Skip to main content

Sleep



Did you know that getting quality sleep is super important for your overall health and well-being? It's true! Not getting enough sleep can actually lead to a bunch of health problems, like depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease. 

 But don't worry, there are some easy things you can do to improve your sleep quality, like getting regular exercise, cutting back on caffeine, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. Of course, sometimes these lifestyle changes aren't enough, and that's where sleep aids come in. 

 There are different kinds of sleep aids out there, like prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and natural supplements. Prescription sleep aids can be effective, but they can also be risky since they can lead to dependence and other adverse effects. 

Over-the-counter sleep aids can also be helpful, but they're not recommended for long-term use because they can cause cognitive impairment and daytime drowsiness. This includes Doxylamine/Unisom and diphenhydramine/Sominex  (Doxylamine is generally considered to be longer-acting than diphenhydramine and may have a higher risk of side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.)

On the other hand, herbal remedies like valerian root and chamomile have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and improve sleep. They're generally considered safe, but it's important to remember that they're not regulated by the FDA and may interact with other medications. 

Finally, there are natural supplements like melatonin, which can be used to support sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, so it can be especially helpful for folks with jetlag or trouble falling asleep. 

Popular combo sleep aids include ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs Melatonin,  Nature's bounty sleep 3, and Olly gummies

The bottom line is that by taking a comprehensive approach, you can get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need to maintain optimal health and well-being. Sweet dreams!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Heartburn

Heartburn is a pretty uncomfortable symptom that many of us have experienced at some point. It's caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, which creates that burning sensation in our chest and throat.  Here's some helpful prevention tips: Avoid spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol Eat smaller and more frequent meals Avoid eating two hours before bed Maintain a healthy weight Quit smoking Reduce stress levels If lifestyle changes aren't enough, there are plenty of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve heartburn symptoms.  1. Antacids  Tums,   Rolaids   are great for short-term relief because they neutralize stomach acid quickly.  2. H2 blockers like  - Pepcid AC / famotidine   reduce acid production and can provide relief for several hours.  3. Lastly, if you experience heartburn frequently, or more than 3+/week, then start a course of 2 to 4-week PPI therapy. PPI stands for  Proton pump inhibitors  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

skincare for acne-prone skin

If you have acne-prone skin, following a consistent skincare routine can help manage breakouts and keep your skin healthy. Here are the basic steps for an acne skincare routine: 1. Cleanse: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night, to remove oil, dirt, and makeup. Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water, which can dry out and irritate your skin. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser : This medicated cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid and is designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser : This cleanser contains 5% benzoyl peroxide and is designed for those with moderate to severe acne. It helps to unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria. Cetaphil Acne Face Wash : This gentle foam cleanser is formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps to remove excess oil and dirt without over-drying the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cough/Cold

 As a pharmacist for 10+ years, one of the most common question I encounter is, “What is the best medicine to take for the cold and flu?”  I would then follow up with, "What's your age and how long has it been? Do you have any other medical conditions?" If it's been more than 7 days and the symptoms are getting worse, then it's recommended to see the doctor.  Children under 6 years of age,  stay tuned for future posts.  -Get plenty of rest -Drink plenty of fluids -Use a humidifier to relieve congestion by adding moisture to the air.  -Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants, can help relieve symptoms. However, it's important to read labels carefully and only take medication as directed. Here are the common ingredients to look for in cough/cold medicine 1) Headache, Fever - Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 2) Muscle Aches—  Ibuprofen ( Advil ) I often recommend alternating the two drugs ...
Post a Comment
Read more