If you’re looking for the best sleep aid, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you what’s the best sleep aids of 2024 and why.
We list the top 10 best sleep aids to help you get better rest at night. These are all-natural products with no side effects or adverse health consequences. Both men and women can use them. You don’t need prescription drugs if you use these products. The ingredients in them are safe and effective. So, let’s take a look at our list:
ZzzQuil Cold & Flu Nighttime
This is one of the market’s most popular cold and flu remedies today. It contains acetaminophen, which helps reduce fever and relieve pain and muscle aches associated with common symptoms like cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, etc.
In addition, it also has dextromethorphan hydrobromide, which relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Dextromethorphan works very effectively against viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus, coronaviruses, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and others.
Melatonin – Natural Antioxidant Supplement
If your body produces less melatonin than average during nighttime hours, this may cause insomnia. However, taking melatonin supplements before bedtime can improve sleep quality by promoting deeper sleep cycles. Also, melatonin encourages relaxation and reduces anxiety levels. Melatonin is an antioxidant supplement that protects cells from free radicals damage. This means that it prevents cell aging and improves overall cellular function.
Carlyle Melatonin 12 mg
Carlyle Melatonin 12 mg with High Potency Melatonin formula for fast dissolve tablets is a non-GMO gluten-free product.
This supplement helps with occasional sleeplessness and can also help with jet lag and more.
L-Theanine – Relaxing Tea For Better Sleep
It is derived from green tea leaves and acts as a relaxing agent. L-theanine increases alpha waves activity in brain regions responsible for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. In other words, it makes people feel more relaxed and calm. As a result, it enhances their ability to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sleepy Time Tablets
These pills contain caffeine along with some herbal extracts. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and causes drowsiness. Herbal extracts work synergistically with caffeine to produce a calming effect. Some herbs include valerian root extract, hops extract, passionflower extract, kava extract, chamomile flowers extract, lemon balm leaf extract, skullcap herb extract, lavender oil extract, linden blossom extract, rosemary extract, St John’s wort extract, and many others.
Ultra-High Strength Valerian Root Capsules
Toniiq is proud to offer the market the most potent valerian root supplement. It is made with wild-harvested, ethically sourced valerian root purified using a proprietary extraction process that improves bioavailability through our emulsification technology.
This purification method yields a 4:1 ethanolic extract ratio, meaning you get 1,300mg of raw valerian root per capsule.
CBD Oil Capsules
They are made up of CBD hemp oil extracted using CO2 extraction. CBD oil capsules provide fast relief from stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, inflammation, seizures, spasms, migraines, and more.
Hemp Oil for Relief Anxiety Stress
Hemp Oil for Relief Anxiety Stress Relief is a unique and powerful formula from the hemp plant. Our Hemp Drops is an excellent source of Vitamin E and natural Omega fatty acids.
Our hemp supplement is better than fish oil and ideal for those trying to lose weight and achieve optimal health.
Luna
Luna combines several herbal and natural ingredients that have sleep-inducing properties. Its efficacy comes from the combined action of chamomile, valerian root, and a strong 6 mg dose of melatonin.
Without any questionable or ancillary ingredients, it’s a great buy.
Zhou Drift off
Zhou Driftoff is a robust blend of all the best herbal sleep extracts. It is best suited for people who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
The valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin should work together to counter all three problems.
Zenwise Sleep Support
Zenwise has the usual ingredients you’d expect in a combined sleep aid, like theanine, chamomile, and melatonin, but it also includes the neurotransmitters GABA and 5-HTP.
The idea here is not to directly induce sleep with these ingredients but rather ensure more restful sleep by giving your brain the elements it needs to recover while you’re asleep.
Sleep Sense
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Sleep Sense is your best bet if you want a sleep aid that serves up a lot of neurotransmitters for brain recovery. It has a moderate dose of melatonin but a lot of 5-HTP, GABA, and the amino acid theanine.
Kirkland Sleep Aid
This sleep aid is readily available and famous, but because it’s antihistamine-based, you should only use it occasionally and expect some next-day grogginess. It’s excellent for rehabbing from jet lag or other short-term uses.
Member’s Mark Sleep Aid
Member’s Mark is another antihistamine-based sleep aid, but it uses a different chemical than Kirkland.
Try this one if you want an antihistamine’s fast-acting and potent sleep-inducing effects but haven’t had success with doxylamine-based products.
Nature Made Soft Gel Sleep
Nature-made combines theanine, passionflower, melatonin, and chamomile in a widely-used sleep aid. Still, aside from the melatonin, the dosages of the other ingredients are probably too low to be effective.
Team 6 Star6urn PM
Team 6 has a unique combo supplement–a weight loss supplement and a sleep aid in one. The weight loss effects come from green coffee bean extract, garcinia Cambogia, and a few other herbal ingredients, while the sleep-inducing effects come primarily from melatonin.
It’s a neat idea, but the fat burners‘ stimulating effects might counter melatonin’s effect.
Chlorella Powder
They are rich sources of chlorophyll, providing an energy boost to tired muscles. Chlorophyll is known to increase oxygen intake into the bloodstream while reducing carbon dioxide output. Thus, it keeps us awake throughout the day but allows us to relax after bed.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
It is a powerful source of antioxidants called polyphenols. Green coffee bean extract boosts metabolism rate and burns fat. It also regulates cholesterol levels and lowers triglycerides. All these factors make it ideal for weight loss.
Hops Herbals
It is a sedative plant native to Europe and Asia. Hops are often combined with other plants to create beer. Its active ingredient is humulone which is similar to THC found in marijuana. Humulones act as a mild stimulant and induce feelings of euphoria. But unlike THC, it does not impair motor skills. Instead, it calms down overactive nerves and induces deep sleep.
Kratom Leaf
It is a tropical tree whose leaves are dried and ground into powder form. Kratom is widely consumed in Southeast Asian countries, where its psychoactive properties were discovered centuries ago. Today, it is being used recreationally and medically due to its stimulating effects. The alkaloids present in kratom are effective against opioid withdrawal symptoms. They also help reduce cravings associated with drug addiction.
Melatonin Supplements
This hormone helps regulate our circadian rhythm by promoting restful sleep. Taking melatonin at night will keep you alert until morning, when it triggers the REM phase of the sleep cycle. You should avoid consuming too much melatonin since it could lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.
Valerian Root
It has long been used to treat insomnia. Valerian root contains GABA, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and adenosine. These neurotransmitters are essential in regulating moods, emotions, and sleeping patterns.
Yoga Nidra
It is a type of meditation technique practiced mainly in India. Yoga Nidra involves slow breathing techniques and guided imagery exercises. During yoga Nidra sessions, practitioners focus on different parts of their bodies such as the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, feet, etc. While doing so, they visualize each body part getting lighter and emptier. Afterward, they imagine all those areas filling with lightness and peace.
Stress Balls
You can use them to relieve tension or simply enjoy soothing sounds. Stress balls come in various shapes and sizes. Choose one that suits your needs best. Some people prefer soft stress balls, whereas others choose hard ones. Softballs produce calming vibrations while harder ones emit high-pitched tones.
Lavender Essential Oil
You can rub lavender oil directly onto your temples before going to bed. Lavender essential oils contain linalool which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety levels. This makes it an excellent choice if you have insomnia.
Chamomile Tea
Drinking chamomile tea before bedtime may improve the quality of sleep. Chamomile is a relaxing herb that relieves nervousness and improves concentration. In addition, it stimulates digestion and increases appetite. Drinking this herbal beverage regularly will promote healthy sleep cycles.
Sleep Mask
A sleep mask is helpful because it blocks out external noises. If you wear a noise-canceling headset during nighttime activities, you won’t hear any loud noises outside. However, wearing a sleep mask alone isn’t enough to ensure sound sleep. Make sure you follow proper sleep hygiene practices. For instance, don’t watch TV right before bedtime. Avoid caffeine consumption close to bedtime. And try to get some exercise every day.
Who should buy a sleep aid?
If you experience difficulty falling asleep or staying awake throughout the night, you need to consider buying a sleep aid. Whether you want to purchase over-the-counter products or prescription medications doesn’t matter. Both types work effectively for most individuals who struggle with poor sleep habits.
Sleep aids use supplements or herbs to help induce the onset and maintain sleep. They are most popular among people with chronic sleep problems, particularly insomnia. People suffering from other conditions, including depression, anxiety, pain, and fatigue, also benefit from these natural remedies.
Sleep aids are used for different reasons, such as insomnia, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. The best sleep aid depends on what you need it for. If you want to treat insomnia, then try melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body at night. It helps regulate sleep cycles and wake up feeling refreshed. You can take melatonin pills or liquid form.
Melatonin is available without a doctor’s recommendation. But make sure you consult your physician first before taking it. Other than treating insomnia, melatonin has many health benefits. It boosts energy levels, fights cancer cells, protects against heart disease, and treats diabetes.
Other common sleep aids include valerian root extract, hops extracts, kava kava, L-Theanine, magnesium, and 5HTP. These ingredients have been proven effective when taken orally.
How do I know if my sleep aid works?
There are several ways to determine how well your sleep aid works. First, check its label. Look for information about dosage, side effects, and warnings. Second, ask yourself questions regarding effectiveness. How long does it last? Does it cause drowsiness? Do you feel more rested after sleeping? Third, talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to tell you if your sleep aid is working correctly.
What else should I look for when choosing a sleep aid?
When purchasing a sleep aid, keep in mind certain factors. Check the expiration date. Don’t forget to read product labels carefully. Also, avoid buying sleep aids online. Numerous fake brands are selling counterfeit medicines. Lastly, always seek medical advice before starting treatment. Your doctor will recommend the safest option based on your condition.
Are there alternatives to sleep aids?
Yes! There are plenty of nonpharmaceutical options that provide similar results. Some examples include:
- Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity improves overall fitness levels. This includes exercising daily. Try walking 30 minutes each morning and evening. Or jog three times per week.
- Eat healthy foods. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables. Include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and wheat berries. Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Limit alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress. Stress affects our mood, which impacts our ability to fall asleep. So reduce stressors in your life. Learn relaxation techniques. Take time off from stressful situations.
- Get adequate rest. Sleeping eight hours nightly is ideal. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- Manage emotions. When we become stressed, cortisol increases. Cortisol causes us to stay alert. That means we may not be able to fall asleep easily. Instead, practice mindfulness meditation. Focus on breathing deeply while relaxing.
- Use essential oils. Essential oils contain potent compounds called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals improve blood circulation. This promotes better oxygenation. As a result, they encourage deeper sleep.
- Practice yoga. Yoga exercises relax muscles and increase flexibility. This reduces tension and allows you to drift into deep sleep faster.
- Consider herbal treatments. Herbal remedies can help with sleeplessness. Chamomile tea helps calm nerves. Valerian root extract eases anxiety. Kava kava calms agitation. And lemon balm relieves depression.
Benefits of Sleep Aids
Sleeping aids are used to help people sleep better at night. They include medications such as Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, and Zolpidem and non-medication options like melatonin supplements. These sleeping aids are often prescribed for insomnia when a person has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Other conditions that require prescription medication include narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. Nonprescription products also exist but have fewer benefits than their pharmaceutical counterparts. For example, over-the-counter antihistamines don’t work very effectively against allergies. However, OTC allergy nasal sprays do offer some relief. Over-the-counter painkillers aren’t practical for treating chronic backaches. But if you suffer from acute lower back pains, ibuprofen might ease discomfort.
Sleep aids come in many forms, including pills, liquids, patches, gels, creams, and even eye drops. The most common types of sleep aids are hypnotics and sedatives. Hypnotic drugs induce drowsiness by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Sedative agents cause calming effects through different mechanisms. Both sleep aids produce side effects ranging from mild headaches to more serious issues like addiction.
How Do I Choose?
Choosing the best sleep aid depends upon several factors: how much sleep you need, what kind of sleep problems you experience, whether you’re taking other medicines, and any health concerns you face. If you take multiple medications, discussing their possible interactions is important before choosing one. You should always consult your doctor about using these products.
The following list includes the top 10 sleep aids based on scientific evidence. We’ve ranked each product according to its effectiveness, safety, cost, convenience, and overall satisfaction. To learn more about each product, read reviews from real customers who tried it out.
Side effects
The best sleep aids are those that do not cause any side effects. However, some sleep aids may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, headaches, and other symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the sleep aid and consult your doctor. Some sleep aids contain alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or other substances that could harm your health. Be sure to check labels carefully.
How Effective Are They?
All sleep aids provide similar results. Studies show that both short-term use and long-term use improve quality of life and reduce daytime fatigue. Most patients report feeling refreshed after waking up.
What Kinds Of Problems Can They Solve?
Most sleep aids treat insomnia, which means you wake up too early during the night. Insomnia affects approximately 30% of adults worldwide. It causes difficulty getting to sleep, frequent awakenings throughout the night, and poor restorative sleep. Other sleep disorders include excessive daytime napping, nightmares, and snoring. All of these situations disrupt standard sleep patterns.
Some sleep aids target specific sleep problems. For instance, zaleplon treats insomnia caused by jet lag. Melatonin promotes healthy circadian rhythms. Tricyclic antidepressants relieve depressive episodes associated with seasonal affective disorder. Antihistamines alleviate allergic reactions. Opioid antagonists prevent opioid withdrawal. Antiemetics control vomiting. Benzodiazepines promote relaxation. Stimulants boost energy levels.
Which Ones Should I Try First?
If you want to try an alternative treatment first, we recommend trying natural methods. Many experts believe that lifestyle changes play a role in improving sleep habits. Exercise regularly. Eat balanced meals. Avoid stimulant foods such as coffee, chocolate, and sugar. Get plenty of sunlight. Limit screen time. Relaxation techniques can help ease stress. Learn breathing exercises for better sleeping. Read books at bedtime instead of watching TV. Take warm baths or showers. Use lavender essential oil to relax. Keep the bedroom dark and quiet. Create a relaxing environment.
If none of these approaches work, talk to your doctor about prescription options. Your physician will evaluate your medical history, current medication regimen, and physical condition to determine if a particular drug is right for you. They might suggest switching to another type of sleep aid. Or they may prescribe a combination of two or three treatments.
How Effective Are They?
Most sleep aids improve the quality of sleep without causing significant daytime impairment. They usually allow users to fall asleep within minutes after taking them. Some studies show that certain sleep aids reduce nighttime awakenings during the first few nights of use. Other research shows no difference in total time spent awake while sleeping.
What Can Kinds Of Problems Be Solved By Using Them?
Some sleep aids target specific disorders. For instance, zaleplon treats insomnia caused by low levels of serotonin in the body. Melatonin promotes normal circadian rhythms. Clonidine decreases blood pressure and slows the heart rate. Lormetazepam provides short-term relief from panic attacks. Trazodone improves mood swings associated with bipolar disorder.
Others address general sleep difficulties. Examples include temazepam, flurazepam, triazolam, quazepam, eszopiclone, ramelteon, suvorexant, and modafinil. All of these products provide similar results.
Which Ones Have Been Tested Most Often?
Many clinical trials compare various sleep aids head-to-head. Researchers look at things like efficacy, tolerability, and safety. Effectiveness refers to how well a drug works compared to a placebo. Tolerability means how easy it is to get along with the medicine. Safety indicates whether there are negative consequences related to long-term use.
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.