Sleeping Smart

Video 3: What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?

“Sometimes when people are having sleep difficulties, they stop at the pharmacy to pick up an over-the-counter medication before talking to their healthcare professional. It’s always smart to discuss any treatment options with your healthcare professional before you self-medicate. Click around the medicine cabinet for more information.

It is very important to discuss all of your health conditions and medications with your healthcare professional. Over-the-counter medications may be appropriate for some people, but may contain ingredients such as antihistamines and or pain relievers.

Sleep aids should not be taken with alcohol, before driving or operating machinery, or before taking a bath or shower among other things. As with all medications, it is important to take sleep aids only as directed by a healthcare professional. Follow instructions about how, when and how long to take sleep medicine. Be sure you are able to devote seven to eight hours to sleep before being active again.”

Klickable hotspots:

1. Dr. Donnica: Donnica Moore, MD, President of the Sapphire Women's Health Group and Women's Health Expert.
2. Prescription Bottle: When taken as prescribed, prescription sleep aids are safe and effective.
3. Medicine Cabinet: Always talk to your healthcare professional before you self-medicate. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter treatments you bought at the pharmacy.
4. Allergy Box (at the bottom of cabinet): Common over-the-counter medications used as sleep aids may contain ingredients such as antihistamines and/or pain relievers.
5. Blue Bottles (at the bottom of cabinet): Make sure you know what you are taking and always talk to your healthcare professional about treatments.
6. Allergy Box (top shelf): Always talk to your healthcare professional before you self-medicate.
7. Box (middle top shelf): Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter treatments you bought at the pharmacy.
8. Dental Floss: You take daily care of your teeth don’t you? Pay as much attention to your sleep.
9. Band-aids: Stick to the facts, start Sleeping Smart!
10. Nighttime cold medicine: Use the sleep discussion guide to talk to your healthcare professional before self-medicating.