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How do I Choose the Best Strong Sleeping Pills?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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A smart way to choose the best strong sleeping pills is with the help of a doctor. A doctor may prescribe a prescription medication or recommend an over-the-counter drug you can use to get more sleep. He may also evaluate you for underlying conditions that may be responsible for your sleep troubles. In addition to a doctor's help, you may also choose the best strong sleeping pills by determining whether you need help falling asleep or staying asleep, comparing pills based on costs, and considering the side effects each option may cause.

You may protect your health by seeking the advice of a doctor when you want to choose the best strong sleeping pills. A doctor may evaluate your medical history to determine which medications will safely help you sleep. He may also evaluate whether you have any medical conditions that are causing or contributing to your trouble sleeping. If he discovers an underlying disorder, treating it may help you get to sleep without sleeping pills.

Though there are over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills you may consider, over-the-counter sleeping pills are often milder than prescription options. As such, you may get the strongest medication by seeing a doctor. If you prefer an over-the-counter pill, however, you may look for reviews of over-the-counter sleeping pills to learn which medications users have found most potent. You may also ask a doctor for a recommendation of an over-the-counter medication that is both safe and potent.

When you are trying to choose the strongest sleeping pills, you may select according to what you need the sleeping pills to do. For example, if you do not have a problem staying asleep, you may choose a pill that will help you fall asleep. If you can fall asleep with no problem but you wake up multiple times during the night, you may prefer a sleeping pill that focuses on keeping you asleep. If you have trouble with both falling asleep and staying asleep, however, you may need a medicine that tackles both problems and may have more luck with a prescription medication.

The cost of sleeping pills may also influence your decision as you attempt to choose the best strong sleeping pills. If you are buying over the counter, you may find varying price ranges. In some cases, however, the strongest pills are also the most expensive. If you are buying a prescription medication, you may find that a generic version of a strong sleeping pill is less expensive than a brand-name medication.

It is also important to consider the side effects of sleeping pills when you are trying to choose the best medication. Strong sleeping pills may cause drowsiness during the day or interfere with your ability to concentrate. Some may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, as well. Others may be habit forming. In most cases, the best strong sleeping pills are those that cause the fewest side effects and are unlikely to prove habit forming.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison , Writer
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Discussion Comments

By Phaedrus — On May 23, 2014

My elderly mother-in-law couldn't sleep while she was recovering from surgery, so the doctor on duty prescribed a popular but powerful sleeping pill. I won't mention its name. Instead of sleeping, she started jumping around on the bed, pulling out her IVs and talking in a gibberish language. The nurses called us for permission to put her in soft restraints because of her unruly behavior.

The following morning, we told her regular doctor about the sleeping pills and her reaction. He looked at me and said "The doctor actually prescribed (brand name sleep aid) to an 83 year old woman?". As it turned out, that particular drug had a lot of known side effects, especially among the elderly. He took her off that medication right away and prescribed another sleeping pill.

I'd say choose a strong sleeping pill according to your needs, not according to what you see in TV commercials. Some prescription sleep aids may have adverse side effects, and they can remain in your system for hours. Do your research and choose wisely.

By Cageybird — On May 23, 2014

Speaking as someone who suffered from chronic insomnia for years, my advice is to start slow and work your way up when it comes to sleeping pills. You really don't want the strongest prescription sleeping pills right away, even though you might want to cut to the chase and get some sleep. Many over the counter sleeping pills and herbal supplements work just as well without all of those side effects.

If sleeplessness is an occasional thing, I'd start with herbal sleeping pills. They don't use strong chemicals that can make you groggy, and they usually work gradually. Some OTC sleeping pills can hit hard after only an hour.

I have found that the best sleeping pills for persistent insomnia are the OTC formulas call PM. They may have a painkiller like Tylenol or Excedrin mixed in with them, or they may be sold separately as nighttime sleep aids. I find taking two pills just before bedtime will let me get 8 hours of good sleep.

If you feel the need to go the prescription sleeping route, let your doctor lead the way. I tried a few of the very popular prescription sleeping pills and I either hallucinated all night or didn't sleep at all. It was awful. I now combine OTC sleep aids with meditation and a relaxing bath before going to bed.

Nicole Madison

Nicole Madison

Writer

Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
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