Questions about a Disorder?
Drugs & Medications for Treating Insomnia
There are a number of medications available for treating primary insomnia. These range from prescription medications like Ambien to over the counter sleeping aids like Tylenol PM. There are also medications that can address underlying causes of insomnia, like benzodiazepines for treating anxiety. In most cases though, it is preferable to treat insomnia through good sleep hygiene when possible.
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and can be helpful in some people with insomnia. It appears to be safe but is marketed as a dietary supplement and thus is not regulated by the FDA. The recommended dose for insomnia is 3 mg but is also sold in higher doses.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is in such sleep aids as Tylenol PM, Advil PM, Nytol, Sominex and Unisom. Tylenol PM and Advil Pm also contain a pain reliever. You should not take a pain reliever every night if you are not experiencing pain. Antihistamines can cause dry mouth, blurred vision and daytime sleepiness.
The potential benefits of any medication for insomnia need to be weighed against the risks (side effects, addiction, cost). These medications work in the brain to cause a feeling of sleepiness. They vary in how quickly they work and how long the effect lasts.
Insomnia Drugs & Medications
This list of drugs and medications are often used to treat insomnia. While we have attempted to include most of the drugs used in the mental health field for insomnia, there are likely some that we have missed. Also, this list and any information related to drugs and medications on this website should ONLY be used as supplemental information, and should in no way be used in place of your physician or healthcare practioner.
Diagnosis
Insomnia can be either secondary, a symptom of another disorder such as depression, or be a primary condition. As a primary condition, it is often classified based on how long it lasts, acute or chronic insomnia. A common form of short-term insomnia is jet lag, which occurs after travelling across time zones.
Typical symptoms include:
- Trouble falling asleep at night.
- Falling asleep or feeling tired during the day.
- Waking up in the morning still feeling tired.
- Repeatedly waking up at night.
Therapy
Once diagnosed, insomnia is a very treatable condition. When insomnia is caused by other problems like stress or pain, treatment of these causes will help. However, if the insomnia is the primary problem, then standard treatments include sleep hygiene education, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), phototherapy, chronotherapy and/or medication.
Sleep hygiene: This means practicing good sleeping habits and these include:
- Avoiding nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol for at least several hours before going to bed.
- Avoiding naps during the day.
- Eating on a regular schedule and avoiding large meals late in the day but not going to bed hungry.
- Exercising at least three hours before bedtime.
- Having a set sleeping schedule every night.
- Making sure you are comfortable with your sleep environment (light, noise, temperature).
- Getting rid of any anxiety or worries before bedtime by distracting yourself or making a list for the next day. You may want to keep a notepad or journal next to your bed.
- Doing relaxing things before bedtime, like taking a bath or reading.
- Not trying to force sleep – if you still haven’t fallen asleep after half an hour, get out of bed and go to another room where you can do something quiet until you get tired.
Progress Tracker
Track your insomnia symptoms to identify patterns and help with your treatment plan. Our progress tracker can be printed or even shared with your healthcare professional electronically.
Progress tracking for insomnia
Insomnia Questionnaire
This simple questionnaire is designed to help you determine if you have symptoms of insomnia and could benefit from professional help.