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Suggest Safe Alternative Sleep Aids With Least Risk Of Dependency
Brief Answer:
Yes there are several
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are several sleep aids that are not controlled substances. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which is what is in most over the counter sleep aids can be helpful in some people but it can have side effects of fatigue and dry mouth.
Trazodone in small doses is a safe alternative that is often used in older people. You have to start with a very small dose and go up slowly because if you take too much you will be very sleepy the next day.
Also lunesta and melatonin help some people and are not controlled.
Make sure you have really good sleep hygiene. That means no eating 3 hours before bedtime, exercising daily but not just before bedtime, no napping, not using electronics or watching TV in bed.
Please let me know if you have further questions,
Regards
Dr. Robinson
Yes there are several
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are several sleep aids that are not controlled substances. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which is what is in most over the counter sleep aids can be helpful in some people but it can have side effects of fatigue and dry mouth.
Trazodone in small doses is a safe alternative that is often used in older people. You have to start with a very small dose and go up slowly because if you take too much you will be very sleepy the next day.
Also lunesta and melatonin help some people and are not controlled.
Make sure you have really good sleep hygiene. That means no eating 3 hours before bedtime, exercising daily but not just before bedtime, no napping, not using electronics or watching TV in bed.
Please let me know if you have further questions,
Regards
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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