Natural Vs Pharmaceutical: The Difference In Sleeping Pills
Whether it’s stress, worry, work or personal issue behind sleep deprivation – or even a sleeping environment that’s not right for you1 – the quest for restful slumber can be frustrating.
Regular, good quality sleep is essential. Without it we can struggle to function effectively day-to-day. 1
Whether it’s natural routes and remedies or over the counter medicines, we look at the options to help you navigate your journey towards better sleep.
Sleep hygiene
Good sleeping habits, also known as sleep hygiene3, is a one of the first things to consider if you’re struggling with sleep problems such as insomnia.1
Here’s a quick tick list:1
- Is your bedroom dark and quiet?
- Have you relaxed before bed?
- Is your mattress, pillows and covers comfortable?
- Things like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and exercising during the day can help.1
- Try not to eat late or nap during the day and avoid stimulants too close to bedtime such as caffeine and alcohol.1
Natural Remedies
For centuries, humans have turned to nature for remedies, and sleep is no exception.
Natural sleeping aids usually harness the properties of herbs, minerals, and other botanical extracts to promote relaxation and induce sleep.4
Herbal teas such as chamomile for instance, which are said to promote relaxation and therefore better sleep.5
Lavender is also used for relaxation, often as a pillow spray or diffuser.
While these herbal home remedies aren’t a sleeping problem cure, they can help to make you feel more relaxed.
Magnesium is a mineral which is thought to make a difference to quality and quantity of sleep and it’s something most of us get from food such as wholegrains, nuts, seeds, bananas, beans and avocados although it is available as a supplement.4
Apart from playing a vital role in a number of functions in the body the amino acid glycine has been shown to reduce daytime tiredness and improve night-time sleep quality. It can be found in foods such as meat, dairy products and beans.
Over the counter sleeping aids
Sleeping aids available as tablets or liquid from pharmacies may help you to sleep better.1
Common ingredients include valerian root or lavender while others, such as Sominex, contain an antihistamine6 called promethazine which has a sedative effective.6
Valerian is said to help with getting to sleep. It’s also used to help people suffering from stress and anxiety.5
Over the counter sleep medications are only meant to be taken short term such as one or two weeks.1
They aren’t designed to cure issues like insomnia, but they can help you to sleep better while you’re taking them.1
If improving your sleeping habits and relaxation methods aren’t helping you should speak to your pharmacist for advice.1
Pharmacists may recommend a short-term sleeping aid to help you sleep better.1
If your sleep problem runs into months and it’s affecting you on a daily basis, speak to your GP.1
Sominex is a used to correct night-time sleep disturbances of sleeping pattern where there is difficulty in going to sleep or staying asleep.1
Keep reading
Natural vs pharmaceutical: The difference in sleeping pills
Why Sominex?
Can help to restore sleep pattern
Can aid temporary difficulties in getting to sleep or staying asleep
Helps reduce sleep onset time
Sominex tablets are fast-acting and start to work within 15 to 30 minutes
Can help aid a good night’s sleep
Get through the night with one tablet
Night-time sleep aid
Sominex tablets are a night-time sleep aid designed to relieve occasional sleeplessness.
