The Best OTC Sleep Aid For Seniors 2023

Taking sleep aids has long been seen as a safe, effective way to optimize your sleep patterns and enjoy a regular sleep schedule, without having to turn to prescription medications. However, while many over the counter medications will work for young people, elderly patients often need something much more specific.
From negative interactions with things like blood pressure medications to being at a far increased risk of issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, potentially inappropriate medication use can have much more serious consequences for older adults, so it is important they choose their sleep medication carefully.
The question is, how do they know which sleeping pill to choose? Well, that is where we come in, as we will give elderly people all of the information they need to find the perfect over the counter sleep aids for them, whether they are hoping to treat chronic insomnia or daytime drowsiness, or just boost their sleep habits.

The Best OTC Sleep Aids: Our Top 3 Sleeping Pills 2023

RestAgain - Best OTC Sleep Aid Overall
Spruce Rest
Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid

The Best Natural Sleep Aid: The Best Ingredients

Some of the best sleep supplements use a combination of these ingredients to maximise the benefits, a lot can however be used as standalone supplements, although properly dosed and combined sleep aids, like the ones we recommended above will be more effective.

Melatonin
Melatonin supplements are considered by many to be the most effective sleep aids around. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain of all humans, the secretion of which determines both your sleep wake cycle and how easy you find it to enter REM sleep, which is the most restorative kind (1).
Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that people who increase their natural levels by taking melatonin supplements containing at least 5 mg of the hormone each day will find it far easier to fall asleep and then enjoy a good quality and length of sleep once they have done.

And on top of this research suggests that melatonin supplements can improve daytime sleep quality and duration, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who need to sleep during the daytime, like shift workers. Ideally however you want to look for a supplement that can be dosed in either 3, 5/6 or 10mg, this is because its recommended people start with a lower dose for their first time. Our number one rated Rest Again allows you do to this, by splitting it's 10mg dose of melatonin across 3 of it's blended sleep aid pills.

Get our number 1 rated sleep aid RestAgain here - -->

Vitamin D
A fat soluble vitamin, vitamin d is included in countless dietary supplements in doses of between 400 and 800 IU, as it can provide the human body with a wide array of health benefits that range from boosting your testosterone production and protein synthesis to preventing fat storage and estrogen production.
It still has these benefits in sleep aids, but it is mainly used as it's capable of promoting relaxation, better mood, nutrient absorption, and recovery time, and less bloating. All these benefits will help improve sleep quality and sleep latency, to all but guarantee you wake up feeling alert, fresh, and rested each morning (2).

Valerian Root Extract
Valerian root extract is commonly put in otc sleep aids as it has been proven to be capable of interacting with certain neurotransmitters in the brain, altering their production rate and activity level to improve their effects on your body, without causing any adverse reactions of unpleasant side effects.
This allows it to relieve stress and anxiety, two of the most frequent causes of sleep problems. As a result, taking valerian extract in doses of around 300 mg per day is a great way to ensure that you have no trouble falling asleep and that you can get a good night's sleep each and every night (3).

Interestingly Valerian Root seems to be even more effective for improvements in sleep quality and sleep disorder symptoms when it comes to menopausal and postmenopausal women, individuals who have undergone heart surgery, and those undergoing hemodialysis.

While valerian root is generally safe for short-term use in adults, its long-term safety and effectiveness are still uncertain. Pregnant and nursing individuals should avoid valerian root due to limited research on its safety and effectiveness in these populations.

Magnesium
Magnesium is another of the most widely used ingredients in sleep aids. The mineral is vital to ensure that over 600 different reactions occur in the cells throughout the human body, with a number of them relating directly to the sleep quality that you will enjoy when you go to bed each night. The research suggests that magnesium's relaxing effect on the body may be due in part to its ability to regulate melatonin production and induce sleep with insufficient levels of magnesium have been associated with troubled sleep and insomnia.

Studies show that people who are getting enough magnesium will have an easier time relaxing and staying calm, while avoiding issues like sore muscles, cramps, and dehydration, which are some of the most common sleep disturbances, to help you enjoy uninterrupted sleep the whole way through the night (4).

L-Theanine
The amino acid l-theanine is vital to help you maintain a healthy sleep wake cycle, as it is able to relieve anxiety and stress and help you feel calm and relaxed. This creates the perfect conditions to help you fall asleep as quickly as possible and then enjoy a good quality sleep once you have (5).
Beyond this, l-theanine also offers a number of other beneficial effects that will help you maintain a regular sleep schedule, providing you consume at least 200 mg per day. This includes boosting the health and functions of your brain and immune system, improving your focus, and enhancing your overall wellbeing.

GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that is produced by both the brain and pancreas of every adult mammal. It is responsible for controlling your neurological receptors, determining how excitable you are, and dictating how easy you find unwinding, relaxing, and falling asleep.

Studies show that people with high concentrations of GABA in their nervous system will be less likely to get physically or mentally stressed than those with lower concentrations. One of the most significant benefits for sleep medicines that contain GABA is their ability to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Studies have shown that taking GABA supplements before bed can lead to a statistically significant reduction in sleep latency, making it easier to transition from wakefulness to sleep. (6) The most commonly accepted dosage range for GABA is around 200 mg although this can vary between studies. With this being one of the core ingredients across our number one rated sleep aid RestAgain.

Ashwagandha Root Extract
Ashwagandha root extract is made from winter cherry shrub roots and is proven to offer countless mental and physical health benefits if you take doses of 300 mg each day, such as improving your blood sugar levels, fat loss, muscular development, strength, testosterone production, and athletic performance.
It is also of particular use in otc sleep aids, as it can improve your brain and heart health, focus, memory, nervous system, and sleep health, while reducing anxiety and stress. This combination of effects will work together to make it much easier for you to relax, fall asleep, and enjoy restful sleep every single night (7).

5-HTP
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that studies show will boost the production serotonin when taken in supplement form. A neurotransmitter produced by the pineal gland in the brain, serotonin controls your mood, sleep latency, digestion, recovery, healing, bone health, libido, and blood clotting and pressure.
5-htp is particularly effective at boosting serotonin production as it passes across the blood brain barrier much more easily than most other medications, while causing no side effects.

As a result, it is ideal for preventing circadian rhythm sleep disorders, boosting sleep quality, relaxation, fat loss, and mood, combatting anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, and suppressing your appetite, to put you in the very best situation possible to enjoy a good night's sleep when you go to bed (8).

Calcium
Calcium is a mineral usually found in dairy products that is well known for its ability to promote good bone, joint, and heart health. Beyond this, it is often also used to treat high blood pressure, prevent heart disease, reduce estrogen production, and keep your testosterone levels high.

When used in sleep aids though, calcium can even offer benefits like making it easier to fall asleep, sleep deeply, and enjoy good sleep hygiene (9). Some of same benefits of calcium we looked at earlier will also prevent issues that could cause a sleep disturbance or poor sleep from occurring.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin b6 consists of 6 different compounds that affect over 140 different coenzyme reactions in the human body between them. It is particularly useful for its ability to enhance neurotransmitter biosynthesis in the brain, which will help to keep the cells healthy and ensure that your brain functions properly.
It is often put in sleep aids as vitamin b6 can also stimulate the onset of REM sleep, which is the best quality sleep you can get. It can then also improve your metabolism, testosterone levels, and recovery time when you take up to 1.5 mg per day, all of which is beneficial for promoting proper sleep hygiene (10).

Vitamin B12
Vitamin b12 is vital for brain and nerve growth, development, and functions, and it also has an effect on the production of bone marrow, DNA, nerves, red blood cells, and testosterone, your metabolic rate and mood, and in preventing Alzheimer's disease, brain fog, depression, mental decline, and vascular dementia.
It is included in many over the counter sleep aids as it reduces the symptoms of fatigue, prevents issues known to cause trouble sleeping, and encourages greater rest and recovery if you take at least 2.4 mcg per day, all of which will help to improve your circadian rhythm and the quality of sleep that you get (11).

RestAgain - The Best OTC Sleep Aid Overall 2023

RestAgain is an over-the-counter sleep medication produced by FA Nutra Ltd. Having been popular in the United Kingdom for some time now, it has recently seen a significant upturn in sales since being launched the United States.

It is made to induce sleep quickly and ensure that you enjoy a long, deep sleep each night, while maintaining sleep schedules that allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for anything that the world has to throw at you.

The RestAgain formula is 100 percent natural and consists of ashwagandha root extract, GABA, l-theanine, magnesium, valerian root extract, 5-htp, calcium, melatonin, vitamin b6, vitamin b12, and vitamin d, all of which we examined above in our list of the best sleeping pill ingredients.
All of its ingredients have been carefully chosen and used in their optimal dosages, to ensure that they can improve sleep as much as the research suggests they can.

The melatonin boasts powerful sedative effects that will optimise your sleep wake cycle and enhance the speed at which you enter REM sleep, to promote sleep improvements all around.

Ashwagandha root extract and 5-htp are will both calm and relax you, while the latter can also boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety levels, all of which will make it considerably easier for you to achieve a deep sleep quickly each night.

L-theanine also produces a calming effect, but it is primarily included for its ability to improve the health and functions of your brain and immune system, which will prevent various sleep issues. It can also help to combat sleep apnea, which is a common issue faced by elderly people.

GABA is a melatonin receptor agonist that can help to relieve stress and improve relaxation, effects which are then made even more potent by the inclusion of a valerian extract.

Calcium and magnesium will both combat the issues that cause people to have trouble falling asleep, such as cramps, urinary retention, dry mouth, jet lag, or an upset stomach. They will then also make achieving REM sleep easier, boost your mood, and prevent a variety of different health problems from occurring.
Vitamins b6, b12, and d will then promote sleep improvements by boosting the recovery of your brain cells and bodily tissues, which will help to ensure that you wake up feeling fresh and invigorated each day.

Putting such an incredible variety of ingredients from wildly varying sources into a single over the counter sleep aid like RestAgain means that it can combat virtually everything from mild sleep issues to chronic insomnia.

Throw in the fact that it uses nothing but optimal dosages of all of its natural ingredients and that it comes with a very fair price tag and easy to swallow serving size, and RestAgain is easily the best sleeping pill on the market today for everyone from elderly people to teenagers.

Pros

•   The most potent natural sleeping pill currently available over the counter
•   It is not known to cause any side effects, adverse reactions, or negative interactions with other medications
•   Carefully formulated so that its ingredients work in perfect synchronicity with each other
•   All of the ingredients in the formula are natural, high quality, proven to benefit sleep, and present in their optimal doses
•   Very reasonably priced
•   Boosts sleep onset latency, quality, and duration all at the same time, while combatting things like dry mouth

Cons
• As one of the newest sleep aids on the market, reviews by past customers and the journal of clin sleep med are still quite limited

Currently (At Time Of Writing), RestAgain has a buy 3 get one free offer on, making it just $30 a bottle

NooCube Sleep Upgrade - The Best OTC Sleeping Pills Without Melatonin

Melatonin supplements are very popular with people trying to treat sleep issues, as studies on behavioural sleep medicine prove it is one of the best ways to beat them. That said, there are still some people who try to avoid them, due to claims that it can cause nightmares or frequent urination, which keep people awake.
NooCube Sleep Upgrade is a unique sleep aid that is ideal for people in this group, as it is one of the only sleep aids that is extremely effective while not containing melatonin. Instead, its formula consists of a blend of magnesium, calcium, vitamin d, lemon balm leaf powder, and lavender extract.

Magnesium reduces the frequency of brain signals being sent to help you relax, drift off, and enjoy a long, deep sleep. Calcium also helps you fall asleep faster, but, more importantly, calcium deficiencies can cause chronic insomnia, so keeping your calcium levels up with a supplement will prevent this from occurring.

Similarly, vitamin d deficiencies have also been proven to lead to sleep issues, so taking a vitamin d supplement or a sleep aid containing it will stop this from becoming an issue while simultaneously boosting your natural production of melatonin to help treat any existing circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Lemon balm leaf powder has long been consumed in teas as it is said to promote a feeling of calmness. The evidence shows that it has the ability to treat both insomnia and anxiety, prevent poor sleep, and help to combat sleep issues by up to 42% (12).

Lavender extract is a relative of lemon balm and it offers similar benefits. It has also been proven to make falling asleep quickly and enjoying uninterrupted, high quality sleep each night much easier, and it won't put your at risk of experiencing any nasty side effects either (13).

When you add it all up, NooCube Sleep Upgrade is easily one of the very best natural sleep medicines for people of any age who do not want to take supplemental melatonin.

Not only can it help you treat insomnia and enjoy a better quality of sleep each night, but it also has a very affordable price tag and a serving size of just four capsules, which makes its extremely accessible to virtually everyone.

Pros

•   It is capable of enhancing your circadian rhythm and treating or preventing a variety of sleep issues
•   Does not contain melatonin and uses only optimally dosed, natural ingredients
•   None of its ingredients have ever been linked to any side effects, adverse reactions, or negative interactions with other medicines
•   Very reasonably priced and provides great value

Cons

• As it does not significantly boost your melatonin levels it won't work as well as those that do if that is your issue
• As one of the newer sleep aids on the market reviews from past customers are still quite hard to find

Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid - The Best Budget Sleeping Pills

The Kirkland Sleep Aid has been specifically designed as an affordable natural sleep aid that can be obtained over the counter by those on even the tightest of budgets. As such, its formula consists of just a single active ingredient, which is doxylamine succinate.

Doxylamine succinate is the succinate salt of the antihistamine doxylamine. Primarily used to combat the symptoms of allergies, the common cold, rhinitis, morning sickness, and hay fever, it works by blocking the action of histamines, which are substances found in the body that cause a variety of unpleasant effects.

However, in recent times it has also been shown to be a promising short-term solution to insomnia, as it can combat many of the issues that cause it. Most studies that have so far shown this also feel that 25 mg per day is the ideal dosage, which is exactly the amount found in the Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid.

There are, admittedly, a couple of big issues with the use of doxylamine succinate to help people sleep though.

Not only will it not help you sleep if your issues aren't being caused by one of the conditions that it can treat, but there have also been a large number of unpleasant side effects linked to its use that, while they rarely occur, will be extremely off putting for many people.

This includes an upset stomach, blurred vision, congestion, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, nose, and throat, confusion, excitability, hallucinations, headaches, irritability, mood swings, nausea, nervousness, poor coordination, tinnitus, trouble urinating, an elevated heart rate, and excessive bruising (17).

There is a very good reason that the Kirkland Sleep Aid has made our list of the best otc sleep aids for older adults though, and that is the fact that it is, by far, one of the cheapest sleep medications on the market today.

This makes it an ideal option for people who are shopping for a sleep aid on a very tight budget while suffering from one of the sleep issues that doxylamine succinate is known to combat.

Pros

• Has an extremely low-price tag
• Can be used as an effective short-term solution to some causes of insomnia

Cons

• Will only produce sleep benefits for people suffering from a specific selection of issues
• Its active ingredient has been linked to an extensive range of unpleasant side effects

Spruce Rest - The Best Natural Sleep Oil

If you do not like taking sleeping pills but still want an effective sleep aid, Spruce Rest is an ideal supplement for you. A sleep oil made to help combat sleep issues, it will allow you to optimise your sleep schedule without ever having to swallow any pills or capsules.

Spruce Rest utilises a blend of natural oils that contains ingredients like coconut oil, which are full of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), which is a type of healthy fatty acid.

These oils and fats can help you to sleep better as they lower your body temperature and suppress your appetite, two things that the National Sleep Foundation says can simultaneously enhance your sleep quality, duration, and latency (18).

MCTs can also provide health benefits in addition to this as well, such as reducing your risk of developing heart disease or high blood pressure, boosting your metabolism and energy levels, combatting bacteria, and enhancing the health of your your brain, digestive system, and nervous system.

Produced in the United States with only natural, organic, vegan friendly, gluten free, lab grade ingredients, you can be assured of receiving a high-quality product every time. This is then furthered by the fact that each bottle is third party tested, to guarantee its quality and efficacy.

Add in the fact that it has a wonderful natural vanilla flavour that is enjoyable to use, and Spruce Rest is comfortably the top over the counter sleep aid for people who have a problem or simply don't like swallowing pills.

Pros
•   Contains only vegan and organic ingredients
•   Boasts a wonderful vanilla flavour and does not require you to swallow any pills
•   Combats sleep issues while also boosting both your physical and mental health
•   Every bottle is third party tested, to guarantee a high level of quality and efficacy

Cons
• Relies on a single ingredient to try and be as effective as other sleep aids that use a blend
• Some people have complained about both the taste and the texture of the oil

Final Thoughts On The Best OTC Sleep Aids To Help Seniors Combat Sleep Disorders & Improve Sleep Quality

Things like daytime drowsiness or poor sleep health may seem to some elderly patients as simply a part of getting old. However, with the right sleep aid they don't have to be. While there are plenty of great sleeping pills currently on the market, the best over the counter sleep aids by far for older adults is RestAgain .

A natural sleep medication made with only optimal doses of a wide range of proven sleep aids, its sedative effects can combat the issues that give people trouble sleeping from every angle. As a result, everyone from young people to older adults can use it to either treat insomnia or simply enjoy a normal sleep cycle.

If for any reason you feel that it is not the right over the counter sleep aid for you, one of the other options on our list of the best non-prescription sleeping pills for elderly people will be. For everyone else though, we highly suggest you give RestAgain a try and see how it can help you improve sleep habits for yourself.

FAQs about Natural Sleep Aids

Are natural sleep aids effective?
Certain natural sleep aids, such as melatonin, have shown effectiveness in improving sleep quality. However, the effectiveness of other herbal supplements may vary, and more research is needed to establish their efficacy.

Are natural sleep aids safer than prescription sleep aids?
Natural sleep aids are generally considered safer than prescription sleep aids as they tend to have fewer side effects. However, it is important to choose quality products from reputable brands and consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Are OTC sleep aids safe?
OTC sleep aids such as antihistamines have potential side effects, and their effectiveness as sleep aids is not well-established. It is recommended to use them sparingly and for short periods, following the dosage instructions. Consult with a healthcare professional if sleep issues persist.

Resources:

1.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4273450/
2.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912284/#:~:text=Growing%20evidence%20has%20demonstrated%20that,13%2C14%2C15%5D
3.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4394901/
4.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703169/
5.   https://centertrt.org/blog/benefits-of-l-theanine.html
6.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7527439/#:~:text=Gamma%2Daminobutyric%20acid%20(GABA)%20is%20a%20non%2Dproteinogenic,enhancing%20effects%20have%20been%20established
7.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8462692/#:~:text=A%20total%20of%20five%20randomized,%3B%20I2%20%3D%2062%25
8.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8181734/#:~:text=5%2DHydroxytryptophan%20(5%2DHTP,in%20older%20adults%20is%20unclear
9.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3866235/
10.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6727359/
11.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123316/
12.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521387/
13.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35708558/
14.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868281/
15.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
16.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699852/
17.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551646/#:~:text=Doxylamine%20is%20a%20medication%20used,over%2Dthe%2Dcounter%20medication
18.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9613426/

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