Unisom® SleepGels® Gelcaps contains the main active ingredient: Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride.

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine which is commonly used in many over the counter sleep aids, because one of its side effects is extreme drowsiness. It is also used in many over the counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, because it can effectively blocks H1receptors, which then stops the actions of histamine in the body, developing when an individual experiences an allergic reaction. This mechanism effectively blocks the development of allergic symptoms such as running, itchy eyes; runny nose; congestion; sneezing and hives.

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is known to have an “atropine-like action”, meaning that caution should be exercised by those individuals who have a history of augmented intraocular pressure, bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism, heart/cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. A possible alternative to this type of product is the use of an all-natural herbal remedy.

While some consumers may not mind using an antihistamine to augment sleep, others prefer a product specifically designed to augment sleep, instead of one which has an ingredient with sleep inducing side effect.

Hops has been used successfully by many consumers seeking to address their insomnia naturally without side effects. Individuals seek it out because they recognize that Hops is one of the most effective elements available on the sleep aid market. In fact, in a recent German study, subjects who had a great deal of trouble sleeping reported that by using Hops they achieved a deeper level of sleep. These reports were confirmed by researchers who were monitoring their brain waves while they slept.

• Available in a capsule form

• Uses an antihistamine to augment sleep
• May not directly affect the nervous system to address sleep issues
• Not an herbal sleep inducer

Unisom® SleepGels® Gelcaps uses 50 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which may assist some users in achieving their goal of a good night sleep. However, this product does little to set itself apart from many other over the counter sleep aids which use exactly the same dosage of the exact same medication; not to mention the antihistamines such as Benadryl, which also contain diphenhydramine hydrochloride.

In general, antihistamines are used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, not to induce sleep. Cleary, this is not a natural or direct method of boosting sleep; and it may well not be a method that some consumers wish to use as a long term remedy for insomnia. As mentioned earlier, Hops has been shown to be an extreme natural sleep inducer. What we also like about Hops is that it works really well with other herbal extracts that are said to optimize the sleep cycle. For instance, Hops and Lemon Balm have been shown to be an extremely effective team. Lemon Balm Extract is a natural sedative, which has been shown to be able to enable users to relax.