In summary, Unisom is a brand of sleep aids that can be effective at helping people fall asleep and stay asleep. It is available in several forms and is usually taken by mouth just before bedtime. While it can be helpful in the short term, it is not a long-term solution for insomnia and can have potential side effects.

Highly effective doxylamine succinate helps get you the rest you need so you can wake up feeling refreshed. That's why Unisom® is the #1 doctor recommended OTC sleep-aid brand.

Unisom Simple Slumbers® is 100% drug free. It contains a proprietary sleep blend of 5 mg melatonin, passionflower, lemon balm, and vitamin B6 for a good night's sleep. Melatonin provides a triple effect by allowing you to fall asleep fast, sleep soundly, and wake refreshed.

Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is an antihistamine, which is in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one medication containing an antihistamine can lead to serious side effects, such as blurry vision, reddening of skin, and confusion.

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss. Trouble passing urine.

Melatonin is likely the safest OTC sleep aid. Excess melatonin is quickly cleared from the body and does not accumulate. Side effects are rare but may include headache, nausea, and vivid dreams.

Diphenhydramine also causes drowsiness, and can be used by adults and children 12 years of age and older who occasionally have trouble sleeping (insomnia). The effects of diphenhydramine can last for up to 6 hours. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take this medication for more than a few nights in a row.

The sedative action of Unisom® may last up to 6 hours. Can I take Unisom® regularly? Unisom®, non-prescription sleeping pills, should only be used to relieve occasional sleeplessness. If your sleeplessness lasts for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.

Other over-the-counter sleep medications, such as Unisom SleepTabs, contain 25 mg per pill of an antihistamine called doxylamine succinate. These medications work by blocking certain brain chemicals, which can have a sedating effect. They are generally safe but come with some risks.

Anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics (applies to Unisom SleepTabs) depression. Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics.

Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.