How to take sleeping pills correctly?

Melaxen

Cost 650 rubles (0.003 g No. 24)

In humans, melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and is the “sleep hormone.” Its task is to cause a drowsiness effect, which increases the chances of falling asleep. In addition, melatonin has a moderate sedative (calming) effect.

Advantages : an overdose of the drug is impossible due to its very rapid disintegration. Good sleep continues after the drug is eliminated from the body, so sleep can be considered physiological. Melaxen works on the “done and gone” principle. The medicine does not change the course of the natural cycle and structure of sleep, does not cause nightmares, and does not affect awakening. After using the drug there is no feeling of drowsiness, you can drive a car.

Flaws:

• manifestations of allergic reactions and the occurrence of peripheral edema are possible;
• relatively high cost.

Conclusions: The drug can be recommended for mild and moderate forms of insomnia, in the complex treatment of functional disorders accompanied by sleep disturbances, and also as a means for more rapid adaptation to rapid changes in time zones.

From reviews of Melaxen : “I had absolutely no side effects, I had a healthy and strong, normal sleep, there was not a bit of drowsiness in the morning, and at night I saw beautiful, colorful dreams. I took it one tablet in 30 minutes. before sleep. After drinking the entire package, no addiction developed. One of the best remedies for insomnia, I recommend it!”

Donormil

( doxylamine succinate, 15 mg effervescent and regular tablets). Also available under the name Sonmil .

Cost 350 rubles (30 tablets).

It is a blocker of H1 histamine receptors, and, essentially, an antihistamine. But it is not intended for the treatment of allergic diseases, but is used only for sleep disorders and insomnia. This is one of the best sleeping pills for relieving attacks of insomnia in young, healthy people who do not need to drive a car the next day

Advantages : the effervescent tablet has a rapid effect, the drug reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and increases sleep time.

Disadvantages: the drug has side effects characteristic of antihistamines: dry mouth, difficulty waking up, possible drowsiness during the day. In addition, the drug is not indicated for patients with impaired renal function of urine outflow, as well as with breathing disorders during sleep.

From reviews of Donormil: “The medicine turned out to be wonderful. I didn’t read the instructions and took two tablets at once on the first day. Ten minutes later I was already asleep. Having slept all night, I felt drowsy for the first half of the day. The next night I took one tablet, according to the instructions. I fell asleep half an hour later, my sleep was calm, and my awakening was refreshing.”

Novo – Passit

Herbal preparation (valerian, lemon balm, elderberry, passionflower, St. John's wort, hawthorn, hops, guaifenzin). Available in tablet and syrup form.

The cost of tablets No. 30 is 600 rubles, syrup (200 ml) is 330 rubles.

Combined herbal preparation with a pronounced sedative effect. Guaifenzine has an additional anti-anxiety effect, which in total allows the drug to be used for the treatment of sleep disorders.

Advantages: has a quick effect. For insomnia disorders, it is recommended to use syrup, which acts even faster. The drug can be used without a course of treatment: the effect of the first dose is quite pronounced.

Flaws:

• Daytime drowsiness and a feeling of depression may develop, especially with an overdose.
• Contraindicated for children.
• Not recommended for use in patients with chronic alcoholism.

From reviews of Novo-Passit: “It’s very good that the drug is of natural origin. A pleasant surprise was that in addition to improving sleep, Novo-Passit helped eliminate anxiety, some kind of nervousness, and alleviated headaches caused by sitting at the computer.”

Fast-acting sleeping pills

Sleeping pills with a rapid spectrum of action include:

• Donormil

Calms, speeds up the process of falling asleep, normalizes sleep. Valid for 8 hours. It is necessary to adhere to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It has side effects such as daytime drowsiness, increased heart rate, blurred vision, and constipation.

• Melaxen (analogs: Melatonin, Melarena, Melarithm).

Accelerates falling asleep, improves sleep quality. Effective for 7–8 hours. Does not cause daytime sleepiness or lethargy. May be recommended for elderly patients. It has side effects such as headache and nausea.

• Sungmil

Calms the nervous system, normalizes sleep, speeds up falling asleep. Action time: up to 8 hours. It has side effects such as daytime drowsiness, lethargy, and constipation. In case of overdose, cardiac arrhythmia may occur.

• Glycine

Valid for up to eight hours. Relieves emotional stress and helps you fall asleep quickly. Does not cause lethargy or drowsiness after waking up. It has almost no side effects, except for individual intolerance.

• Circadin

Calms, reduces anxiety, speeds up the process of falling asleep. Valid for up to 10 hours. May weaken the respiratory center. It has side effects such as headaches and daytime drowsiness.

• Phenazepam

Reduces emotional stress, eases anxiety, speeds up falling asleep, and normalizes sleep. Duration of action is 10–12 hours. After waking up, there is lethargy and daytime sleepiness. It has side effects such as headaches, decreased concentration, and decreased memory. Long-term use may cause a state of euphoria or depression.

• Persen

A herbal preparation that relieves nervous tension and speeds up falling asleep. Valid for up to eight hours. It has side effects in the form of bronchospasms and constipation.

• Fitorelax

Herbal preparation. Relieves emotional stress and speeds up the process of falling asleep. Valid for up to 7–8 hours. Has almost no side effects. In case of an overdose, decreased performance, lethargy, and daytime drowsiness are possible.

• Afobazole

A mild tranquilizer that has a calming effect and speeds up sleep. The effect of the drug is up to eight hours. It has no side effects, except for individual intolerance.

• Thalidomide

Has a sedative effect and speeds up falling asleep. Valid for 8 hours. After waking up, it causes a state of lethargy and reduces concentration. It has no pronounced side effects, but is not recommended for hypertension or pregnancy. Prohibited for use by children.

Persen–Forte

Combined drug (melissa, mint, valerian).

The cost of a package of 20 capsules is 350 rubles.

The drug has a mild sedative and hypnotic effect, insomnia is mentioned in the indications. Has a mild antispasmodic effect. Unlike Novo-Passit, it does not contain guaifenzine, and unlike Corvalol, it does not have an intrusive odor.

Advantages : The “night” variety of Persen is specially designed for night use. It helps well to fall asleep if insomnia is caused by nervous excitability, that is, a changed mood background.

Disadvantages: There is no liquid dosage form. Usually the liquid form has the desired effect faster. The drug is not recommended for people with biliary tract diseases, as well as for children under 12 years of age. Long-term use may cause constipation.

From reviews of Persen: “It seems to me that only a course of treatment has a good effect, and a one-time dose does not improve sleep. But if you drink it for at least a week, your mood becomes even and it becomes easier to fall asleep.”

How does a sleeping pill affect a person?

Doctors recognize increased nervous excitability as one of the main causes of insomnia. The effect of sleeping pills is aimed at reducing excitation and increasing inhibition of the nervous system. They are distinguished by the degree of impact on the body: short, medium and long. The latter are considered the most powerful, and their use cannot go unnoticed by the body.

Sleeping pills are classified according to their effect on the body:

• barbiturates - disrupt sleep structure;
• benzodiazepines - act similarly to barbiturates, but have fewer side effects;
• Z-drugs - have a strong effect, but are not addictive;
• histamine blockers - are not addictive, but are accompanied by daytime drowsiness and decreased attention;
• aldehydes - do not change the structure of sleep, but are addictive.

You might be interested in learning about effective techniques and exercises for falling asleep quickly

Phytosedan

(herbal infusions for brewing in the form of filter bags)

The cost of packaging (20 filter bags) is 50 rubles.

Phytosedan is available in several varieties of preparations (No. 2, No. 3), which differ in slight changes in the recipe. The basis of the composition is herbs: motherwort, thyme, oregano, sweet clover and valerian. One package is poured with boiling water, left for 15 minutes, then drunk at night.

Advantages: has a mild, natural effect, facilitates falling asleep, is able to eliminate spasms of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, is used in complex therapy of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Flaws:

• Not indicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The infusion is prepared immediately before use, can be stored for no more than a day, and is best consumed warm, which, unlike tablets, is more difficult.

From reviews of Phytosedan: “Herbs for 50 rubles turned out to be much more effective than many expensive products. I bought it at the pharmacy and brewed it. It is a little bitter, but has a pleasant, calm smell. Already on the second day of use, I realized that it does its job perfectly: it does not cause fatigue during the day, and sleep comes softly and easily.”

Glycine

Cost No. 50 - 49 rubles.

Glycine is a simple amino acid; its role is to regulate inhibitory processes in the cerebral cortex. The effect of glycine is complex and complex: it should be used not only for sleep disorders. To improve sleep, it is absorbed under the tongue, since absorption into the sublingual vessels avoids passage through the liver portal system, which accelerates the effect.

Advantages: Since glycine (aminoacetic acid) is found in sufficient quantities in the human body, an overdose of glycine is unlikely to occur before serious complications occur. In addition, the drug has an anti-anxiety effect and simultaneously improves memory and memorization processes. It is used in therapy, neurology, and is widely prescribed to school-age children.

Disadvantages: the specific hypnotic effect of glycine has not been studied separately. The effect of the drug is reduced to restoring the imbalance between the transmitters of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system.

From reviews of Glycine: “I started using glycine on the advice of friends during a session, as I had previously abused coffee in order to remember a large amount of information. I started having breakdowns, memory impairment, irritability and poor sleep. A week after starting to take glycine, I managed to get rid of all the unpleasant sensations. Improved sleep and memory."

What you need to know:

This list of the best remedies for insomnia that can be bought without a prescription is far from complete. Everyone can add new agents or swap them, since the effectiveness of the drug is largely determined by individual reaction.

Many "doubles" are not listed. Thus, the drug “ Dormiplant ”, just like the described “Persen”, contains lemon balm, mint and valerian. Homeopathic medicines are not described, since they do not have a detectable effective dose, and cannot be considered from the point of view of evidence-based medicine.

In conclusion, you need to pay attention to situations in which insomnia becomes a symptom of dangerous diseases . Thus, insomnia may indicate the following health problems:

• hyperthyroidism. Low-grade fever, weight loss, short temper and irritability occur;
• stress, depression. Such insomnia can be persistent and chronic;
• sleep apnea;
• Parkinson's disease;
• vascular diseases of the brain, consequences of strokes, dementia.

If you are unable to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of a sleep disorder within a few days, then you should not look for more potent drugs, but you should definitely consult a doctor.

Source

Herbal preparations

Among safe drugs that have a hypnotic effect, those made from plants deserve special attention. They do not contribute to the occurrence of adverse reactions and are suitable for treating children. This group includes such products as Sonilyuks, Novo-Passit and Persen. Herbal medicines can normalize the functioning of the nervous system and are not addictive.

Before starting to use sleeping pills, you must consult a doctor and agree on treatment tactics with him.

The best natural sleeping pills without a prescription

Adequate sleep is the key to the normal functioning of the body. Its disorders provoke the development of cancer and cause such serious disorders as decreased immunity and hormonal imbalances. If insomnia is chronic, then only a doctor can treat it. But if you have short-term sleep disturbances, you can try to help yourself by taking natural sleeping pills.

Only with short-term sleep disturbances can you try to help yourself.

When using them, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Take the drug regularly, not occasionally. Sleeping pills based on natural ingredients often do not manifest their effect immediately, but as the active substances accumulate in the body.
2. Do not combine the chosen medicine with other means to improve sleep.
3. Use the drug only when concentration is not required. Driving is also prohibited during this time.

We have selected a list of non-addictive drugs that contain natural ingredients. You can buy them in pharmacies without a prescription.

Novo-Passit

This drug, due to its mild effect, is considered one of the best sleeping pills of natural origin. According to patient reviews, it perfectly fights nervous tension and ensures sleep of normal duration. A similar effect is achieved thanks to herbal components:

• elder flowers;
• hawthorn;
• passionflower grass;
• hops;
• valerians.

Available in tablet and liquid form (syrup). Novo-Passit can be used as a natural sleeping pill for children, but only for those who are over 12 years old.

List of sleeping pills in drops without a prescription

Among the best sedatives, there are many that are available without a prescription. Their advantage is that they have a mild effect on the nervous system, have a minimal list of contraindications and only in rare cases can cause side effects. To choose the most powerful sleeping pill in the form of drops, you need to familiarize yourself with the entire range and be sure to consult a doctor.

DreaZzz

This is a good, fast-acting remedy that contains only natural ingredients. It has a pleasant taste and is used in the treatment of sleep disorders (insomnia) in children over two years of age and adults.

The regimen for using the drug is quite simple. If you have insomnia, you should drink it only before bed. For anxiety conditions, the medication is used three times a day. A single dosage is 5 ml.

Sonilyuks

A medicine for sound sleep in drops, consisting of natural ingredients and having a sedative effect. The product simplifies the process of falling asleep, reduces the number of night awakenings and eliminates the causes of insomnia. In addition, the active ingredients of the medicine can relieve irritability, chronic fatigue, feelings of fear, aggression and anxiety.

The drug should be taken on an empty stomach, half an hour before bedtime, one measuring spoon. If nervous disorders are observed, the number of doses per day is increased to three.

Sonilyux is considered a safe product that has no side effects. In rare cases, hypersensitivity to its components is observed. The effect can be compared to potent drugs that, as a result of long-term treatment, cause dependence and addiction. The result is noticeable almost instantly. A person quickly falls asleep, and after waking up does not feel tired or drowsy.

Corvalol, Valocordin

These drugs act not only on the nervous system, but also on the cardiovascular system. With their help, it is possible to speed up the process of falling asleep, eliminate signs of angina and lower blood pressure.

These drugs are used for insomnia, nervous overexcitation, neurosis and anxiety. It is recommended to take them half an hour before going to bed, strictly observing the dosage of sleeping pills (15-25 drops).

Among the advantages of these drugs are the following:

• they suppress pain;
• lower blood pressure;
• help improve blood circulation;
• prevent vascular spasms;
• reduce the excitability of certain parts of the central nervous system;
• suppress the activity of areas of the brain responsible for excitement, worry and anxiety;
• do not lead to inhibition of reactions.

There are also a number of disadvantages:

• with prolonged therapy they are addictive;
• in case of regular use, dizziness and a feeling of drowsiness during the daytime are possible;
• It is not recommended to drink for pregnant and lactating women.

Phyto Novo-Sed

A fast-acting, natural-based product with no side effects after use. Only hypersensitivity to its components is possible.

The drug is prescribed for neurotic conditions accompanied by feelings of anxiety, irritability, fears, migraines and insomnia.

The medicine is contraindicated for use in the following cases:

• age less than 18 years;
• HIV infection;
• a history of autoimmune pathologies, leukemia or tuberculosis.

For psycho-emotional disorders, the drug is taken three times a day, half a teaspoon of the medicine diluted in a quarter glass of water. To reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, you need to drink the product only before bed. The duration of therapy is two weeks.

Barboval

Sleeping pills in drops are extremely popular. Due to the presence of natural ingredients in the composition, it is considered relatively safe. With its help, it is possible to speed up the process of falling asleep and reduce the number of awakenings at night.

The main advantages of the drug are the following:

• the effect is observed 40 minutes after application;
• low cost;
• helps eliminate insomnia.

There are also a number of disadvantages:

• Not suitable for everyone. In some cases, drowsiness occurs throughout the day. Possible problems with concentration;
• does not apply in case of depression;
• has an unpleasant taste;
• causes addiction. Not used for more than two weeks.

Novo-Passit

The natural-based medicine is available in the form of drops and tablets. Take it before bed to eliminate insomnia. The main advantages are the following:

• the effect is observed after just a few minutes;
• the feeling of anxiety and nervousness is eliminated;
• the effect is noticeable after the first dose.

The following are considered disadvantages of the product:

• the next day you may feel drowsy;
• not used in the treatment of children;
• incompatible with alcohol.

Products that will replace sleeping pills

Will help cope with insomnia:

1. Cherries and sweet cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that controls the body's internal clock and promotes sound sleep. If you have insomnia, it is recommended to eat a handful of berries before going to bed.
2. Milk with honey can be considered a classic remedy for insomnia. Stabilizes the mental state, acts as a sedative.
3. Chamomile tea is one of the first places among natural soothing drinks. It has a mild hypnotic effect and promotes relaxation of the body.

We should not forget that chocolate, energy drinks, smoked meat, and alcohol can provoke sleep disturbances.

Source

Causes of sleep disorders in older people

The hormone melatonin, produced by a small gland in the pineal gland, is responsible for quality sleep. Melatonin is formed in the dark. With enough of it, a person falls asleep calmly. However, with age, the functions of the pineal gland are disrupted, and melatonin is produced in insufficient quantities. This leads to sleep disturbance.

Reference. The pituitary gland reaches its peak activity by the age of 7. Then it gradually begins to “dry out” and accumulate mineral salts, which leads to a decrease in activity.

Low levels of melatonin in older people is one of the reasons why poor sleep occurs. But there are other causes of sleep disturbance:

• Changes in daily routine

Typically, older people are retired and often inactive. They may take a nap during the day or lie on the bed for a long time watching TV. And when night comes they simply do not want to sleep because they are not tired enough;

• Experiences and stress

Many older people become vulnerable. They take the slightest problems in themselves or their relatives to heart. This causes sleepless nights;

• Chronic diseases , which are present in almost everyone in old age.

Pain of various origins can interfere with sound sleep;

• Medication abuse