The answer will always depend on the reason why you need to get enough sleep. But here is an approximate list of medications that are used for sleep disorders.
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril), enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps to inhibit the activity of neurons, resulting in sedative and calming effects that promote sleep.
Non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists: These medications, including zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), also enhance the effects of GABA but act on specific receptors called the GABA-A receptors. They have similar sedative properties to benzodiazepines but tend to have a shorter duration of action.
Melatonin agonists: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Medications like ramelteon (Rozerem) mimic the action of melatonin and help to regulate sleep patterns, particularly in individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Orexin receptor antagonists: Orexin is a neurotransmitter involved in promoting wakefulness. Medications like suvorexant (Belsomra) block the action of orexin, promoting sleep by inhibiting the wake-promoting pathways in the brain.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as trazodone (Desyrel) or amitriptyline (Elavil), are sometimes prescribed off-label for their sedative effects in treating insomnia. These medications may work by affecting various neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine, which can influence sleep patterns.
Antihistamines: Some over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine succinate (Unisom). These medications are primarily used to treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness, making them useful for short-term sleep assistance. However, they may lead to residual drowsiness and cognitive impairment the next day.
Barbiturates: Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, have a long history of use as sedative-hypnotics. However, their use has declined due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives. Barbiturates act on the GABA receptors, producing sedative effects, but they carry a higher risk of overdose and dependence compared to other sleeping pills.
Herbal supplements: Certain herbal supplements are marketed for their potential sleep-inducing effects. Examples include valerian root, chamomile, and lavender. While some individuals may find them helpful, the evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and their safety and quality control can vary. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements for sleep.
I would recommend starting with the latter, and antidepressants and barbiturates should not be used as sleeping pills at all. In difficult situations associated with the use of CNS activators, you can pay attention to benzodiazepines. However, they need to be use irregularly and strictly observing dosages.
It's important to note that while sleeping pills can be effective in the short term, they are generally recommended for temporary use. Prolonged or excessive use of sleeping pills can lead to tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects (exept herbals maybe).