Best OTC Medicinal Sleep Aids of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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OTC medicinal sleep aids are non-prescription medications designed to help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep. These products contain various active ingredients such as diphenhydramine, doxylamine succinate, and melatonin, which work to promote relaxation and drowsiness. Some popular OTC medicinal sleep aids include Tylenol PM, Advil PM, and ZzzQuil. While these products may be effective for short-term use, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any sleep aids on a regular basis. It is also important to follow the recommended dosage and avoid combining these products with alcohol or other medications that may cause drowsiness.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, 250 Softgels Cover #TOP 1
HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, 250 Softgels
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Amazon Basic Care Sleep Aid Tablets, 96 Count Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basic Care Sleep Aid Tablets, 96 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, 80 Tablets Cover #TOP 3
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, 80 Tablets
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 OTC Medicinal Sleep Aids

#TOP 1

HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, 250 Softgels

FPA028
Blue
HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, 250 Softgels Cover
HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine Softgels, 50mg, Supports Deeper, Restful Sleeping (250 Counts)

HealthA2Z Sleep Aid is a non-habit forming OTC medicinal sleep aid that helps you fall asleep fast and stay asleep. The softgels are easy to swallow and can be used for occasional sleeplessness. The recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years is one softgel at bedtime or as directed by a doctor. The active ingredient is Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg, which is comparable to UNISOM.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
Budget-friendly price
Easy to swallow softgels
Long-lasting bottle
No morning grogginess
What We Don't Like
Possible mild morning drowsiness
May not work for everyone
#TOP 2

Amazon Basic Care Sleep Aid Tablets, 96 Count

Amazon Basic Care
441B8
White
Amazon Basic Care Sleep Aid Tablets, 96 Count Cover
Amazon Basic Care Nighttime Sleep Aid Tablets for Adults, Doxylamine Succinate 25 mg, 96 Count

The Amazon Basic Care Sleep Aid Tablets contain doxylamine succinate 25 mg, which helps reduce difficulty in falling asleep. It is clinically tested and proven effective for adults and children ages 12 years and older. This nighttime sleep aid is gluten-free and contains no pain reliever. With just one tablet per dose, it helps you fall asleep and focus on sleep.

What We Like
Fast sleep onset
Stays asleep all night
Non-addictive
No morning grogginess for most
Effective for chronic insomnia
What We Don't Like
Mild morning grogginess possible
Occasional constipation
#TOP 3

Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, 80 Tablets

094-01-0934
No Artificial Color
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, 80 Tablets Cover
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, Doxylamine Succinate, 80 Tablets

Unisom SleepTabs Nighttime Sleep-aid is a safe and effective way to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. It is non-habit forming and does not cause grogginess or lingering side effects. Unisom is a trusted brand recommended by pharmacists. Millions of people rely on Unisom for a restful night's sleep.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
Non-habit forming
Easy-to-swallow tablets
Good value pack
Helps wake up refreshed
What We Don't Like
Possible mild morning grogginess
May cause rare stomach discomfort
#TOP 4

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid Twin Pack

3.239E+11
Cranberry
ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid Twin Pack Cover
ZzzQuil, Sleep Aid, Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid, 50 mg Diphenhydramine HCl, Fall Asleep Fast, Non-Habit Forming, Warming Berry Flavor, 12 FL OZ (Pack of 2)

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid is the world's #1 sleep aid brand developed by sleep experts at Vicks. The liquid helps you fall asleep in as little as 20 minutes, and it is non-habit forming with clinically proven ingredients. Wake up refreshed tomorrow with the sound sleep the liquid provides. The delicious Warming Berry flavor tastes great, and it is perfect for home use or travel.

What We Like
Fast sleep onset
No morning grogginess
Adjustable dosage
Good value for money
Easy to use liquid
What We Don't Like
Taste not for everyone
Tolerance with long-term use
#TOP 5

Amazon Basic Care Night Time Sleep-Aid Liquid

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Night Time Sleep-Aid Liquid Cover
Amazon Basic Care Night Time Sleep-Aid Liquid for Adults, Diphenhydramine HCl 50 mg, Mixed Berry Flavor, Packaging May Vary, 12 fl oz (Pack of 1)

Amazon Basic Care Night Time Sleep-Aid Liquid is a non-habit forming sleep aid that helps adults and children ages 12 years and over to fall asleep. It contains diphenhydramine HCl 50 mg per 30 mL, the number one doctor recommended sleep-aid active ingredient, and has a tasty mixed berry flavor. The liquid formula allows for a pill-free experience and relieves occasional sleeplessness.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
No morning grogginess
Good value for price
Smooth mixed berry flavor
Easy to measure and take
What We Don't Like
Very sweet taste
Possible long-term ingredient concerns
#TOP 6

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid LiquiCaps

308492
ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid LiquiCaps Cover
ZzzQuil LiquiCap Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine 25mg HCl, Sleep Aids for Adults, Nighttime Sleep Aid, 72 LiquiCaps

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid LiquiCaps is a non-habit forming sleep aid developed by trusted sleep experts at Vicks. The LiquiCaps help users fall asleep fast and sleep soundly, ensuring they wake up refreshed the next day. Each dose contains 50mg of Diphenhydramine HCI and is designed to help users achieve a great night's sleep.

What We Like
Fast-acting sleep aid
Non-drowsy morning
Non habit forming
Effective for occasional sleeplessness
Helps calm active mind
What We Don't Like
Possible grogginess if not enough sleep
May not prevent night awakenings
#TOP 7

Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid

CHATTEM123752
Unisom
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid Cover
Unisom SleepTabs, Nighttime Sleep-aid, Doxylamine Succinate, 48 Tablets

Unisom SleepTabs is an OTC sleep aid that comes in a bottle with 48 tablets, with one tablet per dose. It can help you fall asleep 33% faster and stay asleep through the night, without causing grogginess or lingering side effects. The product is non-habit forming and safe if used as directed. Unisom is a trusted brand recommended by pharmacists, and offers a range of nighttime sleep solutions to suit individual needs.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
Non-habit forming
Easy to swallow
Pregnancy-safe
Improves deep sleep
What We Don't Like
Mild morning drowsiness
Reduced effect with regular use
#TOP 8

HealthA2Z Doxylamine Succinate 25mg Tablets

HealthA2Z Doxylamine Succinate 25mg Tablets Cover
HealthA2Z® Sleep Aid | Doxylamine Succinate Tablets 25mg | 120 Counts (Pack of 1)

The HealthA2Z Sleep Aid offers quick relief when you find it hard to fall asleep by providing 25 mg of doxylamine succinate in each tablet. This fast-acting formula helps you relax and drift off more easily during restless nights. You only need to take one tablet about 30 minutes before going to bed, making it a simple and convenient solution to improve your sleep routine. As a trusted over-the-counter option, it gives you an accessible alternative to prescription sleep aids, allowing you to manage sleeplessness safely and effectively at home.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
Non habit-forming
Good value
Easy to swallow
Helps with pregnancy nausea
What We Don't Like
Possible morning grogginess
Bitter taste
#TOP 9

RXZELL Sleep Aid

RZDIPHEN50
RXZELL Sleep Aid Cover
RXZELL Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine 50mg, Easy-to-Swallow Softgels, Supports Deeper Restful Sleeping, Non Habit-Forming (220 Counts)

RXZELL Sleep Aid is a nighttime sleep aid that helps you reach deeper, restful sleep at night. With its easy-to-swallow maximum strength softgels, it delivers maximum performance. Simply take one softgel before bed, and relax your mind and body effortlessly with its active ingredient, Diphenhydramine HCl. This sleep aid is safe, non habit-forming, and suitable for adults and children over 12 years. Comparable to Unisom SleepGels, RXZELL Sleep Aid is the perfect solution for those looking to fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
No next-day drowsiness
Reasonable price
No side effects
Works better than Zzzquil
What We Don't Like
Slight morning grogginess
Occasional mild munchies
#TOP 10

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid 50mg

323900038561
ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid 50mg Cover
ZzzQuil, Nighttime Sleep Aid Liquid, FREE OF Alcohol & Artificial Dyes, 50 mg Diphenhydramine HCl, No.1 Sleep Aid Brand, Fall Asleep Fast, Non-Habit Forming, Soothing Berry Flavor, 12 FL OZ

ZzzQuil Sleep Aid Liquid is designed to help you fall asleep quickly and wake up feeling refreshed. It contains 50 mg of diphenhydramine HCl, which promotes restful sleep so you can recharge for the next day. You won’t find any high fructose corn syrup, alcohol, or artificial dyes in this formula, making it a cleaner choice for your nighttime routine. Plus, it acts fast—helping you drift off in about 20 minutes—while being non-habit forming, so you can use it without worrying about dependence. This soothing berry-flavored liquid offers a convenient and effective way to improve your sleep.

What We Like
Effective sleep aid
No next-day grogginess
Fast-acting formula
Dye-free option available
Improved sleep quality
What We Don't Like
Unpleasant taste
Price increase
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best across the counter sleep aid?

In general, diphenhydramine is less expensive than doxylamine. Since its use is associated with less of a hangover effect, and is milder than doxylamine, it is usually a good first choice in this category of and OTC sleep aid.

2. Is there an over-the-counter sleeping pill?

Any adult can buy OTC sleep medications at a store. OTC sleep aids often contain an antihistamine. This drug treats allergies, but it can also make you drowsy. Some people take melatonin or valerian supplements to help them sleep.

Editor's Notes

During our otc medicinal sleep aid research, we found 24 otc medicinal sleep aid products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 482,425 customer reviews through our big data system to write the otc medicinal sleep aids list. We found that most customers choose otc medicinal sleep aids with an average price of $11.36.

The otc medicinal sleep aids are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of otc medicinal sleep aids, including HealthA2Z, Unisom, ZzzQuil, RXZELL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 12,683 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

OTC Medicinal Sleep Aids Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand HealthA2Z Amazon Basic Care Unisom ZzzQuil Amazon Basic Care ZzzQuil Unisom HealthA2Z RXZELL ZzzQuil
Item dimensions L x W x H 2.9 x 2.9 x 5.4 inches 1.69 x 1.63 x 3.25 inches 1.75 x 3.06 x 3.13 inches - 2.5 x 2.5 x 7.25 inches 5.24 x 1.5 x 3.74 inches - - 2.25 x 2.25 x 4.5 inches -
Product Benefits Sleep Aids Sleep Aid Sleeplessness Relief - - Sleep Support - Sleep Aid Restful Sleep,Sleep Aid -
Item Weight 0.05 g 0.07 Pounds - - - 0.03 Pounds - 1.44 ounces 5.92 ounces -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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