FORT MYERS, Fla. (CONSUMER REPORTS) If you’re struggling with insomnia, you might want to think twice before you reach for over-the-counter sleep aids.
Many of the drugs are labeled “non-habit forming,” but Consumer Reports reveals potential risks in taking them.
Tara Matthews has suffered from chronic insomnia sporadically for years. She relied on over-the-counter sleep aids to help her fall asleep.
“When I can’t fall asleep it makes me very anxious because I know how much I have to do the next day,” she said.
These over-the-counter sleep aids typically contain diphenhydramine and doxylamine — antihistamines that can make you sleepy.
“Although some ingredients are not physically addictive, there can be a risk of psychological dependency,” said Lisa Gill from Consumer Reports.
A Consumer Reports national survey revealed that 20 percent of participants have taken over-the-counter sleep medication within a year. Within that group, almost one in five took them daily.
However, the most concerning statistic is that 41 percent said they took them for a year or longer.
At the time over-the-counter sleep aids were approved, there wasn’t enough evidence to show the drugs caused dependency, so the label “non-habit forming” still remains.
The FDA tells Consumer Reports Using a sleep aid for 2 weeks or less than the labeled dose makes it “…very unlikely that the consumer will become dependent on it.”
Over-the-counter sleep aids also carry warnings: They can cause serious side effects like next-day drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
Frequent use can also increase the risk of dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease.
If your insomnia is persistent, it’s time to see your doctor.