Best Natural Sleep Aids: Top Non-Habit Forming and Over-the-Counter Options for Better Rest
We all need a little help falling asleep, and that’s where a natural sleep aid can make a big difference. With insomnia affecting one in three people, the inability to sleep impacts everything from work performance and brain function to weight management and overall safety.
If you’re struggling to get the rest you need, a non-habit forming sleep aid might be the solution you’ve been looking for. The best over-the-counter sleep aids can help reset your natural sleep-wake cycle and provide the rest you need without worrying about dependency. If you’re considering trying a sleep aid, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first.
Explore our list of the top natural and non-habit forming sleep aids to help you achieve a restful and restorative night’s sleep.
Benefits of OTC Sleep Aids
Improved Sleep Onset: Over-the-counter sleep aids can help you fall asleep faster by promoting relaxation and reducing the time it takes to drift off.
Temporary Relief for Insomnia: These sleep aids provide short-term assistance for managing occasional sleeplessness, such as during periods of stress or travel.
Non-Prescription Convenience: Over-the-counter options are easily accessible without a doctor’s prescription, making them a practical solution for mild sleep disturbances.
1. Welmate
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Nighttime Sleep Aid Tablet
Over The Counter Benefits | Clinically Tested, Non Habit Forming, Pain Reliever Free, One Pill Dose
Tablet Size | 25 mg
The first sleep aid on our list is our Welmate review. Welmate isn’t one of the biggest brands in medicines and supplements, but this nighttime sleep aid certainly tops the list. The one tablet dose is literally easy to swallow, and this pack of 96 will last you for months.
The active ingredient, doxylamine succinate, is clinically proven to help reduce difficulty falling asleep.
Customers who have used the Welmate tablets love the size of the pills. The 25 mg tablets can be swallowed as is, crushed and taken with yogurt or cottage cheese, or split easily in two for easy administration. Some have actually described the Basic Care tablets as the only product that’s worked for them.
SHOP WELMATE
2. Proctor and Gamble
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Nighttime Liquicaps
Over The Counter Benefits | Non Habit Forming, Teen-Friendly, Give Back, Sustainable Company
Tablet Size | 25 mg
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Vicks. They make many health care products, from cough medicines to children’s health aids. Vicks is also the maker of Nyquil, the cold and flu medicine that millions depend on at the first sign of sniffles. For our Vicks review we’ve chosen a close cousin to NyQuil, ZzzQuil.
This little pill contains the ingredient in NyQuil that helps cold sufferers fall asleep, but none of the other stuff. That means you can fall asleep in as few as 30 minutes, sleep until morning, and not be exposed to medicines you don’t need. Best of all, children 12 and over can take this supplement safely (under the supervision of a physician).
Vicks is owned by Proctor and Gamble, an American company with a solid track record of sustainability. The company also gives back to the community, whether it be building homes with Habitat for Humanity or donating diapers to premature babies in the NICU. We’re especially fans of the #likeagirl campaign which empowers young girls and promotes self-confidence.
SHOP PROCTER & GAMBLE
3. Nested Naturals
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Vegan Herbal Capsule
Over The Counter Benefits | Vegan, Non Habit Forming, GMP Certified Facility, All Natural, Herbal, Non GMO, Give Back
Tablet Size | 2 cm
If you’re looking for an herbal solution to your insomnia, this Nested Naturals review will help you sleep more soundly. Luna by Nested Naturals is a vegan, non-GMO and all natural way to get back into a healthy nighttime routine.
The formulation has been third party tested, and Luna is made in a GMP Certified Facility. Overall, these sleeping pills is about as natural as they come!
The capsules contain a proprietary blend of herbs that are guaranteed to help you sleep better. In fact, Nested Naturals will refund your money if the supplements do not. In each capsule you’ll find valerian extract, chamomile extract, passion flower extract, lemon balm extract, melatonin and more that all work together to bring you a peaceful night’s rest.
Nested Naturals donates a portion of proceeds from every supplement sale to Vitamin Angels, giving children life changing medications and pregnant women the prenatals they need for a healthy pregnancy.
SHOP NESTED NATURALS
4. ValuMeds
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Nighttime Sleep Aid Tablet
Over The Counter Benefits | Clinically Proven, Non Habit Forming, Gel Coated, Safe for Teens
Tablet Size | 50 mg
Our ValuMeds review offers exactly as the name implies: medicines you need to sleep better at value prices. These 50 mg softgels are coated in a soft, easy to swallow gel coating. Even the most apprehensive of pill takers will have no trouble with ValuMeds softgels.
We love that for such an affordable price you actually get a twin pack of 96 softgels each. We think that’s fantastic because the ValuMed sleep aids are safe for everyone in the family age 12 and older.
Of course, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before beginning anyone on a nighttime sleep aid, but once you’re given the green light, this twin pack provides enough for the whole family.
SHOP VALUMEDS
5. Relaxium
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | All Natural Sleep Aid
Over The Counter Benefits Drug Free, All Natural, Made in the USA, GMP Facility, Non GMO, Third Party Tested
Tablet Size | 260 mg
When you want to try all natural, plant based sleep aids, our Relaxium review is where you should turn. This Relaxium 100% natural supplement contains five ingredients that have been tested and shown to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Valerian root is a sure fire cure for insomnia. Chamomile and melatonin are time-tested sleep aids that truly work. Vitamin B6 will help promote relaxation and regulate your sleep cycle. Suntheanine is an amino acid that both helps you fall asleep and will improve your sleep quality.
This supplement is made in the USA and is third party tested for quality and efficacy. Each of the natural ingredients is responsibly and ethically sourced, and are guaranteed to be contaminant-free.
SHOP RELAXIUM
6. Hollis Nutrition
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Vegan Sleep Aid
Over The Counter Benefits Drug Free, Vegan, All Natural, Made in the USA, GMP Facility, Non GMO
Tablet Size | 925 mg
We were first excited to include this Hollis Nutrition review on our list because we simply love the name of this product, Sleep Fairy. That alone elicits visions of a Good night’s sleep.
As we researched the supplement further, we just knew you’d love the sleep aid, too. Hollis Nutrition Sleep Fairy is a 100% natural supplement that contains some of the best herbs and ingredients for promoting relaxation.
Valerian root, melatonin, chamomile, gaba and magnolia bark are just a few of the ingredients you’ll find in each capsule. Just two capsules will have you falling asleep restfully, and will promote a healthy, sound sleep all night.
Customers say it’s best to take this supplement around a half hour before bedtime. The capsules are safe to take with your chamomile herbal tea or warm milk, so give it a try!
SHOP HOLLIS NUTRITION
7. The Genius Brand
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Caffeine Eliminating Sleep Aid
Over The Counter Benefits | Money Back Guarantee, Drug Free, Non GMO, Non Habit Forming, Clinically Proven
Tablet Size | 300 mg
The Genius Brand Sleep Aid comes highly recommended by us and by thousands of happy customers. This drug free sleep aid and sleeping pills is non habit forming and, with a physician’s green light, is safe for teens to use, too. Each bottle of The Genius Sleep Aid comes with a full money back guarantee, but we’re sure you’ll be happy with how this supplement helps you rest.
The special thing about our The Genius Brand review is that this supplement actually contains ingredients that will combat the effects of caffeine. If you frequently sip coffee or tea to stay alert, or enjoy a cup with dinner, this is a great supplement for you to try.
The ingredient rutaecarpine has been shown in studies to actively eliminate the bioavailability of caffeine, meaning a better night’s sleep for you. Customers who use the Genius Sleep Aid say that taking the supplement thirty minutes prior to bedtime is best. You’ll love the effect, and that you don’t wake up drowsy or groggy in the morning.
SHOP THE GENIUS BRAND
8. Nuvana
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Natural Herbal Sleep Aid
Over The Counter Benefits | Made in the USA, FDA Registered Facility, 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, Herbal Ingredients, Non Habit Forming
Tablet Size | 1 g
Next on the list of the best over the counter sleep aids is our Nuvana review. Nuvana Nutrition has created Shut Eye, a completely natural and herbal sleep aid that’s guaranteed to help you sleep more soundly. It works by relaxing you before bedtime, and that relaxation carries on as you sleep meaning a more peaceful, less restful slumber.
In Shut Eye you’ll find ingredients like Valerian root, magnesium, GABA, chamomile, passion flower and lemon balm extract. Each of these ingredients works in concert to help you wake up refreshed after a full night of sleep.
Your Shut Eye supplement is made in the USA in a GMP and FDA registered facility. This means you can be assured that your Shut Eye is free from contaminants and is made under strict regulations.
SHOP NUVANA
9. Natrol
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Dissolving Melatonin Tablets
Over The Counter Benefits | Drug Free, Non Habit Forming, Vegetarian, Dissolvable
Tablet Size | 10 mg
Natrol is one of the more popular names in healthcare products. An American company, Natrol was actually originally a cosmetics supplier but has since expanded its offerings to include health and wellness solutions.
For our Natrol review, we’ve selected a melatonin supplement with a unique feature: it’s dissolvable. These melatonin dissolvables are great for travel as you need no water to swallow them. Just place a tablet under your tongue twenty minutes before bedtime and feel the restful effects of melatonin.
Customers love that there’s no “chalky” residue left in your mouth after using Natrol melatonin, and they note that the supplement can cause very vivid dreams. It’s recommended that you take one to two supplements each night, but you can break the tablet in half if you prefer half doses.
SHOP NATROL
10. Equate
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Diphenhydramine Hcl Softgels
Over The Counter Benefits | Clinically Proven, Sustainable, Give Back, Socially Conscious
Tablet Size | 50 mg
As you may know, Equate is the store brand name for Walmart stores. The brand is consistent in its delivery of quality products at very low prices. Additionally, Walmart has been making great strides in sustainability, ethical practices and in giving back to the local and global communities.
For our Equate review we’ve chosen a simple product called Nighttime Sleep Aid. This product contains 50 mg of Diphenhydramine Hcl, the same ingredient you’ll find in Unisom. If you want a quick and effective way to fall asleep at night, this product from Equate is a simple, no-frills way to help.
Customers say the Nighttime Sleep Aid is a cost effective way to get a sound sleep. Be sure to allow yourself eight hours of sleep when you use this supplement.
SHOP EQUATE
11. Olly
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Melatonin Gummy
Over The Counter Benefits | Natural Ingredients, Give Back, Eco Friendly, Fair Trade, Certified B-Corp
Tablet Size | 3 mg
If you prefer not to swallow pills, our Olly review is just what you need. These little gummies contain 3 mg of melatonin as well as some other ingredients that are sure to help you get a sound night’s sleep. Chamomile, L-Theanine and lemon balm are three of the ingredients blended into these tasty gummy supplements.
Olly is a Certified B-Corp, so you can be confident that your sleep aid is also doing good for the global community and the planet. Olly partners with non-profits to give back, as well as sponsors employee donation matching and paid volunteer time for employees.
While you’re shopping for your Olly melatonin gummies, be sure to check out the company’s other products. You’ll find multivitamins, kids’ supplements and more, all of which give back to the community.
SHOP OLLY
12. LifeSeasons
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Herbal Sleep Aid Tablets
Over The Counter Benefits | Non-GMO, Natural, Non Habit Forming, Herbal Ingredients
Tablet Size | 400 mg
Our LifeSeasons review features another all-herbal, all-natural sleep aid. This product, simply called Natural Sleep Aid, contains ingredients you won’t find in most other sleeping tablets.
Jujube seed is the main ingredient in this supplement; this natural ingredient has been shown to help calm the mind, still anxiety and promote better rest. Other ingredients include valerian, which you may be familiar with.
Tuckahoe is an aquatic plant that’s native to the United States, and hops are included in this supplement as well. Hops has natural sedative effects that will help you fall fast asleep.
Customers who have used LifeSeason’s Natural Sleep Aid love how easy to swallow these small tablets are. People experienced deeper sleep over a longer period of time, and love the calming effect this supplement has.
SHOP LIFESEASONS
13. Eu Natural
Type of OTC Sleep Aid | Natural Sleep Aid Capsules
Over The Counter Benefits | Vegetarian, All Natural, Non Habit Forming, Give Back
Tablet Size | 1 g
Last on our list of the top over the counter sleep aids is our Eau Natural review. This product, called Serenity, contains a blend of vitamins, minerals and botanicals that will have you sleeping peacefully within thirty minutes of taking two capsules.
What’s in the capsules? Eau Natural Serenity contains magnesium, zinc and B6 to help balance your circadian rhythm. Additionally, there are nine other ingredients, including hops, valerian root, chamomile and melatonin that ensure you stay asleep and rest well.
Your purchase of Serenity will benefit the Vitamin Angels program. For every bottle you purchase, a child will receive a years’ worth of essential vitamins.
SHOP EU NATURAL
Consider Over The Counter Natural Sleep Aids To Get The Sleep You Deserve.
If you suffer from insomnia, or simply have trouble falling asleep sometimes, consider one of these over the counter sleep aids or sleeping pills. Talk to your doctor before you begin to take any OTC sleep aid, particularly if you have existing medical conditions or medications.
Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.
Follow Shana at Shana Thompson
