Sleep Aids: What Works, What Doesn't, and What You Need to Know

When you can't sleep, sleep aids, products or treatments used to help initiate or maintain sleep. Also known as sleep medications, they range from simple supplements to powerful prescriptions—but using them wrong can make things worse. Millions turn to sleep aids because insomnia isn’t just annoying—it’s exhausting, stressful, and can wreck your health over time. But not all sleep aids are created equal. Some work short-term. Others carry hidden risks. And a lot of them don’t work at all.

Take melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Also known as sleep hormone supplement, it’s one of the most popular over-the-counter options. It’s not a sedative—it tells your body it’s time to wind down. But if you take it too early, too late, or in the wrong dose, it can mess with your rhythm instead of helping it. Then there are prescription sleep medications, drugs like zolpidem or eszopiclone approved by the FDA for short-term insomnia treatment. These can get you to sleep fast, but they come with side effects: dizziness, memory lapses, even next-day grogginess that feels like a hangover. And if you use them long-term, your body can become dependent. Meanwhile, sleep hygiene, a set of habits and environmental practices that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep. Also known as sleep routine, it’s the foundation every sleep aid should build on. No pill fixes poor sleep habits—like scrolling in bed, drinking caffeine after noon, or irregular wake-up times. The real problem? Most people skip the basics and go straight for the quick fix. That’s why so many end up cycling through pills, supplements, and apps without real improvement.

What you’ll find in this collection isn’t a list of top 10 sleep aids. It’s a no-fluff look at what actually works based on real medical evidence. You’ll see how certain drugs interact with other meds you might be taking, why some supplements are riskier than they seem, and how to tell if your insomnia is caused by something deeper—like sleep apnea, anxiety, or even a medication you’re already on. There’s no magic bullet. But there are smart choices. And these posts will help you make them.