Latest news with #Unisom
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Common Over-The-Counter Medication Increases Dementia Risk, According To Doctors
Over the last couple of years, stress started interrupting my sleep. I found myself having difficulty falling asleep and, even when I did, waking up in the middle of the night. As a freelancer who makes my own schedule, I attempted to fill in the gaps with occasional naps, but it was still a vicious cycle of feeling constantly exhausted during the day, only to not be able to doze off when my head hit the pillow. Still, I didn't think my issues were serious enough to warrant a doctor's visit (and didn't want to deal with the hassle of potentially having to find and see a specialist), so I turned to what I thought was the next best option: Unisom, an over-the-counter sleep aid. There's just one problem about taking this sleep shortcut: meds like Unisom, a.k.a. doxylamine succinate—which are found in both OTC sleep aids and allergy meds—are actually pretty bad for your brain health. Though most sleep aids and certain allergy med labels indicate that they're not intended for long-term use, they often don't say why. A close friend who is also a physician clued me into why these OTC options aren't ideal: Frequent use of antihistamines that fall into the category of first-generation antihistamines has been tied to an increased risk of dementia. In fact, a study published this year in the World Allergy Organization Journal suggests people should avoid taking Benadryl, which is a first-gen antihistamine, altogether. (And, BTW, these meds were put on the market all the way back in 1946, before they were required to undergo safety testing, according to research by the the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.) This is a serious concern among medical experts, says Pamela Tambini, MD, an internal medicine physician and medical director at Engage Wellness. "People sometimes assume these medications must be harmless because they are sold over the counter, but if you use them too often or for too long, they can mess with your thinking, make you groggy during the day, and possibly lead to long-term problems," she says. So while they might be safe to take every once in a while, here's why doctors strongly recommend considering other options for sleep or allergies. Meet the experts: Pamela Tambini, MD, a Palm Beach Gardens, FL-based double board-certified physician in internal and addiction medicine and medical director at Engage Wellness in Acton, MA, Seetha Bhagavatula, MD, a Maryland-based board-certified geriatrician and internal medicine physician at Remo Health. First, a quick refresher on what antihistamines are exactly. Antihistamines are medications that work primarily to block histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during allergic reactions or infections, says Seetha Bhagavatula, MD, a board-certified geriatrician and internal medicine physician at Remo Health. Histamine is what causes the uncomfortable allergy symptoms you might experience like a runny nose, itchy eyes, or irritated skin. Luckily, 'by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, antihistamines effectively reduce these allergy-related symptoms throughout the body," says Dr. Bhagavatula. They're an easily available solve for people with mild seasonal allergies, but these meds affect more than just your runny nose. They also make you sleepy (which is why they pop up in OTC sleep medications) and affect many other systems in your body, Dr. Tambini says. "Since histamine also helps keep you awake, blocking it makes you feel sleepy, which is why they're often used in sleep aids—they sort of sedate you as a side effect," Dr. Tambini says. However, patients with allergic rhinitis (commonly known as "hay fever") taking first-generation antihistamines face an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a 2024 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The study also found some risk with second-generation antihistamines, but the risk was far lower. "There might still be a slight risk for cognitive effects," says dr. Tambini. "However, that risk is very low for most healthy adults taking them occasionally or even seasonally." That's because there's another major system certain antihistamines affect: Your brain. Older antihistamines, known as first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom) cross into the brain and block histamine receptors there, whereas second-generation antihistamines were designed to avoid that, says Dr. Tambini. They specifically target acetylcholine—which happens to be a key brain chemical involved in memory, focus, and learning. This makes an impact on long-term brain health, according to the research. Frequent sleep medication use was associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults, highlighting that risk may vary by race as well, according to a 2023 study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. "If you are constantly dampening that system with these medications, your brain does not function as well," Dr. Tambini says. "Over time, that can lead to memory issues or even contribute to cognitive decline, particularly if you're already at risk." In older adults, these medications can also cause confusion or even increase the risk of falling, but the biggest concern is how they impact the brain over time, especially when used frequently, Dr. Tambini says. Medications that contain first-generation antihistamines: For sleep: Unisom (doxylamine succinate), Sominex (diphenhydramine HCl), Tylenol Simply Sleep (diphenhydramine HCl), ZzzQuil (diphenhydramine HCl) For allergies: Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Vicks NyQuil (doxylamine succinate) They're also not even that helpful for your sleep, either. If you've ever taken these meds to help you sleep, you may find you knock out and sleep hard on the first night that you're particularly exhausted. But as you continue them, you might also feel groggy or foggy the next morning, even if you slept a full eight hours, making their intended use backfire. These meds actually worsen your sleep quality in the long run, even if they still help you fall asleep fast, Dr. Tambini says. "These meds can reduce REM sleep—the deep, dream-filled sleep that really restores your brain," she explains. "So you might technically be asleep for hours but still wake up feeling sluggish or unrefreshed because it's like getting the quantity of sleep without the quality." What To Take Instead Of First-Generation Antihistamines What's more important than finding the perfect sleep aid is nailing why exactly you're looking to find one, especially if you may have other underlying health factors that could increase negative side effects, says Dr. Bhagavatula. Whether it's stress, poor sleep hygiene, side effects of another medication, or insomnia, you're going to want to get to the bottom of your sleep issues to find the best treatment. "Sleep is complex, and while reaching for a quick fix might be tempting, those fixes sometimes cause more problems than they solve," Dr. Tambini says. "There are safer, more effective options out there—and talking to your doctor is a great first step in figuring out what's really going on and how to get your sleep back on track." But, it is okay to occasionally use an OTC sleep aid such as Unisom or ZzzQuil in a pinch, she says. "Taking something for a night or two can be fine if you're dealing with a temporary sleep issue—like jet lag or stress before a big event," Dr. Tambini says. "[But once you] build up a tolerance, which can happen in just one to two weeks of regular use, they stop working as well, and your body starts relying on them, you're not actually addressing the root cause of why you can't sleep in the first place." Long-term, both Dr. Tambini and Dr. Bhagavatula advise looking into solutions that *don't* affect your brain health, which include: Alternatives to something like ZzzQuil include supplements like melatonin and valerian root, which some people find helpful, according to Dr. Tambini (but the science isn't completely settled on yet, per a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine). If you're really struggling to catch some Zzzs, though, both docs recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, which is the most effective treatment, per a 2022 study in Clinical Psychology and Special Education. It helps you build better sleep habits and teaches your brain how to sleep again, says Dr. Tambini. This is something that takes multiple sessions to work, so it's not quite an in-the-moment fix like popping a melatonin. And, there are a few prescriptions that doctors have at their disposal, too. Personally, I swapped Unisom for trazodone, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat insomnia, which I've found to be helpful so far. Talk to your primary care physician when considering any sleep medications, including OTC options, especially if taking other medications that could potentially interact with a sleep aid and increase the risk of certain side effects, says Dr. Bhagavatula. If you've been taking these medications for allergies rather than sleep problems, you don't need to opt to suffer in favor of promoting good brain health. "Newer, second-generation antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra don't cross into the brain as much, so they don't cause that drowsy, brain-fog feeling," says Dr. Tambini. "If allergies are your issue, those are much better choices—especially for daily use." Steroid nasal sprays, for example, aren't antihistamines at all—and they're actually the best option for moderate to severe seasonal allergy sufferers, allergy specialists previously told Women's Health. Basically, it's time to put down the Benadryl and go with something a little newer. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I tried 6 popular sleep aids — this is the one I now use every night
My bed is literally my favorite place to be (besides the gym). But as much as I love to sleep, it's been a struggle for over two decades. From racing thoughts that make it tough to drift off to multiple night awakenings, sleep just isn't my strong suit. My room is pitch black and cool, I use an eye mask, ear plugs, white noise and all of the other lifestyle hacks recommended to me by sleep experts over the years. But even then, good sleep doesn't always come easily. I've tried everything from over-the-counter remedies like melatonin and Unisom to prescription medications from my physician. They work, but aren't meant to be used long-term and usually come with annoying side effects (like next-day grogginess) I'd rather live without. As a health writer, I test and review supplements regularly, and with my history of sleep challenges, I've tested a range of products that promise a better night's rest. When I tried Nightcap gummies by Juna, I was optimistic but skeptical that they'd make a noticeable difference. But after taking them for a full 30 days, I'm now sold: These are the sleep aid my body has been waiting for. A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. The oversaturated sleep market can be daunting to sift through, but Juna's Nightcap gummies are the real deal. In total, I tested six natural sleep aids (you can see the others I tried below), and while they all had benefits, this is the one I keep using. Juna's Nightcap gummies are designed to promote relaxation and quality sleep without a groggy aftermath. They contain a proprietary blend of six key ingredients, although the exact amounts of each aren't disclosed on the label, so it's not clear which may be offering the greatest benefit. Here's what the science says generally about the ingredients as they relate to sleep: Passionflower extract. According to animal studies and a small, placebo-controlled human trial, passionflower has shown promise as a supplement to enhance sleep. But more conclusive evidence is needed to determine if it's beneficial for sleep promotion. Tart cherry extract: "Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep," says board-certified sleep medicine physician Dr. Raj Dasgupta. While preliminary research is promising, only two small-scale, industry-funded studies have been performed. More data is needed to establish the benefits of tart cherry extract for insomnia. Wild jujube (GABA): This product contains 200 mcg of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the form of wild jujube. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is believed to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep. Dasgupta says that although wild jujube may have sedative effects, strong clinical evidence on its effectiveness is lacking, and more studies are needed. Magnesium "Magnesium is one of my top recommendations for sleep support, as it plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitters — like GABA — that promote relaxation," says registered dietitian Jessica Corwin. She says magnesium can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), ease muscle tension and improve sleep. According to research, it may help improve sleep quality and duration. L-tryptophan: L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning we need to consume it through our diet because our bodies can't produce it, says registered dietitian Shelley Balls. "L-tryptophan plays an important role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep," she says. In a meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrition Reviews, tryptophan supplementation at ≥1 gram showed improved sleep quality. Phytomelatonin (from St. John's Wort): Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The sleep-enhancing effects of melatonin are well documented for jet lag and certain sleep disorders — usually in doses of 1 to 6 milligrams, but it's not recommended to be used long term. The Juna Nightcap gummies contain 0.3 mg, the amount naturally produced by the body each day. This amount may be all that's needed to improve sleep efficiency in individuals with jet lag and those with low melatonin levels. I tested each of the products for a full 30 days. While I had positive results with a number of the options, the Juna Nightcap gummies are the ones I'm continuing to use. Not only did I experience better sleep from the very first night I tried the supplement, but over the course of the month I fell asleep faster and had fewer middle-of-the-night wakings with this product. I also experienced zero morning grogginess, and on the nights when I did rouse from sleep, I was able to fall back asleep quickly — a feat that can sometimes take me hours when I'm not using a sleep aid. I also found these gummies easy to take — the dose is only a single gummy, and it's pleasantly flavored. I took it about 30 minutes to an hour before I wanted to fall asleep and I found myself feeling relaxed and drowsy by the time I was ready to hit the hay. While I don't love that the individual doses for each of the six ingredients aren't clearly listed on the packaging, I've found that my body does seem to respond better to mixed-ingredient options like this supplement, rather than those that only feature a single ingredient. However, as Dasgupta points out, this makes it harder to know exactly what you're dealing with and may be more of a "red flag" for individuals taking medications or managing illnesses that may preclude the use of certain ingredients. It's important to note that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they're marketed to the public. That's why it's crucial to consult your health care provider before adding a sleep supplement to your wellness routine. Dasgupta emphasizes that certain groups should exercise extra caution, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals taking medications and those with certain medical conditions like kidney or liver disease. "St. John's Wort can interact with many medications, including antidepressants, blood thinners and birth control; magnesium can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and L-Tryptophan may interact with medications that affect serotonin, like antidepressants, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome," he says. "The Juna Nightcap Sleep Gummies contain a mix of ingredients that could support relaxation and sleep," says Dasgupta. However, he adds that the overall effectiveness depends on the dosages of each ingredient, which aren't clearly disclosed. What's more, some ingredients, like passionflower and tart cherry, have less scientific backing for sleep, so results may vary. While I found the gummies highly effective, they may not be a fit for everyone. Working on your sleep hygiene before resorting to a sleep aid is also essential "It"s always best to start with lifestyle strategies — like establishing a regular sleep routine, reducing evening blue light exposure and managing stress — before relying solely on supplements," recommends Corwin. And as always, it's a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking other medications. Natural Dreams by Univera is a great option if you're looking for a melatonin-free supplement. It's designed to increase the time you spend in deep sleep, the stage of sleep that helps you feel more rested when you wake up. I slept well and woke up feeling refreshed. The only small con was that my mouth felt dry — a potential side effect of the valerian root it contains. Rest by Hey Freya is another melatonin-free option that helped me sleep without next-day grogginess. One of its key ingredients is L-theanine, which promotes rest by reducing anxiety. I definitely felt a calm state of mind before drifting off into slumberland. I also like that the blend, which also contains valerian root and magnesium, is vegan and non-GMO. MoonBrew Night Time Superfoods is a melatonin-free drink mix that really helps me unwind at the end of the day. I tried the hot chocolate flavor; it tastes just like the real thing minus the sugar. The main ingredients are magnesium, L-theanine, jujube and chamomile. Overall, I liked the calming effects and slept better than usual. Thorne Melatonin-3 is a no-frills supplement containing 3 milligrams of melatonin. It's a solid choice (which happens to top our list of best melatonin supplements) if you're looking for a straight melatonin option, but I personally find a blend of ingredients to be more effective. It's also NSF Certified for Sport, which helps guarantee safety and quality. JUNG+ Advanced Sleep Repair is designed to improve sleep over a year, but I tested it for a month and still noticed improvements. Mainly, I didn't wake up as often and felt less groggy in the mornings. It contains solid, research-backed ingredients like magnesium and L-theanine and is melatonin-free. While I'd love to keep using it, it's hard to justify the high price point ($69) when there are other effective options available for less. Raj Dasgupta, MD, an ABIM Quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine and chief medical adviser for Sleepopolis Shelley Balls, MDA, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Flawless Bloom Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN, head coach at Respin Health Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
