Whether you’re sleep aids over the counter with jet lag, insomnia or just trouble falling asleep, sleep aids can be helpful. But they’re not all safe if taken long term.

Many sleep problems are caused by an underlying medical condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or restless leg syndrome. A physical exam and a review of your family medical history can shed light on the root cause and determine if a prescription sleep aid is appropriate.

There are also several natural supplements on the market that may be helpful to improve your sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle. It is effective at treating short-term insomnia and is useful to reset the sleep cycle in night shift workers or blind people whose body clocks have shifted. Long-term use of melatonin lacks evidence of safety, however.

Sleep Aids Over the Counter: Your Comprehensive Guide to Non-Prescription Solutions

The most common over-the-counter sleep aids are antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine, which are used in products such as Tylenol PM, Nytol, Sominex, ZzzQuil and Unisom. These drugs help you fall asleep and make it easier to stay asleep through the night, but can lead to morning grogginess if you take them in conjunction with alcohol. In addition, these medications are not recommended for use in people with certain health conditions, including closed-angle glaucoma and peptic ulcer.

In general, most sleep aids are generally safe for short-term use if you follow the dosing instructions and avoid using them for more than two weeks at a time. However, it is always best to consult your physician or pharmacist before starting any medication, particularly if you have any preexisting conditions like asthma or heart disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding or are taking other prescription or OTC medications or supplements.