Or it could be a more serious condition. If you’re having a temporary bout with insomnia, you may be tempted to try over-the-counter medications. What are the best and most effective OTC’s for a good night’s sleep?
Christine Jacobson with Health Mart Pharmacies provides some insights and what you need to know that can help you sleep like a baby instead of counting sheep.
The National Sleep Foundation has some interesting facts:
• Forty-eight percent of Americans report insomnia occasionally, while 22 percent experience insomnia every or almost every night.
• Women are 1.3 times more likely to report insomnia than men.
• People over age 65 are 1.5 times more likely to complain of insomnia than younger people.
• Divorced, widowed and separated people report more insomnia.
If you’re suffering from stress, traveling over several time zones, or recovering from a medical procedure, your insomnia could be temporary. However, if you’re suffering from sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, depression, or other more serious problems, be sure to consult your health care provider for more specialized treatment. In fact, even if you’re considering over-the-counter (OTC’s) medication, check with your health care provider or pharmacist to make sure the medications you are taking will not conflict with other prescription or OTC drugs you’re taking as well.
Over-the-counter drugs discussed during this segment are Sominex, Nytol, Sleepinol, Compoz, Unisom, Nighttime Sleep Aid, Tylenol PM as well as herbal and dietary supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Melatonin and Tryptophan and L-tryptophan. When considering purchasing any of these medications or preparations, be sure to talk to your pharmacist or health care provider for your particular situation.
Remember OTCs do not cure insomnia. They only provide temporary relief. They may create drug intolerance and dependence and may mask underlying medical, mental or sleep disorders., making the situation worse that before. Always check with your health care provider or pharmacist.
To find your nearest Health Mart Pharmacy, go to www.healthmart.com or look for these pharmacies nearest you.
Morgan Health Mart Drug
109 North Commercial Street
Morgan, Utah
(801) 929-3262
Spence’s Health Mart Pharmacy
550 East 1400 North
Logan, Utah
(435) 753-8500
Cache Valley Health Mart Pharmacy
2380 North 400 East
North Logan, Utah
(435) 787-1212
Wangsgard Health Mart Pharmacy
120 North Washington Blvd
Ogden, Utah
(801) 399-4400
Mountain View Health Mart Pharmacy
1100 West 2700 North
Pleasant View, UT
(801) 786-4090
Wasatch Health Mart Pharmacy
4387 Harrison Blvd
Ogden, Utah
(801) 479-0331
Larry’s Smithfield Health Mart Pharmacy
502 So Main, Suite B
Smithfield, Utah
(435) 563-6262
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