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Original poster

The best sleeping tablets?

115 replies

Letmeinletmein · 14/10/2025 15:54

To anyone who uses sleeping tablets, please could you let me know the best OTC ones you’ve found that work but don’t leave you feeling like a zombie the next day?

OP posts:

MrsHamlet · 15/10/2025 20:09

Amitriptiline for me too. None of the Z drugs had any effect, and melatonin etc didn't touch the sides.

NautilusLionfish · 15/10/2025 20:47

Lizbeth59 · 15/10/2025 10:41

Ive just called docs this morning asking if I can be prescribed some melatonin she was a junior doctor and not sure if they were able to prescribe it. She started telling me I could get it in Holland and Barrett you cant. She is going to ask one of the senior doctors and get back to me. If they say no then I will order online from the states. My trouble is I fall asleep but wake up around 3-4 am and cant get back its chronic now and really struggle with the lack of sleep and trying to get through work etc.

If you want it because you wake after a few ours, Natrol does one that is supposed to be timed release. So first and second release which could be good for that. What I find best is the fast dissolve. I keep it within reach so that I am not overly awake faffing with bottle. When I wake up in the middle of the night I pop one under my tongue. I feel like the fast dissolve hits the system faster but that could just be in my mind. Good luck

NautilusLionfish · 15/10/2025 20:48

popcornandpotatoes · 15/10/2025 10:47

All the own brand versions of nytol I have tried have worked well. You can get some in boots, Tesco, Morrisons.

yep. They say its same formulation but the boots version doesnt work well for me. The proper nytol does

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General health Sleep

Twilight7777 · 15/10/2025 20:50

Melatonin from biovea

NautilusLionfish · 15/10/2025 20:52

buffybots · 15/10/2025 12:57

Yeah my manager said “I haven’t had a full nights sleep in years with the kids, you just have to cope don’t you”
if I go to bed when I get home I’ll manage a few hours but then awake all night, or I can stay up and likely sleep 3am -6am. Shit either way

I’ve found some Kirkland sleep aid but it’s out of date… guessing it’ll be fine to take

Show quote history

Its not about kids. Before I hit 47 I slept 4-5 hours, working every night (long story) and was fully functional the next day. Yet I know others who absolutely need 8 hours and are much younger than me. Your manager is an a**e wipe. I hope you are part of a union because that one will not be in your corner. You may need union support one day

buffybots · 16/10/2025 09:03

Kirkland sleep aid worked! I got 6hrs and feel way more human

TheFoodLife · 16/10/2025 11:13

Wonderknicks · 15/10/2025 17:36

I occasionally use amitriptyline 10mg (on prescription ) if I've had a run of bad sleep. I have to take it at 6 or 7 in the evening as it makes me groggy the next day, but it gives me a brilliant night's sleep.
A friend takes it every day & doesn't get the grogginess unless she goes up to 20mg.

Are you prescribed this for sleep? Can you use it ad hoc, off label, for sleep, rather than take it every day?

Wonderknicks · 16/10/2025 12:27

TheFoodLife · 16/10/2025 11:13

Are you prescribed this for sleep? Can you use it ad hoc, off label, for sleep, rather than take it every day?

Show quote history

Yes it can be prescribed for sleep, I believe. Ad hoc is up to the individual!

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 16/10/2025 12:43

Squirrelsnut · 14/10/2025 19:49

Kirkland's Sleep Aid or melatonin.
The KSA is powerful - I use less than half a tablet.

Adding to the chorus suggesting Kirklands Sleep Aid. I snap the tablet in half and it's more than enough to help. I'm chronic insomniac and have tried all sorts. These do really help, I might still wake but I go back to sleep much quicker. If I take a whole tablet I feel groggy next morning but with half it's fine.

MrsHamlet · 16/10/2025 20:56

TheFoodLife · 16/10/2025 11:13

Are you prescribed this for sleep? Can you use it ad hoc, off label, for sleep, rather than take it every day?

Show quote history

I am prescribed it for sleep. I take it a few times a week.

soundsys · 16/10/2025 21:05

MultiFucktional · 14/10/2025 16:45

Melatonin, ordered on iHerb and shipped from The States.

This is what I was coming on to say.

I mean the best best is any kind of opiate but for obvious reasons don't do that!

spookyscaryseagulls · 16/10/2025 21:30

I've ordered the Kirkland on everyone's recommendation. Surgical menopause has hit me like a train. I'm lucky to have two or three hours a night. Im shattered.

Original poster

Letmeinletmein · 19/10/2025 21:30

Hi everyone, I have gone onto Biovea for the melatonin and there’s so many options that I’m not sure which ones to choose. For those of you who use these and say they work, please could you let me know which you get? There’s tablets, gummies, ones that say fast dissolve, different strengths etc

OP posts:

Jimmyneutronsforehead · 20/10/2025 08:14

Letmeinletmein · 19/10/2025 21:30

We use the natrol liquid 1mg solution.

For adults the recommended dose can be between 1-5mg, but the best dose is the lowest dose that works for you for as long as possible. I only need 0.75mg so we buy the 1mg solution and instead of 4 pipettes I only take 3 pipettes. You might need more but I'd start with a lower amount and work your way up if you feel it's needed.

StartingOverIn2025 · 21/10/2025 21:22

I’ve been prescribed Daridorexant today. Fingers crossed it does the job because I’m on my knees - so run down -and I’ve come down with a stinker of a cold on top.

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