Many Americans Turn to Sleep Aids
It appears that around one in eight adults in the U.S. regularly uses some form of sleep aid, whether that’s an over-the-counter medication or a supplement, to help with falling or staying asleep, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a sleep specialist from Duke University Medical Center, noted that this trend indicates a lot of individuals are attempting to “hack” their sleep, hoping something like melatonin or magnesium will serve as a panacea. However, he emphasized that a more effective approach would be to consult with a healthcare professional to tackle the underlying causes of their sleep difficulties.
Sleep issues are indeed quite prevalent. In another report released this week by the C.D.C., nearly one-third of adults reported not getting the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. Both of these studies gathered data through surveys conducted with tens of thousands of American adults in 2024.
The data suggests that women are notably more likely than men to experience difficulties falling asleep and to use aids for assistance.
The most frequently reported aids include over-the-counter medications or supplements (around 6 percent), followed by prescription drugs (over 5 percent), and then CBD or cannabis products (about 4 percent).
Interestingly, the use of prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids tends to rise with age. In contrast, younger adults—specifically those aged 18 to 34—are more likely to utilize marijuana or CBD for sleep, with usage at about 6 percent, compared to just 2 percent among those over 65.
Dr. Kansagra said the growing interest in supplements, particularly melatonin and magnesium, aligns with what he is seeing in his clinic, where patients are increasingly inquiring about magnesium—often touted on social media and promoted by popular health influencers.
However, Dr. Ana Krieger, the medical director at the Center for Sleep Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, pointed out that evidence for magnesium’s benefits in promoting sleep is limited. It can be beneficial for those struggling with sleep due to muscle tension or conditions like restless leg syndrome, but caution is advised with certain types of magnesium. She recommended avoiding magnesium oxide due to potential digestive discomfort, while magnesium citrate could have laxative effects.
Dr. Krieger expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of melatonin supplements, a hormone that the body usually produces at night to induce sleepiness. Research indicates that while melatonin might help some individuals fall asleep more quickly, it doesn’t work for everyone and has not outperformed a placebo in other studies.
According to Dr. Kansagra, he sees more patients turning to supplements than to over-the-counter sleep aids, many of which contain antihistamines similar to Benadryl. While these can benefit some, they often leave users feeling groggy the following day, and they carry certain risks as well.
Moreover, experts, including Dr. Kansagra, raised concerns that relying too heavily on supplements might prevent individuals from recognizing serious medical issues that could be disrupting their sleep quality, such as sleep apnea or anxiety, which can be exacerbated by certain medications—like some antidepressants and decongestants.
Dr. Krieger also noted that personal life changes or stressors could significantly impact sleep quality. “If we’re really stressed out or overworked, or if we stay glued to screens late at night, having quality sleep is really tough,” she said. She added that switching sleep schedules drastically—from waking at 7 a.m. during the week to sleeping late on weekends—won’t be remedied with supplements.
While it’s clear that stress and other factors affecting sleep may not always be manageable, experts suggest that adhering to the fundamentals of good sleep hygiene can offer more long-term benefits than relying on medications or supplements. These fundamentals include maintaining a regular sleep-wake schedule—even on weekends, getting morning sunlight, exercising regularly, limiting screen time before bed, and ensuring the bedroom is dark and cool.
