What's the best over the counter (OTC) sleeping pill/aid?

Several OTC medications are considered effective as sleep aids. Melatonin is one of the most effective and widely available. The antihistamine Diphenhydramine HCL is also sometimes used as a sleep aid.

What can I take to help me sleep better tonight?

You can take some over-the-counter sleep aid including Melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical in your body that signals to you that it’s time to sleep. The supplements increase the levels of that chemical in your body.

How long do sleeping pills last?

Melatonin typically lasts for about 5 hours once you’ve taken the supplement. This medication is available in concentrations from 1mg to 10mg. You may need to increase your dosage to 10mg if lower dosages are not effective.

How long does it take for sleeping pills to kick in/start working?

Melatonin supplements typically kick in within 30 minutes of ingestion. The strength of the effect may depend on how much you’ve taken, and how resistant your body is to the effects of melatonin.