What drug can make someone fall asleep?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 15% of American adults reported experiencing insomnia in the past 30 days. For those who struggle to get a restful night's sleep, it's common to wonder what drug can make someone fall asleep to find relief.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of different medications for sleep, from readily available over-the-counter products like melatonin to prescription options such as Z-drugs and benzodiazepines. It covers how they work, key differences, and important safety risks to consider.

Key Points

Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any sleep medication, especially for long-term use, due to potential risks, side effects, and interactions.
Understand Drug Classes: Sleep aids work through different mechanisms, from OTC antihistamines blocking alertness to prescription Z-drugs enhancing brain-calming chemicals.
Be Aware of Dependence: Prescription drugs like Z-drugs and benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence and addiction, and should only be used as directed.
Watch for Side Effects: Common side effects include daytime grogginess, dizziness, memory problems, and complex sleep behaviors. Elderly patients are at higher risk for falls.
Prioritize Non-Drug Options: Non-pharmacological treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and good sleep hygiene are often safer and more effective for chronic insomnia.
Avoid Mixing: Never combine sleep medication with alcohol or opioids, as this can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.

Understanding Sleep Medications: Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription

When sleeplessness becomes a problem, a wide range of medications can help induce or maintain sleep. These fall into two main categories: over-the-counter (OTC) options and prescription drugs. While OTC products are easily accessible, they are generally intended for occasional, short-term use. Prescription medications are used for more severe or chronic sleep issues and require medical supervision due to greater potency and risk of dependence.

It is crucial to remember that treating insomnia with medication is typically a short-term solution and should be discussed with a healthcare provider to address the root cause of sleep problems, especially for chronic issues.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sleep Aids

These medications and supplements are available without a prescription and work in different ways to help promote sleep.

Antihistamines

Certain antihistamines, commonly used to treat allergies, cause drowsiness as a side effect. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the brain that promotes wakefulness.

Active Ingredients: Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Advil PM) and doxylamine succinate (e.g., Unisom SleepTabs).
Usage: Recommended for occasional use only. Tolerance can develop quickly, and regular use is not advised.
Side Effects: Potential side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, daytime grogginess, and urinary retention. For older adults, they may increase the risk of dementia.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Supplements work by increasing melatonin levels to signal to the body that it's time to sleep.

Usage: Often used for short-term issues like jet lag, shift work sleep disorders, or for individuals who are 'night owls'.
Benefits: Not habit-forming like some prescription options.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include headache, nausea, and next-day sleepiness.

Herbal Supplements

Various herbal supplements are marketed as sleep aids, but scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is mixed and they are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs.

Examples: Valerian root, chamomile, and lavender.
Effectiveness: Some studies suggest moderate benefits, while others find no significant effect compared to placebo.

Prescription Sleep Medications

For persistent insomnia, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication. These are available in several different classes.

Z-Drugs (Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics)

Named for the 'Z' in their chemical names, these drugs work by binding selectively to GABA receptors in the brain to slow down brain activity, promoting sedation.

Examples: Zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata).
Variations: Some are designed for rapid sleep onset (e.g., Sonata), while others help with sleep maintenance (e.g., Lunesta).
Risks: Potential for dependence, abuse, and complex sleep behaviors (e.g., sleepwalking, sleep-driving). The FDA has recommended lower doses due to next-day impairment risks.

Benzodiazepines

This older class of sedative-hypnotics enhances the effect of GABA, leading to sedation, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation.

Examples: Temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion) are sometimes prescribed for sleep.
Risks: Higher risk of dependence and addiction, significant adverse effects, and are generally not recommended for long-term use due to high risk of dependency and adverse effects.

Orexin Receptor Antagonists

This newer class of drugs works differently by blocking orexin, a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness.

Examples: Suvorexant (Belsomra) and lemborexant (Dayvigo).
Benefits: Generally considered to have a lower risk of dependence compared to Z-drugs and benzodiazepines.
Side Effects: The most common side effect is daytime sleepiness.

Sedating Antidepressants

Some antidepressants with sedating properties are prescribed off-label for insomnia, especially when insomnia is linked to depression or anxiety.

Examples: Trazodone (Desyrel) and low-dose doxepin (Silenor).
Usage: Doxepin is FDA-approved for sleep maintenance in low doses. Trazodone is used off-label.

Non-Pharmacological Alternatives

For chronic sleep problems, behavioral therapies are often more effective and sustainable than medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This therapy addresses the underlying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia and is considered a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
Sleep Hygiene: Improving daily habits can significantly impact sleep quality. This includes a consistent sleep schedule, a relaxing pre-sleep routine, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Relaxation Techniques: Practicing relaxation exercises, such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, can reduce arousal and promote sleep.

Comparison of Common Sleep Medication Classes


Medication Class	Type	Mechanism	Primary Use	Potential for Dependence	Common Side Effects
Antihistamines	OTC	Blocks histamine	Occasional sleeplessness	Low, but tolerance develops	Daytime grogginess, dry mouth, constipation
Melatonin	OTC	Mimics natural melatonin	Regulates sleep-wake cycle (e.g., jet lag)	Very low	Headaches, nausea, dizziness
Z-Drugs	Prescription	Enhances GABA activity	Sleep onset and maintenance	Moderate	Dizziness, strange dreams, memory issues
Benzodiazepines	Prescription	Enhances GABA activity	Short-term severe insomnia	High	Addiction, withdrawal, daytime impairment
Orexin Antagonists	Prescription	Blocks wakefulness signals	Sleep onset and maintenance	Low to moderate	Next-day somnolence, unusual dreams
Sedating Antidepressants	Prescription	Affects neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin)	Insomnia with co-morbid depression/anxiety	Low	Dry mouth, dizziness, weight changes

Conclusion: Seeking Professional Guidance

Various drugs can make someone fall asleep, from readily available OTC antihistamines to potent, prescribed sedatives. However, these medications are not a cure for chronic sleep problems and all carry potential risks and side effects. For anyone struggling with persistent sleeplessness, consulting a healthcare provider is the safest and most effective approach. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include safer, non-pharmacological methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or medication for short-term use, if necessary. Your provider can provide personalized advice based on your health history and ensure you understand all potential risks before starting any medication.

For more information on improving sleep hygiene and non-medication strategies, see the resources provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most over-the-counter sleep aids containing antihistamines are not recommended for long-term daily use. The body quickly builds a tolerance, reducing their effectiveness, and can cause side effects like daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, and confusion, particularly in older adults.

Both Z-drugs and benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA to produce sedation. However, Z-drugs (like zolpidem and eszopiclone) are considered to bind more selectively, potentially leading to fewer side effects and a lower, though still present, potential for abuse compared to traditional benzodiazepines.

Yes, some prescription sleep medications, particularly Z-drugs like Ambien and Lunesta, have been linked to complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and preparing and eating food while not fully awake. This risk should be discussed with a doctor.

Unlike Z-drugs or benzodiazepines that act as sedatives, melatonin receptor agonists like ramelteon (Rozerem) work by mimicking the body's natural sleep hormone. They help regulate the sleep-wake cycle rather than directly causing sedation, and have a lower potential for abuse.

CBT-I is a structured program that helps individuals identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems with more effective habits. It is often recommended as the first-line and most sustainable treatment for chronic insomnia.

It is crucial to avoid alcohol and opioids when taking sleeping pills, as the combination can dangerously increase the sedative effects and cause severely slowed breathing or unresponsiveness. You should also avoid operating machinery or driving until you know how the medication affects you.

A medical evaluation is important because it can help identify underlying causes of your insomnia, such as anxiety, depression, or another medical condition. A doctor can provide the safest and most effective treatment plan, which may not involve medication.