So this is not a long-term solution to insomnia (the official maximum use is two weeks), but it’s perfect for short-term sleep problems, such as the week from hell or Bonfire Night (which some may say is the same thing). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant, you can speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking antihistamines.

Sleep deprivation can be caused by a whole range of things, from hormone imbalances to stress and anxiety,” says Hussain Abdeh, superintendent pharmacist at Medicine Direct.And if you find that one Z drug doesn’t work for you, your doctor should not prescribe you another Z drug to try instead. It’s not just a coincidence that all humans tend to sleep at night, it’s what we’re programmed to do.

Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to avoid taking antihistamines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When you stop taking Z drugs, you should withdraw from them gradually to avoid negative withdrawal effects. Aesculus hippocastanum (white chestnut, for “relief from repetitive thoughts”), Helianthemum nummularium (rose rock, for “courage and presence of mind”) and Ornithogalum umbellatum (star of Bethlehem, to “soften impact of shock”) flower essences, among others, go into each capsule, made by the people behind Bach Rescue Remedy.If you are chloral hydrate, you should avoid it coming into contact with your skin as it may cause skin damage. The tablets are small and easy to swallow (important when you’re over-tired and dry-mouthed), and each one’s 50mg dose of diphenhydramine is powerful enough to make you feel drowsy within 20 minutes, then send you to sleep about five minutes after that.

In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. They have a much higher risk of dependency, withdrawal and side effects than OTC sleeping pills such as Nytol. Because melatonin can cause drowsiness, don't drive or use machinery within five hours of taking it. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.Pop one or two jelly-like dissolving blobs on your tongue before bed, and your mind will get a little extra help switching off.