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Can't Sleep? A Pharmacist's Tips for a Good Night's Rest

By Melody L. Berg PharmD, BCPS, MPH

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 13, 2025.

Everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes. Whether it's stress, a noisy neighbor, or something else, here are some tips to help you get a good night's sleep.

Tip 1: Improve your sleep hygiene

The American Sleep Association defines sleep hygiene as a set of behaviors you can implement to promote good, restful sleep. The following steps can improve your sleep hygiene:

Tip 2: Check your medications

Some medications can affect your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, especially if taken later in the day. Some of the most common medications that cause problems with sleep are listed below. Talk to your pharmacist if you are concerned that your medications may be interfering with your sleep.

Tip 3: Try an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid

If you have improved your sleep hygiene and are still having trouble getting a good night's rest, another option is taking an OTC sleep aid. OTC sleep aids are best for short-term use and should not be used for more than two weeks.

For children or people with long-term health conditions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting a new medication like an OTC sleep aid.

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Summary

Almost everyone has trouble sleeping at some point, but there are several strategies you can try at home to improve your sleep. Check with your pharmacist if you think any of your medications could be causing the problem, improve your sleep hygiene, and try an OTC sleep aid if needed.

If you have tried the tips listed above and are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. Long-term sleep problems might be an indication of other health problems.

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AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.