" - 150 mg of thick extract;
• "Valerian extract" - 20 mg each and
• Valerian (Bulgaria) - 3 mg of dry extract.

The dosage of the drug depends on these indicators. Valerian is normally tolerated by patients, so cases of overdose are rarely recorded. However, long-term use can cause undesirable consequences.

Valerian is also a part of combined drugs useful for insomnia, agitation, anxiety, neurotic conditions. Among the popular plant-based products are Persen and Sanason, camphor-valerian and lily of the valley-valerian drops, herbal preparations.

Sleep pills on the plane

For sleeping on an airplane, drugs with adaptogenic properties are used that can normalize disturbed biological rhythms. The most popular tablets for sleeping on the plane are melaxen and its analogues: zircalin, melaxen balance.

The active ingredient, melatonin, is an artificially synthesized analogue of the pineal gland hormone. Regulates daily processes, maintains quality sleep and good mood in the morning, does not cause a feeling of lethargy. Even dreams when taking melaxen become brighter and more emotional.

An important property of melaxen and its analogs is an increase in the adaptive capabilities of the body with a rapid change of time zones. This is a real test that a person undergoes during long air travel.

Melaxen preparations stimulate the immune system and reduce stress reactions, and this, in turn, has a positive effect on the general condition of the body, mood and human performance.

• When taking melaxen as a pill for sleeping on an airplane, it is recommended to take 1 piece a day before the flight and several days after. 30 - 40 minutes before bedtime (no more than two tablets per day).

Contraindications for use: pregnancy and lactation, kidney disease, allergies, tumors, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus. Melaxen is a non-prescription drug.