Do any over counter sleep remedies actually work?

[skunkrat]

As the title says, I’ve been struggling to sleep for days and it is driving me insane

I haven't really found any that work, but it may be worth asking the pharmacist.

But if it's a frequent problem, the GP is your best bet for something that is gentle but actually works.

I find Phenergan (promethazine) and Nytol (diphendramamine) helpful. But they tend to give a hangover, so not ideal on a regular basis.

Kalms Night (valerian root) is okay if you want something a little less heavy. Don't dismiss it just because it's herbal. It's quite good!

(chronic insomniac btw so i symphathise)

It depends how bad the sleep problem is. I find allergy-type antihistamines very useful and they don't give me a hangover the next day. Ditto Benylin original.

Nytol (herbal) are also good and Night Rescue can be helpful but not as strong as the previously mentioned.

Sominex - highly recommended.

Nytol, or pharmacy own brand but much cheaper,i get one called night time,same ingredients, about £2 cheaper

Not a remedy per se, and it’s expensive, but the This Works Sleep + pillow spray works absolutely brilliantly.

Lanes quiet life tablets are good - they're a blend of herbs rather than Nytol which is just valerian.

I take the antihistamine doxylamine, not sure if it's available OTC in the U.K. though.

Melatonin is also helpful (get it from eBay if you can't get in UK).

ive read and heard good things about night nurse.

also magnesium

Anecdotally - my friend thinks Tesco own brand of Kalms/Nytol is far superior. Is available from in-store pharmacy, not on shelf.
I haven't had cause to try for myself though.

Nytol one a night, as a pp mentioned above, worked well for me.

Sominex or night nurse liquid. I don’t find nytol works very well personally.

Night Nurse liquid helped me when I was sick. You can't use it for for long, and it doesn't knock you out right away though, I'd be surprised at any over the counter stuff that did for safety reasons.

What's causing your insomnia, do you know? Can you talk to your GP?

Nytol worked for me for a short period of time, but now all it does is make my body feel like it's falling asleep but my mind is wide a. I take boots on brand piriton every night and that helps me.