If you have trouble falling asleep or suffer from poor sleep quality a natural sleep aid should be considered a priority
We have reviewed and graded dozens of over the counter sleep aids and have found the three options that work best for 2023.
Top 3 Over the Counter Sleep Aids for 2023
In order of efficiency and potency, here are the three natural sleeping pill alternatives that work best:
1. NooCube Sleep Upgrade - most popular sleep aid
2. Sleep Breakthrough - nighttime drink
3. Sleep Support Plus - contains melatonin
All three otc sleeping pills are produced by reputable manufacturers, have excellent customer reviews, and offer outstanding value for money.
Moving forward, let's take a look at each of them individually and see what makes these three OTC sleep aids so good.
Advertisement
1. NooCube Sleep Upgrade - Top Choice for 2023
NooCube Sleep Upgrade is a natural supplement and sleep aid designed for men and women of all ages who find it difficult to get to sleep or keep waking up during the night.
Many OTC sleeping pills list melatonin among their ingredients. NooCube Sleep Upgrade is one of the few that does not.
Melatonin is an important sleep hormone that's used as a prescription drug in many countries of the world. It can work well for some people but can also have unpleasant side effects including headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability, and nightmares.
Advertisement
Melatonin supplements and sleep medications can also cause daytime drowsiness. Most people who are looking for a good over the counter sleep aid are hoping to be more alert during the day. Feeling drowsy is not part of the plan.
Melatonin pills can also be addictive and, even when they work, the benefits fade with prolonged use. Sleep supplements that provide melatonin are best reserved for short-term use such as overcoming jet lag or tackling occasional insomnia and nor for long term circadian rhythm sleep disorders. [1]
Instead of relying on a synthetic hormone, NooCube Sleep Upgrade provides a combination of nutrients and plant extracts that work in harmony with the body, helping you to wind down naturally and drift off to sleep. Noocube Sleep Upgrade is perfect for people that have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
NooCube Sleep Upgrade Ingredients
NooCube Sleep Upgrade provides five key ingredients to promote sleep:
● Vitamin D3
● Calcium
● Magnesium
● Lemon Balm
● Lavender
Vitamin D is one of the best nutrients for boosting immune function. It comes in two forms (vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 offers the most benefit and is the easiest to absorb.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in supplements normally comes from sheep's wool. Vegans and vegetarians will be glad to learn NooCube Sleep Upgrade provide an algae-based form of Vitamin D3 instead.
Research shows vitamin D deficiency can contribute to sleep disorders and poor-quality sleep. [2]
Good sleep also requires adequate amounts of magnesium and calcium. As with Vitamin D, if your diet does not provide enough of these two important minerals, you may find it very difficult to fall asleep.
Advertisement
Lemon balm and lavender are two herbal sleep aids with a longstanding reputation. People were using them to remedy trouble sleeping long before taking sleeping pills were mainstream.
In addition to being a sleep enhancer, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is also one of the best botanical ingredients for reducing anxiety and stress. There is a mountain of research that shows this. One study, conducted on Angina patients, is particularly noteworthy because it proves lemon balm has value in all the aforementioned areas. [3]
Lavender has a calming effect that winds down the body and prepares it for sleep. Although there is still much to learn, some scientists believe lavender aids sleep by stimulating the same parts of the brain prescription sedatives act upon.
Advertisement
NooCube Sleep Upgrade Pros and Cons
Pros
● Melatonin-free sleep aid
● Safe and effective
● No known side effects
● Excellent customer reviews
● Free shipping
● 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Cons
● Need to take four capsules per dose
● Only available from the official website
2. Sleep Breakthrough
Sleep Breakthrough is another top-ranking natural sleep aid that works without melatonin. Although its history is not as important as its sleep-enhancing capabilities, this OTC sleeping pill has a pretty unusual story behind it. Sleep Breakthrough is the result of research conducted on mutant flies.
The other unusual thing about Sleep Breakthrough is it's not a pill. It's a powder you mix with water and drink before going to bed.
Advertisement
The manufacturer chose to do things this way because Sleep Breakthrough contains quite a lot of ingredients. Choosing to place them in capsules or tablets would have resulted in a sleep supplement that required 10 pills per dose.
Sleep Breakthrough Ingredients
Sleep Breakthrough provides the following ingredients to help you get a good night's sleep.
● Calcium
● Magnesium
● Potassium
● Zinc
● Vitamin B6
● GABA
● Taurine
● Glycine
● L-Theanine
As you can see, most of the formulation is vitamins and minerals. The manufacturer has chosen them because they play such an important role in hormone production and sleep.
So where does a mutant fly fit into the picture?
Advertisement
In 2008, circadian rhythm expert, Dr. Ravi Allada, was doing sleep research involving various species including mammals, flies, fish, and worms. [4]
His experiments on mutant fruit flies revealed sleep disturbances are often due to imbalances between potassium and sodium. More specifically, high potassium activity at night calms down neuron activity making it easier to sleep.
That's why Sleep Breakthrough provides potassium.
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter that reduces stress and helps prepare the body for sleep. However, the value of using
GABA in sleep supplements is unclear. Nevertheless, a limited amount of data suggests GABBA supplements provide sleep benefits. [5]
Glycine is an amino acid that's well-known for its ability to improve sleep quality. [6]
Advertisement
Another credible inclusion that will help the formulation achieve its primary aim, L-theanine is an amino acid that functions as a GABA agonist and helps regulate sleep.
Research shows L-theanine can work particularly well when it's combined with magnesium [7]
Sleep Breakthrough provides this efficacious pairing.
Sleep Breakthrough Pros and Cons
Pros
● A good option for people who find it difficult to swallow pills
● Does not contain melatonin
● Safe and effective
● No known side effects
● Excellent customer reviews
● Free shipping
● 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Cons
● Only available from the official site
● Free shipping is only available to US residents who order two or more jars
Advertisement
3. Sleep Support Plus - Melatonin Tablets
Another high-quality natural sleep medicine that aids restful sleep, Sleep Support Plus is a nightly pill that supports a healthy sleep cycle and offers relief or occasional sleeplessness.
Unfortunately, good as it is, this option contains melatonin so it would be unwise to use it as a long-term chronic insomnia treatment. However, if you are only likely to need it once in a while, Sleep Support Plus is a decent option to boost low melatonin levels and help you fall asleep.
Advertisement
It's far better than most of the other medications and sleep supplements we reviewed for possible inclusion on this list of best over the counter sleep aids, just not as good as the previous two options.
Sleep Support Plus Ingredients
Sleep Support Plus provides six ingredients to help influence the sleep wake cycle;
● Melatonin
● Lemon Balm
● Tryptophan
● Goji Berry
● Chamomile
● Valerian
We have already discussed the pros and cons of using the active ingredient melatonin in herbal supplements to improve sleep. In some countries, it's available via prescription. That says a lot about its ability to work. However, the truth is that melatonin doesn't work for everyone.
Advertisement
We have also mentioned the risk of addiction and unpleasant side effects. [1]
We would not have included Sleep Support Plus on this list if it was not for the fact the manufacturer makes it clear the supplement is only for occasional use.
As you can see, the formulation contains lemon balm as well. You may remember NooCube Sleep Upgrade provides lemon balm too because of its proven ability to aid sleep and combat anxiety and stress [3]
We haven't covered any of the other ingredients yet but some of them may be familiar to you due to their long-standing association with relaxation and sleep.
Tryptophan is an amino acid. Science proves tryptophan supplements can help induce sleep and improve sleep quality. [8]
Advertisement
Goji berries are associated with many health benefits. One of them is better sleep.
Research proves goji has value in this area. Data from one clinical trial shows goji juice provided better quality sleep at night along with higher energy levels and better athletic performance during the day.
Data from the same study also shows improvements in mental focus and ability, calmness, and general well-being. [9]
Chamomile and valerian plant extracts are often used as traditional sleep aids. Both ingredients have much credibility and have been scientifically proven to work. [10, 11]
Sleep Support Plus Pros and Cons
Pros
● Cheaper than many otc sleep aids
● Good customer reviews
Advertisement
Cons
● Contains melatonin
● Only available from the Sleep Support Plus website
● Additional charges for shipping
● No money-back guarantee
Many people struggle with insomnia or find themselves waking up multiple times during the night. Difficulty sleeping is a surprisingly common problem that can have a severe impact on quality of life.
Given the choice of spending the day walking around like a zombie or waking up feeling well-rested and full of life, most people would choose the latter option. And who can blame them for that?
If you have difficulty sleeping, lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise and avoiding caffeinated drinks during the evening can often help.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, some people still find they need extra help and have to use prescription sleeping pills. Others use over the counter (OTC) sleep aids that provide natural ingredients instead of chemicals or drugs. Due to their high efficiency and lack of side effects, natural sleep aids are rapidly growing in popularity.
However, finding good natural sleeping pills that work is a lot harder than it may first appear. It's no good just picking a sleep supplement at random and hoping for the best. Although you may get lucky, the odds are not in your favor. A lot of over the counter sleep aids are not as good as their manufacturers claim they are.
Advertisement
So how do you find the best natural OTC sleep aids? If you have a friend or family member who has already found a safe and effective option, you could choose the same product they are using. If you don't the best thing to do, is seek out an article such as this one.
Should You Use a Sleep Aid?
If you generally sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed, you will not need prescription sleeping pills or over the counter sleep aids.
However, if do sleep well, it's unlikely you would be reading this article.
Perhaps you find it hard to wind down at night and switch off your mind so lie tossing and turning for hours struggling with insomnia.
Advertisement
Then again, perhaps you drift off okay but wake up multiple times during the night. Regardless of whether you are an insomniac or suffer from interrupted sleep, the best OTC natural sleeping pills can help you avoid all the symptoms of poor sleep such as fatigue, poor mental focus, irritability, and poor immunity.
However, before you begin taking over the counter sleep aids, it's best to take a long, hard look at your life. It could be your sleep issues are the result of lifestyle factors. It's amazing how many people drink caffeine-rich beverages, such as coffee, late at night and then complain they can't sleep.
Advertisement
If you want to enjoy long, uninterrupted periods of sleep, it's best never to consume caffeine (from any source) after 5 p.m.
Bright lights can also disrupt sleep. Especially if you live in a busy city. So can traffic noise. If either of these things is an issue for you, it may be helpful to fit thicker curtains to your windows and close the windows before going to bed.
If you live a sedentary lifestyle, getting more exercise may also help you to sleep better. Even if you can only commit to a long and leisurely evening stroll, you may be surprised at what a big difference it can make.
Advertisement
How to Choose the Best Natural Sleep Aids and Sleeping Pills
When you are looking for over the counter sleep aids, it's best to only consider products that come from reputable suppliers and have good customer reviews. All three of our suggested products tick the right boxes in these and other important areas.
In general, it's also best to try and avoid sleeping supplements that contain melatonin. They may be okay for providing short-term relief from insomnia but can cause all manner of problems when used as a remedy for ongoing sleep issues.
Our research indicates NooCube Sleep Upgrade is by far the best option for most people who need a supplement that will help them to overcome their sleep disorders. it's suitable for occasional sleep problems and equally good for providing ongoing sleep support. It's also safe to use and has a money-back guarantee so you have nothing to lose if you decide to choose this option.
Advertisement
Nevertheless, NooCube Sleep Upgrade may not be the best natural sleep aid for some people. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have difficulties swallowing pills, Sleep Breakthrough may be a better option because it's a drink.
How to Use Sleep Aids and Natural Sleep Medication
As with pharmaceutical, prescription-only sleeping pills, it's important to use natural sleep aids according to the manufacturer's recommendations. And, no matter how tired you may feel, it's equally important never to exceed the correct dose.
Best Over the Counter Sleep Aid FAQ
Do natural sleep aids work?
Yes. Absolutely. People have been using herbal remedies to treat insomnia such as lemon balm for centuries. Of course, back then, they were usually called sleep draughts, tonics, or elixirs.
Advertisement
How many hours of sleep do I need?
Sleep requirements can vary from one person to the next but experts suggest shooting for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Is lack of sleep dangerous?
Yes. Left unchecked, lack of sleep can cause poor immunity, hallucinations, and many other health issues. It can also place a strain on your heart. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can even be fatal.
By making you feel drowsy and reducing mental focus, lack of sleep can also make you more prone to accidents. Especially while driving or operating machinery.
Are natural sleep aids a good choice for shift workers?
Advertisement
Yes. Regardless of whether you work days and sleep nights or work nights and sleep days, the best natural sleeping pill alternatives can help.
Shift working can be very bad for disrupting sleep schedules. It's surprising how many people use OTC sleep aids to get to grips with the problem.
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
