SLEEP AIDS – OVER THE COUNTER VS NATURAL PRODUCTS
I recently read an ad in a magazine where I came across an advertisement about the wonders of a nighttime “Sleep Aid” that “helps reduce difficulty in falling asleep”.   Well, I don’t have any difficulty sleeping soundly through the night…but was curious about what the ingredients were in the Over Counter (OTC) and if they were really “Safe”.  
 
Their ad says Trouble Falling Asleep”.  Their product (192 tablets):
 
  • helps reduce difficulty in falling asleep
  • Just one tablet per dose
  • Compare to the active ingredients in Unisom Sleep tabs
 
Even though the advertisement did not list all of their ingredients, they did list the main one “Doxylamine Succinate Tablets (25mg).    If you know me, I can hardly pronounce the name but I can google it…..so I did!
 
Are you sitting down?
 
Here is the information I found about “Doxylamine Succinate” from webmd.com
 

Definition and Uses

Doxylamine is an antihistamine, used to relieve symptoms of allergyhay fever, and the common cold. This medication works by blocking certain natural substances (histamine, acetylcholine) that your body makes. This effect helps to relieve allergy/cold symptoms such as watery eyesrunny nose, and sneezing. Cough and cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. 
 
But is it SAFE for adults?  Read below and you make your own conclusion!  Information provided by webmd.com  
 

Side Effects 

Drowsiness, dizzinessheadacheconstipationstomach 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, irritability, nervousness, confusion), ringing in the ears, trouble urinating, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including seizure.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rashitching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
 

Additional Health Hazards 

Although this is not an exhaustive list (might as well be as it is 51 characteristics long) but my goodness:  Again, these hazards are listed from Webmd.com
 
  • An Increase In The Thickness of Lung Secretions 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Dizziness
  • A Type of Blood Disorder where the Red Blood Cells Burst Called Hemolytic Anemia 
  • A Blood Disorder 
  • Extra Heartbeats 
  • Low Blood Pressure 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Seizures A Significant Type of Allergic Reaction Called Anaphylaxis
  • Confusion 
  • Over Excitement 
  • Nightmares 
  • An Extreme Sense of Wellbeing Called Euphoria 
  • A Migraine Headache 
  • Double Vision 
  • Blurred Vision 
  • A Change in Vision 
  • Ringing In the Ears 
  • Dryness Of the Nose 
  • Dry Mouth 
  • Constipation 
  • Increased Sensitivity of The Skin To The Sun 
  • Itching 
  • Hives 
  • Sensation Of Spinning or Whirling 
  • Difficulty Sleeping   (say what?)
  • Low Energy 
  • Excessive Sweating 
  • Chills 
  • Muscle Tremors 
  • Loss Of Muscle Coordination 
  • A Skin Rash 
  • Decreased Appetite 
  • Headache 
  • Throat Dryness 
  • Heart Throbbing or Pounding 
  • Trouble Breathing 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Difficult Or Painful Urination 
  • An Increased Need to Urinate Often 
  • Abdominal Bloating 
  • Nervousness 
  • A Feeling of Pins and Needles On Skin 
  • A Feeling of General Discomfort Called Malaise 
  • Irritability 
  • Intense Abdominal Pain 
  • A Type of Bumpy Skin Rash Called A Maculopapular Rash 
  • Chest Discomfort 
  • Anxious Feelings 
  • Fast Heartbeat 
 
DID YOU NOTICE?     One of the health hazards of Doxylamine Succinate is difficulty in Sleeping?  Isn’t that what the Sleep aid is supposed to help with?   
 
With over 50+ side effects or health hazards in this ONE ingredient in this produce….why in the world would you take it!  
Side question:   Is counting sheep a hallucination?  
 

What I use

At the beginning of this blog article, I mentioned that I did not have any difficulty falling or staying asleep at night.   Want to know what I use to help me sleep if I need something   Only 1 product and it is called “Sleepessence” by Young Living.  
SleepEssence™ contains melatonin and four powerful essential oils to help promote restful sleep and support the body's natural sleep rhythm.  It is an all-natural plant-based product that contains:
 
  • Lavender Essential Oil
  • Vetiver Essential Oil
  • Valerian Essential Oil
  • Tangerine Essential Oil
  • Rue Essential Oil
 That’s it…….night night until the sun comes up!
 
 
To me, there is no way I am going to take a sleep aid that can have known health risks.  If I need to take anything it will be Sleepessence . What say YOU?
 
 
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If you are convinced to try Sleepessence to help you have a better restful night’s sleep, become a member of Young Living and take advantage of 24% off of retail prices.  You can do that via my website:   www.garyrathbun.com .  Sign up, become a member, have Sleepessence delivered to your door, and grab your blankee….because you are going to have a restful night!
 
 


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