Anxiety & Panic Community

There is no guarantee that OTC products actually contain everything they claim, nor that they claim these ingredients at the level that is needed, nor is there any guarantee that they do not have unlisted ingredients in them. The FDA does not rigorously provide oversight of all OTC products.


Your question is a good one because certain products may not only cause problems for the liver or kidney, but may interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking. You cannot take anything without it having some type of action either known or unknown in your body.


I would suggest that you might want to begin to think about self-help techniques in the way of "sleep hygiene." I do have a Sleep page on my website where you may find links to useful information. Rather than taking something, I believe the most conservative approach should be the one you use and where I would begin for any sleep problems.


Of course, you should also check with your PCP and discuss any ongoing sleep problems that you may have. Some individuals, especially those who work on a shift basis as well as night workers, persons in emergency services, police and fire and health care professionals, all have some sleep disturbances.


Stress, also, can lead to sleep disturbances and, interestingly, it has been found recently by research that even having a room that is slightly light will not only disturb your sleep but can bring on depression. For that reason, sleep hygiene recommends a totally dark room. Even a clock or TV cable box light can disturb sleep.


Dr. Farrell
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