What is better than ambien?

Everyone has had a night or two where they just can’t sleep. Whether it’s worrying about that upcoming dentist appointment, replaying an embarrassing conversation with your crush, or simply being too excited for tomorrow’s big hike, sometimes our brains refuse to shut off and let us drift off into the land of dreams. That’s where sleeping aids come in.

Now, most people think of Ambien when they hear “sleep aid,” but did you know there are many other options out there? Some may work better than Ambien for certain individuals. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of sleep aids and discover what could be even better than everyone’s first thought – Ambien!

Melatonin: The Natural Choice

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It can also be taken as a supplement in pill form (similar to vitamins). One benefit of taking melatonin over prescription medication is its safety factor; you don’t need to worry about becoming addicted or experiencing dangerous side effects.

Plus, unlike some other medications on this list which require a prescription from your doctor (or at least access through less-than-legal channels), you can get melatonin easily over-the-counter at any drugstore or health food store.

However, if you’re struggling with chronic insomnia (and have tried other remedies without success) then speak with a healthcare professional before relying solely on over-the-counter options such as melatonin.

## Lunesta: Fight Fire With Fire

Lunesta belongs to the class of medications called hypnotics and works by slowing down activity in your brain so that it becomes easier for you to fall asleep & stay asleep throughout the night. This medication comes with fewer harmful side effects compared to some others on this list such as Benzodiazepines which are addictive & may alter your brain structure with long-term use.

This medication can be used by individuals who face difficulty sleeping because of anxiety or other emotional disorders.

Valerian Root: Nature’s Sleepytime Tea

What could be more natural than valerian root? It’s an ancient herb that has been used for centuries to help people sleep, and it really works! Similar to melatonin (but much more potent), the active ingredients in valerian root stimulate release of GABA (a neurotransmitter responsible for calming brain activity). This plant is commonly served as a tea but also comes in pill form.

But beware; its strong smell & taste might not suit everyone plus overconsumption may lead to negative side effects such as dizziness or headaches. As always, consult your healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.

## Doxylamine Succinate: The Not-So-Secret Weapon

Yes – this medication is available without prescription yet very effective when it comes to combatting insomnia. However, unlike Ambien which only helps you fall asleep quickly / decreases chances of waking up mid-sleep cycle; doxylamine succinate provides longer-lasting relief for those suffering from chronic insomniac symptoms throughout the night. (meaning you don’t need to worry about waking up too early.)

Although this drug does have some adverse effects like daytime sluggishness or grogginess right after waking up, regularly using Doxylamine succinate has proven beneficial regarding sound sleep at least one-night post-administration compared to placebo-given individuals.
study conducted with 30 patients

Hydroxyzine: The All-In-One Antihistamine

Hydroxyzine causes drowsiness due to its antagonistic effect on histamines in our body hence we often see consumption marketed towards allergies however what’s interesting is it soothes mental agitation & nervousness associated with insomnia by attaching itself onto certain nerve receptors in your brain that contribute to anxiety. Interesting, right?

But beware:
It can cause dry mouth so have a glass of water nearby
Might interfere with other medications and render them less effective/synergistic.

Benzodiazepines: The ‘Last Resort’ Prescription

Benzodiazepines are a class of medication typically reserved for those who suffer from severe insomnia where traditional treatments have failed; (You don’t want to mess around with this stuff unless you really need it.)

These pills produce deeply relaxing feelings & help ease anxious thoughts by reducing activity within the central nervous system which causes drowsiness. Some common benzodiazepines include Lorazepam (Ativan) or Clonazepam (Klonopin). These should only be taken under strict medical supervision as they carry addictive potential and must not be used frequently over prolonged periods due to their unideal association between use and changes in brain structure (+ positive behavioral symptoms like irritability, paranoia, agitation etc).

## Zopiclone Comes Out on Top

Zopiclone is an FDA-approved medication safe for short-term treatment (~2-3 weeks) of transient insomnia/ trouble falling asleep initially/mid-sleep disturbances through the night without rendering you memory loss upon waking up or grogginess throughout the next day.

Some benefits:
No residual sedative effect. Wake up feeling great!
Less addictive than some other prescription sleep aids such as Ambien
Has equal efficacy compared to Ambien when it comes to helping people fall/stay asleep through the night.

The decision ultimately boils down to the individual’s needs & preferences; there may not be one-fits-all remedy. Thus speak with healthcare representatives regarding what options might work best suited towards ensuring sound slumber.

(Remember – getting enough sleep is crucial for overall well-being!)

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