Sleeping Medication: How It Should Be Used and What Its Risks Are

Over the counter melatonin may not be what you should reach for first if you are looking to get better sleep. Tero Vesalaine/Shutterstock

Sleeping medication can help adjust people’s sleep schedule to sleep; however, there are limits and risks associated with such treatment, especially when used without the guidance of a sleep professional or general practitioner.

Studies have shown that melatonin tablets don’t always contain only melatonin, and the label’s dosage isn’t always accurate. In addition, some people are more sensitive to sleeping medication, which may affect them the following day, interfering with their work.