In a dream, a person should spend a third of his life - a lot. After a full sleep, the charge of vivacity and efficiency is enough for a long time. At the same time, intermittent, superficial sleep, poor falling asleep can become a real torment, especially on the eve of a crucial day.

The most potent sleeping aids are limited supply and require a prescription. Such drugs, for example, include old and well-known barbiturates: etaminal - sodium, barbamil, phenobarbital. You also need a prescription to buy modern and mild-acting drugs like Imovan (zopiclone) and zolpidem.

At the same time, there is a large group of over-the-counter drugs that have a hypnotic effect. They are commercially available because their psychoactive inhibitory effect on the central nervous system much lower, and an overdose does not cause serious side effects. However, they can help you fall asleep in most cases of mild sleep disorders.

We present these drugs in decreasing order of hypnotic effect

Melaxen

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Cost 650 rubles (0.003 g No. 24)

In humans, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is the "sleep hormone". Its task is to induce the effect of sleepiness, which increases the chances of falling asleep. In addition, melatonin has a mild sedative (sedative) effect.

Benefits: drug overdose is impossible due to its very rapid disintegration. Good sleep continues after the drug is eliminated from the body, so sleep can be considered physiological. Melaxen works on a “made-and-go” basis. The medicine does not change the course of the natural cycle and structure of sleep, does not cause nightmares, does not affect awakening. After taking the drug, there is no feeling of drowsiness, you can drive a car.

Disadvantages:

• possible manifestations of allergic reactions, the occurrence of peripheral edema;
• relatively high cost.

Findings: The drug can be recommended for mild and moderate forms of insomnia, in the complex therapy of functional disorders, accompanied by sleep disorders, as well as a means for faster adaptation to quick change time zones.

From reviews of Melaxen: "I had absolutely no side effects, I had a healthy and sound, normal sleep, in the morning there was not a drop of drowsiness, and at night I saw beautiful colored dreams. I took it on a pill 30 minutes before bedtime. After drinking the whole package, no addiction developed. better means for insomnia, I recommend! "

Donormil

(doxylamine succinate, 15 mg effervescent and regular tablets). Also released under the name Sonmil.

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The cost is 350 rubles (30 tablets).

Prescription drug.

It is a blocker of H 1 histamine receptors, and, in fact, an antihistamine drug. But it is not intended for the treatment of allergic diseases, but is used only for sleep disorders and insomnia. This is one of the best sleeping pills for relieving attacks of insomnia in young, healthy people who do not need to drive a car the next day.

Benefits: effervescent tablet has a fast action, the drug reduces the time to fall asleep, increases the sleep time.

Disadvantages:the drug has side effects typical of antihistamines: dry mouth, difficulty waking up, possible drowsiness during the day. In addition, the drug is not indicated for patients with impaired renal function of urine outflow, as well as with impaired breathing during sleep.

From reviews about Donormil: "The medicine turned out to be wonderful. I did not read the instructions and on the first day I took two pills at once. Ten minutes later I was already asleep. After sleeping all night, I felt drowsy in the first half of the day. The next night I took one pill, according to the instructions. I fell asleep after half an hour, sleep was calm, awakening - cheerful. "

Corvalol (Valocordin)

Contains phenobarbital (in the tablet - 7.5 mg, 1.826 g in 100 ml).

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Photo: www.farmshop.ru

The cost of drops (50 ml) - 40 tablets (No. 20) - 150

Corvalol (Valocordin) is the only OTC drug containing phenobarbital barbiturate. This immediately puts this drug on a par with more serious competitors, and the low cost makes it very attractive to the general population. It is recommended to take from 10 to 40 drops per appointment.

Benefits: the drug has a characteristic odor, valerian and mint potentiate the effect of phenobarbital. It can be used as a distraction for pain in the heart area instead of validol, drops can be used in different, individual dosages. The drug has a mild antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the internal organs, is indicated for tachycardia (palpitations) and psychomotor agitation.

Disadvantages:

• The characteristic smell of the medicine can soak an entire apartment with frequent use.
• Many have a prejudice that Corvalol - "medicine for the poor" - is completely untrue.
• Not recommended for breastfeeding.

From reviews:"Corvalol is the best sleeping pill. I have been taking it all my life. Both my mother and my grandmother. In addition to helping with insomnia and palpitations, I put it on my face in the summer - the medicine remarkably repels mosquitoes, and does not have terrible chemistry in its composition. Solid five!"

Novo - Passit

Herbal preparation (valerian, lemon balm, elderberry, passionflower, St. John's wort, hawthorn, hops, guaifensin). Available in the form of tablets and syrup.

Photo: novo-passit.com

The cost of tablets No. 30 - 600 rubles, syrup (200 ml) - 330 rubles.

Combined herbal preparation with a pronounced sedative effect. Guaifensin has an additional anti-anxiety effect, which in total allows the drug to be used to treat sleep disorders.

Benefits: has a fast effect. For insomnia, it is recommended to use a syrup that works even faster. The drug can be used without a course intake: the effect of the first dose is quite pronounced.

Disadvantages:

• Daytime sleepiness and feelings of depression may develop, especially with overdose.
• Contraindicated in children.
• Not recommended for use in patients with chronic alcoholism.

From reviews about Novo-Passit:"It is very good that the drug is of natural origin. It was a pleasant surprise that in addition to improving sleep, Novo - Passit helped to eliminate anxiety, some kind of nervousness, alleviate headaches caused by sitting at the computer."

Persen - Forte

Combined preparation (lemon balm, mint, valerian).

Photo: europharma.kz

The cost of packing 20 capsules is 350 rubles.

The drug has a mild sedative and hypnotic effect, insomnia is mentioned in the indications. It has a mild antispasmodic effect. Unlike Novo - Passita, it does not contain guaifensin, and unlike Corvalol, it does not have an obtrusive smell.

Benefits: Persen variety "night" is specially designed for night use. It helps to fall asleep well if insomnia is caused by nervous excitability, that is, an altered mood background.

Disadvantages: there is no liquid dosage form. Usually the liquid form has the desired effect more quickly. The drug is not recommended for people with diseases of the biliary tract, as well as for children under 12 years of age. May cause constipation with prolonged use.

From reviews about Persen:"It seems to me that only a course reception has a good effect, and a one-time dose does not improve sleep. But if you drink it for at least a week, then your mood becomes even, and it becomes easier to fall asleep."

Phytosedan

(herbal teas for brewing in the form of filter bags)

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The cost of packaging (20 filter bags) - 50 rubles.

Phytosedan is produced in several varieties of charges (No. 2, No. 3), which differ in a slight change in the formulation. The composition is based on herbs: motherwort, thyme, oregano, sweet clover and valerian. One package is poured with boiling water, kept for 15 minutes, then drunk overnight.

Benefits: has a mild, natural effect, facilitates falling asleep, is able to eliminate spasms of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, is used in the complex therapy of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Disadvantages:

• Not indicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The infusion is prepared immediately before use, it can be stored for no more than a day, it is better to use it warm, which, unlike tablets, is more difficult.

From reviews about Fitosedan: "Herbs for 50 rubles turned out to be much more effective than many expensive funds... I got it at the pharmacy, brewed it. A little bitter, but has a pleasant, calm smell. Already on the second day of application, I realized that it does its job perfectly: it does not cause fatigue during the day, and sleep comes softly and easily. "

Glycine

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Cost No. 50 - 49 rubles.

Glycine is a simple amino acid whose role is to regulate braking processes in the cerebral cortex. The action of glycine is complex and complex: it should be used not only for sleep disorders. To improve sleep, it dissolves under the tongue, since absorption into the sublingual vessels avoids passage through the liver portal system, which accelerates the effect.

Benefits: since glycine (aminoacetic acid) is found in sufficient quantities in the human body, an overdose of glycine is hardly possible until serious complications are achieved. In addition, the drug has an anti-anxiety effect, simultaneously improves memory and memorization processes. It is used in therapy, neurology, and is widely prescribed for school-age children.

Disadvantages: the special hypnotic effect of glycine has not been studied separately. The effect of the drug is to restore the imbalance between the mediators of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system.

From reviews about Glycine: "I began to use glycine on the advice of friends during the session, as I used to abuse coffee to memorize a large amount of information. Breakdowns, memory impairment, irritability and bad sleep began. A week after starting glycine intake, all discomfort was eliminated. Sleep improved. and memory. "

What you need to know:

This list of the best over-the-counter insomnia remedies is far from complete. Everyone can add new funds, or swap them, since the effectiveness of the drug is largely due to the individual response.

Many "doubles" are not listed. So, the drug " Dormiplant"Just like the described" Persen "contains lemon balm, mint and valerian. Homeopathic medicines are not described, since they do not have a definable effective dose, and cannot be considered from the point of view of evidence-based medicine.

In conclusion, you need to pay attention to situations in which insomnia becomes a symptom of dangerous diseases... So, insomnia may indicate the following health problems:

• hyperthyroidism. Subfebrile temperature, weight loss, hot temper and irritability occur;
• stress, the appearance of depression. Such insomnia can be persistent and chronic;
• sleep apnea;
• parkinson's disease;
• vascular diseases of the brain, consequences of strokes, dementia.

If it was not possible to stop the unpleasant symptoms of a sleep disorder within a few days, then you should not look for more potent drugs, but you should definitely consult a doctor.

Attention! There are contraindications, specialist advice is required

Drivers who regularly drive their cars witness terrible accidents on the highways and roads of the city. Few people know that about 20% of accidents occur due to the driver's sleep while driving. How to stay awake while driving and save the lives of yourself and other road users?

Why do you want to sleep while driving?

There can be several reasons why it gets sleepy while driving. To fix this problem, you need to identify it. Somnologists name the main reasons:

1. Constant lack of sleep, due to which the body experiences.
2. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in which sleep is not controlled by the brain.
3. Hypersomnia is a disease of the nervous system.
4. Apnea - increased sleepiness during the day due to frequent short stops of breathing at night.
5. Taking medications, often with a sedative effect.
6. Smoking and drinking alcohol.
7. During colds, sleepiness can be caused by vitamin deficiency, anemia, hormonal imbalance.

Seasoned drivers, who often have to drive vehicles for many hours at a time and at different times of the day, know how to stay awake while driving. To do this, each of them tried many ways and chose the one that suits him. For beginners, they often advise, first of all, to sleep well before the road and not plan it at night. If you feel tired, so that sleeping while driving does not cause unhappiness, stop in the parking lot and take a nap for 20-30 minutes. As a rule, this time is enough to continue the journey.

Ways to stay awake while driving

If you still have to go on a trip at a later time of day and you will have many hours of travel, you may find useful ways to stay awake while driving at night. One of the simple and available options experienced drivers call a conversation with a fellow traveler. An interesting conversation requires vigorous brain activity. During a funny conversation, time flies by, but you should not turn your back on your fellow traveler, but you need to carefully monitor the traffic on the road.

If you're traveling alone, you can stock up on refreshing drinks like coffee or strong tea. Doctors do not recommend using energy drinks. For a while, they will restore vigor to the body, but they will deal a strong blow to the cardiovascular system. Many truck drivers stock up on small provisions such as seeds, nuts, crackers, and small candies. They distract the driver from the thought "How not to sleep while driving."

Another proven method is chewing gum, preferably menthol. And it's not just the refreshing taste, but tricking the brain into thinking it’s going to have to digest food.

Pills to stay awake while driving

The "energy" tablets were developed by scientists not only to stay awake while driving. Many people are forced to work at night, but not every body can withstand such a load. Distinctive feature tablets are easy to use, unlike invigorating drinks in cans. As a rule, they contain various vitamins, taurine and caffeine. Before the planned trip, you can take a course of energy tablets after consulting a doctor. The dosage may vary in each case depending on different indicators.

When taking it alone, you must strictly follow the instructions for the drug. Common pills include:

• Modafinil;
• Longdazine;
• "Pantokrin".

Sleep bracelet

In order not to sleep at the wheel, experts come up with new devices. Bracelets have appeared on the market to help the driver monitor his condition. The device is put on the hand and fixes the deviations of the galvanic skin reaction. The wristband measures the electrical resistance of the skin and determines the state of the driver's reaction. If it decreases, the device beeps. It can be light, sound, or vibration. By these signs, a person learns that within a few minutes he can fall asleep.

Music to stay awake while driving

Musical installations in cars are needed not only for the comfort of the driver and his passengers. Audio files are a sure-fire way to fight sleep while driving. Listening to your favorite songs helps and improves brain activity. You can stock up on the road with interesting audiobooks with an exciting plot, only the main thing is not to lose your guard under monotonous playback. Songs. which will help keep you active:

1. BROHUG - Droppers.
2. Valentino Khan - Pump.
3. Malaa - Bylina.
4. MiyaGi & Endgame feat. Rem Digga - I Got Love (Alex Fit Remix).
5. Feder - Lordly (Illona & Altuhov radio edit).
6. East Clubbers - My Love (Dmitriy Rs & DJ Cheeful Remix).
7. HVNNIBVL - On & On.
8. Rita Ora - Your Song.
9. Zara Larsson ft. Ty Dolla Sing - So Good (Goldhouse Remix).
10. Amigos - Let Me Love You.
11. Benny Benassi - Love is gonna save us (Dmitry Glushkov remix).

If you are in a car in splendid isolation, there is another proven method of how not to fall asleep while driving - try singing, and loudly. This method may seem strange to some, but it "works". During loud singing, more oxygen enters the lungs, which fills the entire body. This promotes its awakening and makes the brain work actively.

Sleepiness in medicine is called a sleep disorder, that is, a condition in which a person wants to sleep at a time that is not at all intended for sleep. Doctors say that there are quite a few reasons that can cause this condition, and before deciding to buy pills for drowsiness, you should find out the causes of this disorder.

Possible Causes of Drowsiness

Often, sleep in the daytime pulls those people who suffered from insomnia the previous night. It may be enough just to get a good sleep the next night so that this unpleasant condition does not accompany the whole day. Medications, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and motion sickness medications, often cause daytime sleepiness. If it accompanies a person constantly, interfering with living a full life, it is worth considering whether there may be a serious illness.

Experts say that people who are in a state of depression, abuse alcohol, suffering from infectious monoculosis or diseases such as narcolepsy, catalepsy, or other diseases are susceptible to drowsiness.

Sleepiness drugs

In any case, a person with this unpleasant symptom should be helped. It may be worth reconsidering your own diet, your lifestyle, sleeping at least eight hours a night, giving up alcohol and taking a closer look at the medications used, choosing an analogue that will not cause drowsiness.

Modafinil

If these measures do not give the desired result and you still want to sleep in the daytime, you should pay attention to pharmacological agents that can defeat daytime sleepiness. One of the modern effective developments to solve this problem is Modafinil pills for drowsiness. The substances contained in such a preparation activate the activity of the brain, not only fighting sleep, but also increasing physical endurance and intellectual abilities.

Longdazin

Modern genetic scientists have invented a unique drug that allows you to shift the biological rhythms of a person, thereby eliminating insomnia at times when a clear mind and activity are needed. This drug is called Longdazin, which literally means "day extender". According to scientists, the new development will be able to provide an invaluable service to people who travel frequently and, therefore, often change their time zones. Moreover, Longdazin will help people who are forced to work in different shifts or have a medical condition that causes drowsiness.

Pantokrin

Considering drugs for drowsiness, it is worth paying attention to a unique medication created on the basis of non-ossified antlers (antlers) of sika deer, red deer and maral. Due to the influence exerted on the nervous system, stomach and heart, through the intake of such a medicine, efficiency increases significantly, fatigue and drowsiness disappear. In pharmacies, you can find this remedy in tablets and drops.

Lemongrass tincture

With such an unpleasant condition as a constant craving for sleep, even in the daytime, alcohol extract from the seeds of the Chinese magnolia vine can help to cope. It comes in liquid form. Once in the body, this remedy enhances heart contractions, improves visual acuity, increases physical and mental performance, stimulates breathing, increases blood pressure and thereby fights drowsiness.

Having decided to fight drowsiness, you do not need to self-medicate. It is better to contact a qualified technician who will help solve the problem. Take care of your health!