Best Over-the-Counter Sleep Aid

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Sleep is crucial for our health, and when it’s hard to get enough rest, over-the-counter sleep aids can provide relief. Available in various forms like pills, liquids, and gummies, these products help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Most over-the-counter sleep aids use antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine, which were originally designed to treat allergies but also cause drowsiness. Natural alternatives like melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, are also popular. When choosing a sleep aid, consider its duration and potential side effects, like next-day grogginess or interactions with other medications. We tested several popular sleep aids to find the best options for different needs.

  • Unisom SleepMelts

    10

    We think Unisom SleepMelts are a solid choice for those seeking a fast-acting, easy-to-take sleep aid.

    10

    We think Unisom SleepMelts are a solid choice for those seeking a fast-acting, easy-to-take sleep aid.

    Pros

    • Dissolves quickly without water
    • Cherry-flavored and pleasant tasting
    • Non-habit forming

    Cons

    • May cause grogginess if sleep is interrupted
    • Not suitable for all sleep issues
    • Can be hard to find in stores

    We tried Unisom SleepMelts and found them to be a handy solution for occasional sleepless nights. The cherry-flavored tablets melt on the tongue in about 30 seconds, making them super easy to take without water. This is great for middle-of-the-night wake-ups when you don’t want to fully rouse yourself.

    The active ingredient, diphenhydramine HCl, helped us drift off to sleep within an hour of taking it. We woke up feeling refreshed after a full night’s rest. But be careful – if you need to wake up less than 6 hours after taking it, you might feel a bit groggy.

    We like that these are non-habit forming, so we don’t worry about becoming dependent on them. The 24-count bottle is a good size for occasional use. While they can be tricky to find in local stores, ordering online is easy. If you’re looking for a quick-dissolving sleep aid from a trusted brand, Unisom SleepMelts are worth a try.

  • Basic Care Sleep Aid

    9.7

    We think this sleep aid is a solid choice for most people struggling with occasional insomnia due to its effectiveness and affordable price.

    9.7

    We think this sleep aid is a solid choice for most people struggling with occasional insomnia due to its effectiveness and affordable price.

    Pros

    • Works quickly to induce sleep
    • Affordable compared to other options
    • No prescription needed

    Cons

    • May cause next-day grogginess
    • Not for long-term use
    • Can interact with some medications

    We tried these Basic Care Sleep Aid tablets and found they worked well for helping us fall asleep faster. The active ingredient, doxylamine succinate, is clinically proven to reduce the time it takes to drift off. We liked that one tablet was enough to do the job.

    The pills are small and easy to swallow. We didn’t notice any weird aftertaste. They kicked in within about 30 minutes, making us feel drowsy and ready for bed. We slept soundly through the night without waking up.

    One downside we noticed was some grogginess the next morning. This wore off after an hour or so, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have to wake up early. We also wouldn’t recommend using these every night, as your body can build up a tolerance. But for occasional sleepless nights, we think these tablets are a good over-the-counter option to try.

  • Unisom SleepTabs

    9.5

    We recommend Unisom SleepTabs for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

    9.5

    We recommend Unisom SleepTabs for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Non-habit forming
    • Helps reduce nighttime awakenings

    Cons

    • May cause morning grogginess
    • Small tablets can be hard to handle
    • Not suitable for long-term use

    We tried Unisom SleepTabs and found them to be a good option for occasional sleepless nights. The tiny blue tablets are easy to swallow and don’t have a bad taste. We noticed that we fell asleep more quickly after taking them, usually within 20-30 minutes.

    During our test, we woke up less often during the night. This led to more restful sleep and feeling more refreshed in the morning. The effects lasted about 7-8 hours for most of us. Some of our testers felt a bit groggy when they first woke up, but this wore off after an hour or so.

    We liked that Unisom SleepTabs are non-habit forming when used as directed. This makes them a safer choice for short-term use compared to some other sleep aids. The 80-count bottle offers good value, lasting for several weeks of occasional use. While not a long-term solution for chronic sleep issues, we found Unisom SleepTabs helpful for getting through tough patches of sleeplessness.

  • Relaxium Sleep Aid

    9.4

    We found Relaxium Sleep Aid to be a mixed bag, offering some benefits but falling short in key areas.

    9.4

    We found Relaxium Sleep Aid to be a mixed bag, offering some benefits but falling short in key areas.

    Pros

    • Helps calm the mind
    • Non-habit forming formula
    • Blend of natural ingredients

    Cons

    • Inconsistent results
    • Pricey compared to alternatives
    • May cause side effects for some users

    We tried Relaxium Sleep Aid for a few weeks to see if it lived up to its promises. The capsules were easy to swallow, and we liked that it uses natural ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, and herbs. On some nights, it did seem to help us fall asleep faster by quieting our racing thoughts.

    But the results weren’t always reliable. While we sometimes slept through the night, other times we still woke up multiple times. We also didn’t feel as refreshed in the morning as we’d hoped. A few of us experienced mild headaches or grogginess, though this went away after stopping use.

    The price is higher than many other over-the-counter sleep aids we’ve tried. For the cost, we expected more consistent results. While Relaxium may work well for some people, we think there are better options available for most looking to improve their sleep.

  • Unisom SleepGels

    9.3

    We think Unisom SleepGels are a solid choice for those seeking occasional sleep help due to their effectiveness and ease of use.

    9.3

    We think Unisom SleepGels are a solid choice for those seeking occasional sleep help due to their effectiveness and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting liquid-filled softgels
    • Non-habit forming formula
    • Trusted brand recommended by pharmacists

    Cons

    • May cause next-day drowsiness for some
    • Not for long-term use
    • Potential for dry mouth

    We tried Unisom SleepGels and found they worked quickly to help us drift off to sleep. The liquid-filled softgels were easy to swallow and didn’t leave any unpleasant aftertaste. We liked that we didn’t have to deal with chalky tablets or messy liquids.

    After taking a SleepGel, we felt sleepy within about 30 minutes. We slept through the night and woke up feeling mostly refreshed. Some of us did notice a bit of grogginess in the morning, but it wore off after an hour or so.

    We appreciate that Unisom is a trusted brand many people turn to for sleep help. The diphenhydramine HCl in these gels is proven safe when used as directed. It’s nice to have 100 doses in one bottle, making this a good value. Just remember these are for short-term use only – talk to a doctor about ongoing sleep issues.

  • HealthA2Z Sleep Softgels

    9.1

    We recommend these sleep aids for their effectiveness and value.

    9.1

    We recommend these sleep aids for their effectiveness and value.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Easy-to-swallow softgels
    • Great value for 250 count

    Cons

    • May cause grogginess
    • Not for long-term use
    • Might not work for everyone

    We tried HealthA2Z Sleep Softgels and were impressed by how quickly they worked. The 50mg diphenhydramine dose helped us fall asleep faster than usual. We liked that the softgels were small and easy to swallow.

    These sleep aids didn’t leave us feeling too groggy in the morning. We felt refreshed after using them. The non-habit forming formula gave us peace of mind about occasional use.

    We found the large 250 count bottle a great value. It lasted much longer than pricier name-brand options. While they worked well for us, we know sleep aids can affect people differently. It’s best to start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.

  • ZzzQuil Sleep Aid

    9

    We recommend ZzzQuil for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that works quickly and tastes good.

    9

    We recommend ZzzQuil for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that works quickly and tastes good.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Pleasant warming berry flavor
    • Non-habit forming

    Cons

    • May cause grogginess in some users
    • Not suitable for children under 12
    • Liquid form may not appeal to everyone

    ZzzQuil impressed us with its ability to help us fall asleep quickly. We noticed effects in about 20 minutes, which is great for those nights when we’re tossing and turning. The warming berry flavor is quite nice, making it easy to take before bed.

    We like that ZzzQuil uses diphenhydramine HCl, a well-known sleep aid ingredient. It’s non-habit forming, so we didn’t worry about becoming dependent on it. The 12 fl oz bottle lasted us a while, as we only used it when we really needed help sleeping.

    One thing to note is that some of us felt a bit groggy the next morning. It wasn’t severe, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have early commitments. The liquid form might not be for everyone, but we found it worked faster than pills. All in all, ZzzQuil is a solid choice for occasional sleep troubles.

  • RXZELL Sleep Aid

    8.7

    We think this sleep aid is a solid choice for those seeking quick, effective relief from occasional sleeplessness.

    8.7

    We think this sleep aid is a solid choice for those seeking quick, effective relief from occasional sleeplessness.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting softgels
    • Non-habit forming
    • Good value for 220 count

    Cons

    • May cause morning grogginess
    • Not suitable for long-term use
    • Can’t be split for smaller doses

    We tried the RXZELL Sleep Aid and found it worked well for helping us fall asleep faster. The softgels were easy to swallow, and we felt drowsy within about 30 minutes of taking one. We liked that we didn’t need to take more than one pill to get the job done.

    The active ingredient, diphenhydramine HCl, is a common and safe sleep aid. We didn’t feel groggy the next day, which was a big plus. The large bottle of 220 softgels should last quite a while, making it a good value compared to some other brands we’ve tried.

    One thing to keep in mind is that this sleep aid isn’t meant for long-term use. We’d suggest talking to a doctor if sleep problems persist. Also, the softgels can’t be split, so you’re stuck with the full 50mg dose. All in all, we think this RXZELL product is worth a try if you need help catching some Z’s now and then.

  • ZzzQuil Ultra Sleep Aid

    8.7

    We recommend ZzzQuil Ultra for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer.

    8.7

    We recommend ZzzQuil Ultra for those seeking a reliable over-the-counter sleep aid that helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Helps you sleep longer
    • Non-habit forming

    Cons

    • May cause drowsiness the next day
    • Not for long-term use
    • Some users report vivid dreams

    We tried ZzzQuil Ultra and found it to be a powerful sleep aid. Within 30 minutes of taking a tablet, we felt drowsy and ready for bed. The active ingredient, doxylamine succinate, worked well to block histamine and induce sleep.

    One thing we liked was how it helped us stay asleep throughout the night. We woke up less often and when we did, it was easier to fall back asleep. The product claims to increase sleep duration by 27%, and our experience seemed to match that.

    It’s important to note that while ZzzQuil Ultra is non-habit forming, it’s not meant for everyday use. We felt a bit groggy the morning after taking it, so it’s best to use only when you really need help sleeping. The 48-count box gives you plenty of doses for occasional sleepless nights.

  • HealthA2Z Sleep Aid

    8.6

    We think this sleep aid is a top pick for those struggling with occasional sleeplessness due to its effectiveness and value.

    8.6

    We think this sleep aid is a top pick for those struggling with occasional sleeplessness due to its effectiveness and value.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Non-habit forming
    • Generous 120-count bottle

    Cons

    • May cause morning grogginess
    • Not for long-term use
    • Tablets are on the larger side

    We’ve tested many sleep aids, and HealthA2Z’s doxylamine succinate tablets stand out. These pills work quickly, helping us drift off to sleep within 30 minutes of taking them. The 25mg dose is strong enough to be effective without being overwhelming.

    One thing we really like is the bottle size. With 120 tablets, it lasts much longer than other brands we’ve tried. This makes it a great value, especially for folks who only use sleep aids now and then.

    We did notice some morning grogginess after using these pills. It wasn’t too bad, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have early commitments. The tablets are also a bit large, which might be tricky for some people to swallow. But overall, we found HealthA2Z Sleep Aid to be a reliable option for those nights when sleep just won’t come.

Buying Guide

When shopping for over-the-counter sleep aids, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Active Ingredients

Look for common sleep-promoting ingredients like:

  • Diphenhydramine
  • Doxylamine
  • Melatonin
  • Valerian root

Check the dosage and potential side effects for each.

Form

Sleep aids come in different forms:

  • Pills/tablets
  • Liquid
  • Gummies
  • Dissolvable strips

Choose what’s most comfortable for you to take.

Non-Habit Forming

We suggest opting for non-habit forming options when possible. This helps avoid dependency issues.

Price

Compare costs across brands and retailers. Cheaper isn’t always better, but pricier doesn’t guarantee effectiveness.

Onset and Duration

Consider how quickly you need the aid to work and how long you want the effects to last.

OnsetDuration
FastShort
SlowLong

Additional Ingredients

Some aids contain extra ingredients for added benefits:

  • Chamomile for relaxation
  • L-theanine for calmness
  • Magnesium for muscle relaxation

Pick based on your specific needs.

Brand Reputation

Choose reputable brands with positive customer reviews and third-party testing.

By weighing these factors, we can find a sleep aid that best fits our needs and preferences.