Sleep aids

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and promethazine can help to treat short-term sleeplessness due to their sedating properties. They pass across the blood-brain barrier and act on histamine receptors in the brain to cause feelings of drowsiness. Customers should be warned that their effect may last until the following morning.

They are useful for the shortterm relief of temporary sleep disturbances in people over 16 years of age. Sleep aids can be prone to abuse, so regular repeat requests or customers purchasing multiple packs should be referred to the pharmacist. Examples: Nytol, Sominex.

Herbal sleep aids have also been shown to have some positive effects when it comes to helping sleep disturbances. Examples include valerian and passiflora. Herbal sleep aids work by promoting calmness and thus encouraging natural sleep. Examples: Kalms, Nytol Herbal Tablets.

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies that promote relaxation may help to manage sleep problems.

Massage and aromatherapy can promote feelings of calm and relaxation, which can help tackle insomnia caused by anxiety or worry. Acupuncture is a popular option, and clinical trials have suggested that it can improve the duration of sleep. Hypnotherapy is also sometimes used to treat insomnia.