Insomnia is usually managed with self-care first: improving sleep habits (sleep hygiene) and, for ongoing problems, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) — which NHS and MedlinePlus describe as the best long-term treatment. Over-the-counter sleep aids and prescription sleeping pills only help short-term and don't cure insomnia.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
diphenhydramine ZzzQuil, Benadryl, Nytol sedating (first-generation) antihistamine | FDA-recognized nighttime sleep aid for occasional sleeplessness; causes drowsiness. Best for short-term, occasional trouble falling asleep. Stop and see a doctor if sleeplessness lasts more than 2 weeks; tolerance builds quickly and MedlinePlus advises it generally should not be used in older adults. |
Unisom SleepTabs sedating (first-generation) antihistamine | FDA-recognized OTC nighttime sleep aid (one 25 mg tablet ~30 minutes before bed) for occasional difficulty falling asleep. For short-term use only — MedlinePlus says to call your doctor if you feel you need it for longer than 2 weeks; can cause next-day grogginess and generally isn't recommended for older adults. |
Natrol, Nature Made hormone supplement (sold OTC in the US) | Marketed to help with falling asleep and jet lag; sold as a dietary supplement in the US, so strength and quality vary. NHS notes some pharmacy sleep products contain such ingredients but cautions they may only help for 1-2 weeks and do not cure insomnia. |
valerian varies herbal sleep aid (dietary supplement) | NHS notes some pharmacy products contain natural ingredients such as valerian or lavender; evidence is limited and they may help sleep for only 1-2 weeks rather than cure insomnia. |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
zolpidem Ambien non-benzodiazepine hypnotic ("Z-drug") | A doctor may prescribe a short course for severe insomnia when other measures fail; FDA has lowered recommended doses because of next-morning impairment, and these can become habit-forming. GPs now rarely prescribe sleeping pills due to dependence and side-effect risks. |
doxepin Silenor sedating antidepressant (low-dose, for sleep) | A doctor may prescribe low-dose doxepin for people who have trouble staying asleep; it works in the brain to allow sleep. Prescription-only. |
Belsomra orexin receptor antagonist (controlled substance) | A doctor may prescribe this newer prescription sleep medicine, which blocks a brain substance that promotes wakefulness; per MedlinePlus it is a controlled substance with a limited number of refills. |
daridorexant Quviviq orexin receptor antagonist (controlled substance) | A doctor may prescribe this prescription medicine for insomnia; per MedlinePlus it blocks a natural brain substance that causes wakefulness. Controlled substance, prescription-only, and may be habit-forming. |
Start with sleep hygiene — consistent wake time, only going to bed when sleepy, a wind-down hour, a dark, cool, quiet room, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, large meals, and screens before bed; NHS and MedlinePlus call lifestyle and sleep-habit changes the best long-term treatment. For occasional, short-term trouble falling asleep, an OTC antihistamine sleep aid (diphenhydramine or doxylamine) may help for a few nights, but use it briefly: the body adjusts quickly and it doesn't fix the cause. For insomnia lasting weeks or months, CBT-I (in person or via an online program) is the recommended first-line treatment, not pills. Prescription sleeping pills are reserved by clinicians for severe cases and used short-term because of dependence and next-day impairment — they are something a doctor may prescribe, not something to obtain or dose on your own.
See a doctor (GP) if trouble sleeping has lasted for months, if better sleep habits haven't helped, or if poor sleep is significantly affecting your daily life, mood, work, or driving. Stop OTC sleep aids and seek care if sleeplessness continues for more than 2 weeks, since persistent insomnia can be a symptom of an underlying medical or mental-health condition. Get prompt medical attention if insomnia comes with depression, severe anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, or if you have loud snoring with gasping or pauses in breathing, falling asleep during the day, or symptoms suggesting another sleep disorder. Older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and anyone on other medicines should check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any sleep aid.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.