In our prior articles, we talked a bit about sleep chemistry. The magic of hormones and chemicals (along with their precursors) that the body uses to facilitate sleep in humans is a fascinating topic. For some of us, something has gone wrong, and our normal biochemical systems have gone haywire, requiring us to seek professional help. In this article, we explore this professional help and discuss pharmaceuticals. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are sometimes necessary in times of deep stress to obtain the critical sleep that we need to function. However, there are trade-offs that you must navigate, or else you may make a bad situation worse.
Prescription Sleep Meds: The Heavy Hitters
When counting sheep just isn’t cutting it, some people turn to prescription sleep medications like Ambien, Lunesta, or Sonata. These are designed to knock you out fast and keep you there for a decent stretch. They work by targeting chemicals in your brain that help you relax and snooze. Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch: side effects.
While these meds can be lifesavers for short-term sleep struggles, they come with potential downsides like grogginess, dizziness, hallucinations, and even some pretty wild sleepwalking or sleep-eating episodes (yep, midnight fridge raids you don’t remember). And let’s not forget the risk of dependence—some folks find they can’t sleep without them after a while. So, they’re best used sparingly and under a doctor’s watchful eye.
Over-the-Counter Options: PM Brands Galore
If you’ve wandered down the pharmacy aisle, you’ve probably seen “PM” slapped onto everything from painkillers to allergy meds. These over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids usually contain diphenhydramine or doxylamine—antihistamines that make you sleepy. They’re convenient and don’t require a prescription, but they’re not without their quirks.
First off, they can leave you feeling groggy the next day (hello, “hangover” without the fun). Plus, if you use them too often, your body might build a tolerance, making them less effective over time. Still, for occasional sleepless nights, they’re a handy option.
CBD and THC: The Chill Sleep Squad
In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) have become popular natural sleep solutions. CBD is non-psychoactive and is thought to help calm anxiety and promote relaxation—perfect for drifting off peacefully. THC, on the other hand, is the stuff in cannabis that gets you high. In small doses, it can help some people fall asleep faster.
But here’s the deal: everyone reacts differently. While some swear by CBD or THC for better sleep, others might feel groggy or even a bit off the next day. And if you’re not used to THC? Start low and slow—nobody wants a surprise trip to outer space when they only want a nap.
Natural Remedies: The Old-School Approach
If you’re not ready to dive into pharmaceuticals or cannabinoids, plenty of natural remedies exist. Melatonin supplements are a favorite—they mimic the hormone your body naturally produces to regulate sleep. Valerian root and chamomile tea are popular choices for winding down without any major side effects (we will discuss these in future articles).
The key here? Patience. Natural remedies often take time to work their magic, so don’t expect instant results. But hey, sipping on a warm cup of tea before bed is never a bad idea.
So, What’s the Best Solution?
Honestly? It depends on you.
OTC options or natural remedies might do the trick if your sleepless nights are rare.
For chronic insomnia or more serious issues, it’s worth chatting with a doctor about prescription meds or exploring CBD/THC with guidance. For these more serious issues, inward reflection is necessary. What is your stress level? How are you managing stress? How are you physically? If you are a mess emotionally and physically, then supplemental medications may make your health worse, not better.
At the end of the day (literally), finding what works for your sleep struggles is all about trial and error, a healthier lifestyle, and patience.
About Andrea Wise
Nick Lamparelli is a 20+ year veteran of the insurance wars. He has a unique vantage point on the insurance industry. From selling home & auto insurance, helping companies with commercial insurance, to being an underwriter with an excess & surplus lines wholesaler to catastrophe modeling Nick has wide experience in the industry. Over past 10 years, Nick has been focused on the insurance analytics of natural catastrophes and big data. Nick serves as our Chief Evangelist.
