ZzzQuil: Essential Facts & Insights You Should Know
What is it?
ZzzQuil is an over-the-counter sleep aid that helps people who have trouble falling asleep occasionally.
It’s made by the same company that makes NyQuil, but it’s just for sleep, not for colds or flu.
The main ingredient is diphenhydramine, which is a type of antihistamine. It makes you drowsy by blocking a chemical in your brain that keeps you awake.
Types
- ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep-Aid: Liquid or capsules with diphenhydramine
- ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs: Contains melatonin instead of diphenhydramine
- ZzzQuil Ultra: A stronger version with more diphenhydramine
- ZzzQuil Gummies: Often made with melatonin and natural ingredients like chamomile
How Does It Work?
The diphenhydramine makes you sleepy by blocking a brain chemical called histamine[1][4].
This usually starts working about 20-30 minutes after you take it. It’s meant to help you fall asleep faster when you’re having trouble dozing off.
A study presented at SLEEP 2016 showed that diphenhydramine helped people fall asleep about 8 minutes faster than a placebo, and improved subjective sleep quality[2].
Who Can Use it?
ZzzQuil is for adults and teens over 12 who sometimes have trouble sleeping.
It is not meant for long-term use or for people who have trouble sleeping all the time.
Who Should Avoid It?
Other people who should NOT use it include:
- Children under 12
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless a doctor says it’s okay)
- People with certain health conditions like glaucoma or asthma
- Anyone taking other medicines that make you sleepy
- People with liver or kidney problems
Possible Side Effects
ZzzQuil can cause some side effects, like:
Common side effects:
- Feeling groggy the next morning
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
Rare but serious side effects:
- Confusion or memory problems (especially in older people)
- Fast heartbeat
- Higher risk of falling or accidents
If you have any serious side effects, stop using it, and talk to a doctor.
Can You Get Addicted to It?
No. It isn’t addictive like some drugs, but if you use it a lot, you might start to feel like you need it to sleep.
Over time, it might not work as well, which could make you want to take more. This isn’t safe and can make your sleep problems worse when you stop taking it.
How ZzzQuil Compares to Other Sleep Aids
Here’s a quick comparison of ZzzQuil and some other common sleep aids:
- ZzzQuil (diphenhydramine): Works fast, available over-the-counter, but can make you groggy
- Melatonin: Natural hormone, helps regulate sleep cycles
- Benadryl: Similar to ZzzQuil, also used for allergies
- Prescription sleep medicines: Stronger, but can be habit-forming and need a doctor’s prescription
ZzzQuil and Other Medicines
It can interact with other medicines, so be careful if you’re taking:
- Antidepressants
- Other sleep or allergy medicines
- Blood pressure medicines
- Some bladder control medicines
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing it with other medicines.
Natural Alternatives
If you don’t want to use medicine for sleep, you could try:
- Melatonin supplements
- Magnesium (a mineral that can help you relax)
- Herbal teas like chamomile
- Better sleep habits: regular bedtime, no screens before bed, avoiding caffeine in the evening
Is It Right for You?
ZzzQuil can help if you’re having trouble sleeping for a short time. However, it’s important to note that ZzzQuil is not a solution for chronic insomnia and should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare provider[1][5].
If you’re having sleep problems for more than two weeks, it’s best to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out why you’re not sleeping well and suggest better long-term solutions.
Remember:
- ZzzQuil is for short-term use only
- It can make you drowsy the next day
- Don’t mix it with alcohol or other sleep medicines
- For ongoing sleep issues, safer options like melatonin or lifestyle changes might be better
By understanding how ZzzQuil works and what to watch out for, you can decide if it’s the right choice for your occasional sleep troubles.
Citations
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325190
[2] https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/pharmaceuticals/otc/study-zzzquil-helps-people-experiencing-occasional-sleeplessness/
[3] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01075
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/zzzquil-side-effects
[5] https://www.zzzquil.com/en-us/faq/zzzquil-faq
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4592307/
[7] https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/dhpp/resource/103206
[8] https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Diphenhydramine-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf
