Where to find sleeping pills

If you have trouble sleeping, you may be thinking about getting a prescription for sleeping pills. But these drugs are often not the best option. And they can cause other problems. Sleeping pills are one of the most-prescribed drugs in the US.

This is partly because many patients ask for them. Also, many doctors prescribe sleeping pills instead of trying other treatments first. Sleep studies show that they only help people fall asleep about 8 to 20 minutes faster. And they add less than 35 minutes to nightly sleep. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Adult health. Products and services. Sleep aids: Understand over-the-counter options Trouble sleeping? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia in adults. Ambien CR prescribing information. Silenor prescribing information. Morristown, N. Remeron prescribing information. Whitehouse Station, N. Amitriptyline prescribing information. Princeton, N. Trazodone prescribing information.

Weston, Fla. Krieger CA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Belsomra prescribing information. Whitehouse Station: N. Accessed Nov. Olson EJ expert opinion. Wilt TJ, et al. Pharmacologic treatment of insomnia disorder: An evidence report for a clinical practice guideline by the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. Sateia MJ, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline.

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But recent studies suggest they have as much or more risk than the older sleep drugs. Get a thorough medical exam. Sleep problems can be caused by depression or anxiety, pain, restless leg syndrome, and many other conditions.

Even if an exam does not turn up an underlying cause, you should try other solutions before you try drugs. Side effects of some drugs can be especially bothersome for seniors: next-day drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.