There are a lot of different medications out there help you to sleep. But are they good for you and do they work?
NBC 5 asked Dr. Brandy Roane, a psychologist and behavioral sleep specialist from the University of North Texas.
The simple answer is they can help for short term use, like one to two weeks, but they are not recommended and not effective using them long term.
There are also natural supplements like melatonin.
“Melatonin is what we call a phase shifter. So if you’re jet lagged or you need to get ready for a time shift,” said Roane. “You can take it if you’re trying to advance your bedtime or delay your bedtime depending on travel plans or life events like in terms of daylight saving time.”
But Roane said taking a pill isn't always the answer.
She said turn off the electronics. She recommends doing something boring that does not stimulate the brain like reading a dictionary.
