I recently tried Nytol One-A-Night, which is a popular over the counter sleeping pill containing the antihistamine diphenhydramine as the active ingredient.
I also tried the Nytol Herbal version not long ago, so I’ll be comparing the effectiveness of both in this review.
I took the herbal version for three nights, and then had a week without using any sleep aids. Following that, I took one 50 mg tablet of the One-A-Night for four nights.
I know from experience that antihistamine sleeping pills work quite well for me, so there was more of a chance of a placebo effect. I’ll try to give as unbiased an account as possible though.
My experience
The Nytol knockout
Compared to the herbal version, I thought I might experience a more noticeable sedative effect. That’s kind of what happened, just not exactly how I imagined.
The instructions say to take it 20 minutes before bed. I did that on the first night and stayed awake reading for around 40 minutes – I was curious to see if I could detect any feeling of drowsiness that was different from how I’d normally feel in bed.
There was still no noticeable effect after 40 minutes, so I switched the light off anyway. I believe I then fell asleep within ten minutes, and woke up nine hours later!
I didn’t wake up once during the night, which is unusual for me, and overslept the alarm by one hour. So it appeared that the Nytol had done its job.
Feeling the effects in the morning
In the morning, I felt quite refreshed – both mentally and physically. However, I also had a bit of a fuzzy head and felt some light pressure on my forehead, just above my eyes.
It’s strange when sleep aids work this way; you feel like you slept well, but also have some nagging side effects that remind you that you just took a sleep aid.
The fuzzy sensations slowly faded on their own, taking a couple of hours to completely disappear. So although the Nytol seemed to give me a good night’s sleep, it didn’t leave me feeling 100% the next morning.
I was still able to go about my day and work, but those symptoms were annoying.
The following nights
On the second night, I repeated the same routine. There was the same effect of not feeling drowsy, but I still fell asleep relatively quickly. I again woke up in the morning without any memory of nocturnal wakings. And once again, I had a fuzzy head.
On the third night, I don’t think the sedative effect was quite as strong. The manufacturer advises that you can develop a tolerance to Nytol, but night three seemed quite soon to me.
I woke up a couple of times in the night this time, but admittedly still slept pretty well. The next morning symptoms were similar though.
I tried it one more time, and again didn’t have a repeat of the first or second night’s total knockout, but still slept quite well.
By this point, I’d had enough of the groggy feeling, was content with a couple of good nights’ sleep, and didn’t take them again that week.
Would I take Nytol One-A-Night again?
The Nytol appeared to work quite well for me, and I appreciated sleeping right through the night. The persistent fuzzy head the next day was an issue though.
On balance, I might consider taking Nytol again, but only as a one-off if I felt I really needed it. I much prefer to focus on natural techniques to sleep better without relying on a sleep aid that gives me lingering side effects as a trade-off for the easy way to get some sleep.
How it compares with the herbal type
The first thing to note is that the Nytol One-A-Night don’t smell or taste as bad as the valerian-based herbal ones, so that’s a plus.
They were considerably stronger in effect than the herbal pills for me too. Strangely, I did feel a sedative effect with the others while still awake, which I didn’t with the One-A-Night.
I didn’t feel any effects the next day with the herbal pills though, so they both have their pros and cons.
Please remember that this was just my experience with the two types. It could be completely different for you, and as you’ll see in the comments below, people react differently to them.
Update: trying Nytol Original (25mg)
Nytol Original is very similar to the One-A-Night, except you take 2 x 25 mg pills instead of 1 x 50 mg.
So I was curious to see what would happen if I only took 25 mg, and if the lingering next-day effects would be less of an issue.
I tried just one pill for three consecutive nights and did find they were better for me. I still experienced a sedative effect – not as much as the 50 mg dosage, but enough to help me sleep a bit better.
The headache and fuzzy head weren’t as bad in the morning, though I didn’t feel 100% clear either.
So I think this is one to consider if you’d like to start with a lower dosage, or found the higher one made you feel groggy in the morning.
Update: trying other sleep aids that contain diphenhydramine
Nytol isn’t the only sleep aid that uses diphenhydramine as the active ingredient. I’ve now tried a couple of others and had a very similar experience each time.
So for me personally, I can be fairly sure that the sedative effect and potential side effects will be quite consistent no matter which brand I take.
Further information
Nytol ingredients
From the instruction leaflet on the pack I bought, the ingredients are:
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50mg
- Anhydrous lactose
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Maize starch
- Stearic acid
- Silicon dioxide
Possible side effects
The leaflet describes the following possible side effects:
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Reduced attention
- Unsteadiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions (like a rash, shortness of breath or swelling)
- Blurred vision
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle twitching
- Convulsions
- Headaches
- Pins and needles
- Nausea or vomiting
- Thicker bronchial mucus
- Difficulty urinating
If you notice any of these side effects, or have any other new symptoms when you take Nytol, stop taking the Nytol and consult your doctor or a pharmacist.
Who shouldn’t take it?
If any of the following conditions or situations apply to you, the manufacturer advises against taking it, or consulting a doctor first:
- Children under the age of 16.
- If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
- If you have: a stomach or gut obstruction, such as an ulcer.
- Asthma, bronchitis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Enlarged prostate or urinary retention.
- Moderate or severe liver disease.
- Myasthenia gravis, epilepsy or seizure disorders.
- You shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery.
- You shouldn’t drink alcohol.
- Intolerance to lactose or some sugars.
- If you’re taking other medication, talk to a doctor first. Especially antidepressants, atropine, other antihistamines or any that cause drowsiness.
- If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If your sleep problem lasts longer than 2 weeks, or you need a higher dose of Nytol to fall asleep.
Warnings for older adults
If you’re an adult over 60, I highly recommend consulting your primary care doctor, physician, or pharmacist before taking Nytol. And for that matter, any sleep containing the antihistamines diphenhydramine or doxylamine. This includes Advil, Tylenol, and Benadryl, for example.
The current guidelines in the United States is that sleep aids containing first generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine should be avoided by older adults.
Reading for older adults
If you’d like to find out more about this recommendation, here are some sources to start you off:
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh published an interesting study in 2018. Here’s a quote from their work that summarises the issue clearly:
Diphenhydramine has potentially harmful effects on older adults including risk of motor impairment and anticholinergic effects; its use is also associated with falls. Diphenhydramine may be especially dangerous in older adults due to its longer half-life compared younger individuals. Another safety risk of using diphenhydramine at night is the presence of a residual sedative effect the morning after use .
Pharmacytoday.com lists medications that are not recommended for older adults. This is taken from the Beers criteria, which are widely used by healthcare practicioners to guide treatment choices for older adults. They explain why diphenhydramine is to be avoided as:
…clearance reduced with advanced age, and tolerance develops when used as hypnotic; risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicity
The full Beers criteria was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, though you need to pay to access the full text. That’s why I mentioned the Pharmacy Today article instead.
Choosingwisely.org also briefly mentions that the antihistamines should be avoided.
Interestingly, in the UK, the website of the National Health Service only recommends starting with the lower dose if you’re aged over 65 because you’re more likely to get side effects. I think it’s wise to ask your GP for their advice first though if you plan on using it as a sleep aid.
Further reading
Medicines.org.uk has an online patient leaflet for Nytol.
As well as discussing using it with your own doctor, you can use the Nytol website contact page to ask the manufacturer questions (not a paid link).
As well as considering sleeping pills, you might find it useful to read my own recommendations for sleeping better that don’t involve any medication.
Your experience
Have you tried Nytol One-A-Night, Nytrol Original, or the herbal type?
Please leave a comment below describing your experience with them, and whether they helped you sleep better or not.
I have taken 1 of the 2 a night ie half dose of Nytol for 10 years. I cannot take any painkillers containing ibuprofen as it gives me stomach ache . I refuse to take stronger painkillers for my arthritis /knee replacement as they have major side effects. I have suffered from depresson and anxiety for years. I do not take any other meds as am physically ie blood pressure cholestrol glucose etc very healthy at 62. I have worked in a very stressful job which I love. I can honestly say Nytol has saved my life and my sanity. After 20 years of waking at 3 in the morning getting stressed and anxious and trying to work the next day exhausted it has been my saviour. The only other meds I take are 2 paracetomol in the evening for ,my aching joints and lots of excercise ! . I have never had to increase my dose. I have tried without them but the 3 oclock waking begins again . Nitol have saved me from a life on anti depressants , Propronal for anxiety, strong arthritis drugs , losing my job. losing my sanity/ losing my relationship ! Thank god for Nytol if it has any side effects I havent noticed. I always remind my Gp I take them
.
Hi Susan
Thanks for your comment. It’s interesting to hear from someone who’s taken them for so long, and not noticed any ill effects. Out of interest, can I ask what your doctor’s opinion is about the length of time you’ve taken them for?
Regards
Ethan
He just smiles and says they are good arent they. When I look at the amount of meds many people of my age take I think that on balance they are positive for me. Sleep is the major component I think in keeping your mental health stable , I also have a good diet and do lots of excercise. I am quite susceptible to medication , for eg if I have a headache which I rarely get 2 paracetomol will shift it. I once participated in a study for anxiety I had to build up meds from half a tablet once a day to 2 tablets twice a day, I couldnt get past half a tablet as was falling asleep driving . I do have a dry mouth in the night with Nytol but I drink a lot of water anyway at least a pint before going to bed and sip in the night. I go to the toilet once or twice in the night and dont feel dizzy or anything the great thing is with Nytol I go more or less straight back to sleep no pondering or worrying. I feel very slightly groggy in morning and sometimes have vivid dreams. All these are a small price to pay.as Ive said I have no health conditions except arthritis if Nytol is doing something to my health so far Ive not noticed. Im sure no doctor could endorse what I do but the evidence out only today about long term use of ibuprofen seems much worse. When I think back to my years of insomnia and heart palpitations the next day due to 2 hours sleep and getting thro the menopause Nitol have been brilliant
Hi again
Thanks for adding all that. I do wonder, if after so many years, it’s actually still doing much or has become a placebo effect to a certain extent. What do you think?
Regards
Ethan
I have been taken Nytol for the past 4 years and have panicked if I’ve run out, (trips to the late night chemist to get some) I have been told that taking Nytol regularly can cause memory loss and other serious long term side affects which is a worry. I really want to stop taking them but am worried about not sleeping well. I don’t function well on lack of sleep. I do wonder though that its more a placebo affect now as I’ve been taking them so long?
Hi Ruth
Thanks for your comment. It could be a placebo effect after so long, yes. You could try cutting the dose down slowly – splitting the tablets in half every few days. That might help you get used to the idea of not having them. I know it can be an anxious time coming off sleeping pills, but there are lots of things you can do to try and keep your sleep in order. As an example, you might enjoy my article about how I dealt with insomnia, which is full of useful ideas.
Regards
Ethan
Hi been taking nytol now for the last ten years every night continually. I have got down to half a 50g one now each night but can’t get off them. We never I try I’m awake for 3/4hrs a night so just stay on them now. Any tips how to get off them and is there any chance of any long term damage to my body
Hi Dave
Thanks for your comment. I think the best person to speak to about this is your doctor. They can give you some advice and support for coming off of the nytol. It’s unfortunately very common for people to find it hard to stop taking something which helps them sleep. Sometimes it can take time to adjust to not having that aid. It’s often a case of pushing through one or more bad nights sleep, being determined and believing that you’ll be fine without them eventually. And at the same time, try to put into place as many possible good sleep habits as you can.
Regards
Ethan
I have been taking these for some time following three total knee replacements and the continuing pain. My left knee has been replaced twice and gives me constant pain that keeps me awake. Having just run out two nights ago I really do notice the loss of sleep. Taken an hour before I plan to go to bed works well for me and gives me a good 7 plus hours sleep. If I do wake, I have a dog, I get back to sleep quite quickly. I cannot wait until I get my prescription in the morning!
Hi Ken
Thanks for your comment. Pain can be a cause of serious insomnia, and something which is probably better to manage by controlling the pain better rather than taking sleeping pills, if possible. I’d speak to your doctor and tell them about this and hopefully they can find something which helps manage the pain so you can sleep.
Regards
Ethan
I seldom have sleep issues but Sunday evening is my nemesis. I toss for 2 hrs and then take a Nytol Extra Strength by 12:30am It gives me the worst foggy head in the morning…lol Probably because I took the pill so late.
Hi there
Thanks for your comment. Ah yes, Sunday evenings can be tricky to sleep – especially if the weekend included a late night or two, a lie in and maybe a lazy day with rich food! At least, that’s what used to happen to me in the past. You might find it useful to read the article I wrote explaining how I overcame insomnia – I talk about this exact issue.
And in terms of the Nytol – yes, if you take it too late at night, you’ll feel it in the morning still if you get up early.
Regards
Ethan
I have just started taking Nytol as I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and barely sleep 2 hours at a stretch through the night. I bought the Original 25mg tablets and only take a HALF of the 25mg tab. It does a pretty good job helping me sleep. I managed 6 hours straight the other night, but I am so fogged out in the morning even at that low dose. I will have to stop as I can’t function through the day. Just thought I’d add my 2 bits to the thread of things. Wishing everybody else good luck with their sleep problems. I think I will see is my doc can prescribe something that doesn’t leave me so dopey in the morning after.
Hi Maureen
Thanks for your comment. Yes, Nytol can have some unwanted lingering effects the next day. If you find you can’t function to the level you would like to, then it’s best to find something else, or only use them when you really need to as a one-off.
Regards
Ethan
After years of doing mixed 12 hour shiftwork patterns, I found a job with regular hours, but found it impossible to get a decent nights sleep – even after a year. I started using Nytol one a night, and found that an absolute revelation, but somewhat expensive. I was told about Sainsbury’s One a Night tablets, which are vastly cheaper but equally effective, and have happily been using that … but have now been told it has been discontinued. Gutted. Is there a cheaper alternative to Nytol available? (I know these should not be used as a permanent sleep solution, and have booked in to see a doctor for advice, but need something till then).
Hi Mark
Thanks for your comment. I think there are a few chains in the UK which have their own versions of sleep aids, it’s just a case of looking around. I’m sure I’ve seen several options in Waitrose, but to be honest, Nytol is the strongest over the counter sleep aid I’ve seen in the UK shops. Otherwise you could try looking on amazon as they do sell some that don’t appear in shops.
Regards
Ethan
Forget Nytol short term try Night Nurse liquid
Brilliant for a great nights sleep
Not tried the tablets version
Don’t take with any other Paracetomol though
Make sure you don’t take it every night
Hi Peter
Thanks for your comment. I know some people do use cough syrups as a sleep aid, though it’s not something I would recommend personally. I think it’s better to stick to products designed specifically to help with sleep.
Regards
Ethan
I have been taking Boots Sleepeaze (same ingredient as Nytol but cheaper) every night for about 10 years. I decided to stop a week ago. I am waking about 3-4 times in the night, but sleeping fairly well. I have also started having dreams again, which is nice.
I have been taking nytol almost continuously for 6 weeks due to family illness. I have found in the last 2 weeks when I wake and till about lunchtime I’m getting terrible palpitations . I am wondering if it’s the nytol?
Hi Jennifer
Thanks for your comment. I guess it could be the nytol, but equally it could be a number of things such as stress. I would stop the nytol and see if the palpitations continue, and also get your doctor to check you over.
Regards
Ethan
Just wanted to add, I bought Nytol from the chemist in Tesco, he said that they can cause palpitations. I am on Beta Blocker for palpitations. It’s hard to tell as you are already having stress , but I would keep an eye on it and stop if they get too bad.
Maureen.
hi there, i was just wondering if taking two nytol tablets would do me any real harm, as one tablet does nothing
Hi Pat
Thanks for your comment. If one tablet does nothing, you’d probably find that 2 didn’t either. I’d avoid taking more than the recommended dose and perhaps try something different.
Regards
Ethan
An overdose of diphenhydramine causes delusions where the user is incapable of telling the difference between their hallucinations and real life.
This usually occurs at higher doses but it’s worth knowing.
I’ve taken 2 every night for months with no side affects or problems.
My partner died 4 years ago and I was experiencing hours of restles sleep, my G.P. would not give me any sleeping tablets even though I said that I would only use one a week.I found some sleeping tablets when clearing out the medicine cabinet and used them. Then purchased some Nytol when they had all gone but they didn’t work for me. I purchased some Sainsburys One a Night tablets and they work, so once a week I am guaranteed a good nights rest.
Why didn’t Nytol work for me ?
Hi Anthony
Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry to hear about your partner passing away and the subsequent difficulties you had. Nytol doesn’t work for everyone unfortunately. It’s just the way it is, in the same way that any medication will only work only for a certain number of people. At least you’ve found something which does work for you, so you can get some rest.
Regards
Ethan
i personally only ever buy the two a night and then only take one!
Hi hmlwm
Thanks for your comment. I think it’s a good thing if you can manage on a lower dose of a sleeping pill.
Regards
Ethan
I tried nytol. Never again
I slept for 2 hours. Woke up went down to kitchen poured juice in the margarine tub of which I had no recollection also made a hot drink and left it in fridge…. Couldnt get up finally could function at 1.30 pm. Luckily my fiance was there to help me.
Hi Jacqueline
Thanks for your comment. That sounds very strange indeed – were you awake during this time and just very confused, or were you sleep walking?
Regards
Ethan
I took Nytol for several months and it’s definitely better than nothing, especially for an insomniac like me. Finally my doctor started prescribing ambien for me and for the past couple years or so it has been wonderful. But my doctor has just retired and I’m faced with finding a new doctor. I’ve talked to 3 doctors so far and none of them will continue prescribing ambien for me, they’re saying they have never prescribed ambien for anyone, they’re also telling me that most doctors will not prescribe it which I find hard to believe. Looks like I’ll be going back to Nytol, just wondering if it’s l likely to still work any at all after I’ve been used to taking ambien which was a God Send !
Hi KenR
Thanks for your comment. I can understand your concern after you found ambien so effective. I don’t know how the transition will be, though I suspect you might find it not as strong. But my opinion would be that whilst drugs like ambien are very effective, if you can get yourself used to a weaker sleeping pill, or better still no drugs but natural techniques alone, then it will benefit you in the long run. So try not to see the ambien issue as a loss – more of an opportunity to rid yourself of meds and begin the journey to managing the insomnia naturally – difficult as that may be.
All the best
Ethan
I took a Nytol for the first time last night, I was very disappointed with it, as I still woke up at least four times in the night and felt pretty wiped out by the morning. I had been rather nervous to take a sleepin pill, but I was sad that it totally did not work for me.
I took it at 9pm, but woke up at 10:30pm, 1:14am and 4am. I gave in and got up when I woke yet again at 5am.
Hi Claire
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately that’s the way with sleeping pills – they don’t all work in the same way for everyone that takes them. It might just not be the right one for you.
Regards
Ethan
I have taken Nytol nearly every night for years. I am trying to find out if it can cause me any long time damage as I cannot sleep without them.
Hi Angela
Probably the best thing to do then is to investigate the long-term effects of taking the key ingredients. You’re unlike to find anything about Nytol specifically, but there may be some research about the ingredients. You can also ask your doctor for their advice.
Regards
Ethan
It’s the diphenhydramine that causes the restlessness and jittery feelings. I get the same reactions when I take/took any sleep aid with that in it. The first few times I tried a sleep aid I just grabbed what was on sale with a name I recognized (Unisom). At that time (yrs ago) there were a couple of different formulas and the one I grabbed had doxylene succulate – like Costco’s Kirkland brand and at that time one of Unisom’s formulas. Not knowing anything about sleep aids the next time I bought a box I grabbed the ‘on sale’ brand. I took it and got the same results (jittery, nervous, restless, tossing & turning & NOT sleeping) as others described above. Well, after that experience I decided to compare the boxes and the ingredients of the 2 pills. The 2nd one I took did not have doxylene succulate as the main antihistimine but instead had the diphentermine hydrochloride as the main antihistamine. Over the years I’ve tried using the brands made with the diphentermine hydrochloride (dh) and always with the same consequences/results. Don’t fall for a sale, it’s not worth the lost nite of sleep!
Hi Diane
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experiences with the different sleep aids. Some people do react more than others to the anti-histamine based sleep aids, and again differently to different anti-histamines. It’s often a case of trial and error with over the counter sleep aids, but if you know you react badly to a particular ingredient it of course makes sense to avoid that in the future.
Regards
Ethan
It is an excellent review! Best I have read. I take Nytol very occasionally when I have overslept and have an early appointment/work the next morning. I find that I usually get a fantastic sleep and feel extremely refreshed the next morning.
Due to only taking the tablets occasionally my tablets are undoubtedly past their expiry date. Unfortunately, I do not have the box to check this and was wondering how long the tablets are effective. I will take more in order to get the correct effect because I believe that the chemicals in the drug are not dangerous, but will have lost their efficacy due to passing their expiry date.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment, and I’m glad you enjoyed the review. My advice would be not to take more tablets, even if you think they are not so strong. You just never really know and I think it’s safer to wait until you can get some new ones.
Regards
Ethan
Thanks for this helpful review and fantastic site!
You’re welcome Geraldo – I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
Ethan
Thank you for all the information that you have provided. I think your site is brilliantly informative! I’m all so glad to hear that I’m not so different to others with the same life long problem. Best wishes, and GREAT DREAMS too everyone.
Hi Jason
Thanks for your very kind compliment. I’m very glad you found the site informative, and comments like yours help with the motivation to keep responding to all the comments.
Regards
Ethan
Hi Ethan, many thanks for your review.
I took nytol for the first time last night after weeks of bouts of insomnia.
My doctor prescribed them for me yesterday instead of sleeping pills , which he said would make me feel very groggy the next day.
I settled down to sleep after taking one and have slept through the night.
I have had very vivid dreams all night long but not nightmares.
However I seem to have slept in the same position all night and now have a trapped nerve , have sciatic pain down my leg (abnormality in my back since birth).
But apart from that I have no other side effects.
I will take them again on nights I cant sleep, I suffer with restless leg syndrome , so will be interesting to see if they help knock me out then.
Thank you
Best wishes
Maxine
Hi Maxine,
Thanks for your comment and for sharing your experience with the Nytol. It’s good that they helped you sleep and you didn’t have any side effects. It’s a shame about the leg obviously, though I suspect it’s not the Nytol’s fault.
It would be interesting to hear if you have luck with them the next time you take them, and if they do help with the restless legs syndrome.
Regards
Ethan
Hi… can you suggest me an alternative one as this was not working on you.
I am suffering really bad sleep, insomnia. I can stay awake more than 35 hrs but it bugs me and my mood ruins. I already went to doctor, but every time the pills she gave run out, my sleeping gets worse. I really want to sleep like 8 hours nonstop. My sleeping length is only 3 – 4 hrs.
Is melatonin good ?
Thanks.
Hi Will
Thanks for your comment and I’m sorry to hear you are having ongoing problems with your sleep. Melatonin can be good, but only for some people. It doesn’t always help if you have ‘normal’ insomnia. But you could always try it and see if it helps. I think if you are on prescription sleeping pills though, it would be better to speak to your doctor about it.
My personal opinion is that sleeping pills are good for a ahirt period of time, but it’s best if you can manage your sleep without them. Have a look at the sections on sleep hygiene for some ideas of things you can do to improve your sleep.
In terms of an alternative to the nytol, which was your original question, you can have a look at my review of over the counter sleep aids. But again, I think its best to consult your doctor first.
Regards
Ethan
I’ve been unable to sleep longer than 3 hrs a night for over 5 years now. I take nytol sometimes (generally only use boots own brand) I agree with above comments on the grogginess but I’d rather deal with that than a few hours sleep when I’m working 12-13 hour days.
What does strike a chord is above mentioned memory and words being difficult. This too has happened over the last year Prob due to my reliance to tablets. Maybe only had 10 nights without having to resort to some in the last 5 months. I don’t think this problem is getting any worse but it’s def only since using the nytol tablets. Hard to say if it’s from prolonged use though. Sleep tight all!
Z
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for your comment. I can understand about the balance you need to think about between not sleeping or experiencing a side effects of a sleep aid the next day. And that’s a personal decision we all have to make. I would say though that if you suspect you’re having memory or speech problems due to the tablets, you might want to avoid taking them. Perhaps after taking sleep aids for several months, it might be a good idea to consider seeing if you can overcome your sleep problems with some natural techniques. Have a look at the sleep hygiene section (on the main menu above) for some tips!
All the best
Ethan
Hi, I’ve recently suffered a bereavement and so I’m not sleeping well, as a result I tend to have 2-3 gin and tonics a night to take the edge off the grief, and I was wondering if it’s still safe to take if I’ve left 2-3 hours between my last drink and taking it?
Hi Samantha,
I’m very sorry for your loss. And I can understand why it has affected your sleep. If you want to be absolutely safe, then you need to ensure all the alcohol is out of your system, and that will take longer than 2-3 hours if you have 2-3 gin and tonics, longer if they are strong ones. Remember it takes the body on average one hour to remove one unit. That’s if you want to really play on the safe side.
I’m sure you didn’t come here wanting any extra advice, but just in case, do you have someone to talk to? Or have you considered self-help in any way? There are some very good books written about bereavement for example which can really help to cope.
All the best
Ethan
I’ve tried both the herbal and non-herbal many times but it has always been totally useless, even with a double dose. The manufacturer’s claims are clearly misleading and should be investigated by the Advertising Standards Agency.
Hi ianpb
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately not all sleep aids work for all people! That’s even the case with the stronger prescription pharmaceutical pills. Sometimes it’s a case of trial and error until you find something which does work well for you, and doesn’t give you side effects.
Hopefully you’ll find something which helps you soon enough.
Regards
Ethan
Hi, I have trouble sleeping and wake every 2 hours, a friend recommended them to me and I’ve been taking them now for the last 4 nights. Wow I’m sleeping and waking just the once and not remembering my dreams so vividly, which usually I have such irrational dreams BUT I’m suffering all day with a headache! Think I’m going o try from mon maybe half a tablet or even the herbal ones! It’s so difficult as I really get stressed because I don’t sleep well and that makes me tired but what do u do, be tired or suffer with headaches, talk about catch 22 situation.
Hi Rachael
Thanks for your comment, and I can understand the catch-22 situation! However, my personal opinion is that if you’re having side effects which linger and disrupt your well-being the next day, then probably it’s time to look for something else. I would recommend trying half a tablet, and the herbal type, and see if you have any luck with them. But if not, there are plenty of other over the counter sleep aids you could try.
All the best
Ethan
I am sooo really needing sleep, my partner brought nytol they haven’t worked at all first night awake till morning, second night awake till morning third i’m hanging I dont even know my name! Tonight i’ve taken 2 its 1.30 in the morning still wide awake!!!
Hi Clare,
Sorry to hear you’re having such an unpleasant bout of insomnia. I guess the Nytol just aren’t right for you, especially if they haven’t worked 3 times in a row. You might want to try a different sleep aid, or look at the sleep hygiene section for tips on natural things you can to help you sleep.
Hope you get some sleep soon!
Ethan
Thank you for writing your review.
I decided to take some Nytol to help me with a period of bad jet lag. I opted for the Nytol original over the herbal which I understand to be half the strength of Nytol One a Night. After using it three alternate nights (so over six days) they do allow me several hours sleep. I realize that I am left feeling fuzzy the next day. I am always waking after having vivid dreams that leave me feeling very anxious, irrational, and upset the next morning. I have also discovered that they contain lactose and I am lactose intolerant.
I am reluctant to continue their use and will perhaps try a more natural remedy.
Hi Betty
Thanks for your comment. It sounds like you’ve had the fairly typical fuzzy feeling that myself and other readers have experienced. I guess if they’re not working for you in a way which is a good balance, i.e. help you sleep but don’t cause side effects, perhaps a different option will be more suitable. You could always try the herbal version and see if that’s better for you.
Regards
Ethan
I’ve found that taking half a tablet works just as well as taking a whole one, but I don’t feel as groggy the next day, still a bit of groggyness, but not really a problem (unlike a full one which left me feeling too spaced out!)
Hi Emily,
Thanks for the suggestion! Perhaps others will read your idea and also just try a half, especially if they’re thinking of taking Nytol for the first time, or have also found it is too strong when they did take it.
Regards
Ethan
Hi have you tried going to the gym ,when you feel groggy in the morning before work,as I have found that this will get rid of the fuzzy ,groggy feeling after a shower.I have been taking diphenhydramine (Nytol) for years on and off ,and I always find that after the first or maybe the second night(if you’re lucky) that they are less sedating and or effective.Breathing exercises whilst lying in bed should be tried as I have had great results from doing this.Basically slowing your breathing down,and taking long deep breaths.They are also addictive IMO and you will not sleep for at least two days after the last dose.Not very well anyway.
Hi Mike
Thanks for your comment. I do go to the gym, but usually in the afternoon as I don’t have time in the mornings. But it’s an interesting idea which I’m sure other readers will appreciate if they are having trouble with feeling groggy.
I also agree that doing breathing exercises can help with sleep. I have an article about relaxation for sleep which covers those, and I regularly do them myself.
And I think that taking any sleep aid over a period of time will result in difficulty sleeping when you stop taking them. Another good reason for having some natural techniques like breathing exercises you can do.
Regards
Ethan
Hi.
I tend to suffer from insomnia every 2-3 weeks where during the week I can fall asleep but staying asleep is the problem. I normally find myself waking up at approx 3:00am and then awake until its time to get out of bed.
When I have had a couple of bad nights like this I now take only 1/2 a Nytol One a night tablet which tends to keep me asleep through the night and not feeling too fuzzy in the morning.
I originally took one whole pill, which left me dizzy, drowsy with blood shot eyes the next morning. Trial and error suggests for me 1/2 a pill approx 1 hour before bed.
Hi Del,
Thanks for the comment, and it’s great that you found a solution for your sleep problems, even if it does mean having to use a sleep aid. But as long as it’s just occasionally, it’s not nearly as bad as using them every day.
It’s an interesting idea about trying half a tablet. Perhaps other readers who like the sedative effect but find it leaves them groggy will read this and also try just a half.
All the best
Ethan
My mother is now addicted to these and people should know just how dangerous these pills are
Hi Yvonne
Sorry to hear your mother is worrying you with her use of sleeping pills. Unfortunately many people become dependent on sleep aids, and it’s not always easy to stop taking them. I’m sure you’ve tried to talk to her about doing something different to help her sleep. You could even suggest she has a look at this website – especially the sleep hygiene section which is full of self-help advice.
Regards
Ethan
Never before have I taken any pills to help me sleep. But on taking one a night nytol i eventually drifted off into a really deep sleep and slept through the whole night which is unusual for me so yes they do what it says on the packet. However, the next day I had to force myself to get up and I felt so spaced out and really couldn’t function properly. So its back to a few scotches before bed time.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment. That does seem to be a fairly common reaction to the Nytol – they do work, but can leave you a little fuzzy the next day. I’m not sure the scotch is going to be much better though!
All the best
Ethan
I’ve been taking Nytol one a night on and off for past 1.5 years. Since then been having problems with memory, words and cognitive ability in general. Not sure if the poor sleeping linked to this, or if the induced sleep is affecting my mental ability? Quite simply though, if I don’t take them, I don’t sleep for more than an hour or so, so I take a couple a week to keep functioning
Hi Tracy
Thanks for your comment, and sorry to hear you’ve been having such problems. It’s impossible to say what the reason is for your cognitive problems. It’s probably a good idea to talk to a doctor about this though and get yourself checked out. They would also hopefully be able to give you some advice on taking sleep aids for long periods of time, which isn’t something you should be doing even with an over the counter sleep aid like Nytol.
All the best and I hope you find some answers soon.
Ethan
Nytol does work, I don’t think symptoms such as feeling groggy and tired next day etc. are valid in this instance, it does get you to sleep and overall that is he idea and USP of this over the counter medication.
Prescription sleeping tablets make you groggy and moreover make waking with the alarm clock a chore. I’m afraid you can’t have it both ways.
Hi Nathan
Thanks for the comment. Whilst I think you’re generally right, the level of grogginess felt the next day depends on various different factors. One person may find it makes them groggy, but the next person doesn’t at all. So all you can do is report your own experience of it, and of course decide whether it’s for you or not. But in addition to that, it does appear that some OTC sleep aids do appear to cause grogginess for more people the next day than others. So I personally think it’s possible to find one which gets as close to having it both ways as possible.
Regards
Ethan
I take NYTOL One A Night about twice a week and they work well for me. However, recently I’ve been plagued with post nasal drip the day after and although I haven’t conducted a scientific experiment there seems to be a correlation between my taking NYTOL and suffering PND the next day. Can’t find any evidence for it; seems like an odd SE given that NYTOL has been used to treat PND hasn’t it?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for your comment. I guess the only way to tell if it’s the Nytol causing it, or actually something else is to stop taking it and see if it gets better. Then after a week try it again and see if it comes back, in which case probably best to stop taking the Nytol. I think that’s the only way you’ll really know.
Regards,
Ethan
I tried this last night and it made me feel drowsy yet I found it very difficult to fall asleep. It made me feel like I need to urinate constantly. After I eventually fell asleep I woke up two hours later feeling completely restless, and the relaxed state of my muscles felt very irritating. I will not be taking a this again.
Hi Nicholas,
Thanks for sharing your experience of the Nytol tablets. Sorry to hear you didn’t have a good experience with them. Hopefully you’ll find somethign else which does help you.
Regards
Ethan
Hi,
I had taken the herbal Nytol for a few nights on and off about a year ago and I did sleep better as a result. I didn’t feel groggy in the mornings and probably felt a little less anxious than normal.
As I am not sleeping well at the moment I thought I would try Nytol again and bought a box from the local chemist not realising that there are two types. I was surprised that the tablet was a white caplet and not round and reddish brown! I took the tablet and remained awake reading for about an hour. I then fell into a deep sleep for nearly eight hours but when I woke and needed to get up and ready for work I could hardly move. I felt so tired and wanted to sleep and sleep! I forced myself to get up but felt totally tired and ‘spaced out’ and I probably wasn’t totally safe to drive. The effect lasted all morning and diminished a bit throughout the afternoon. My mouth was also very dry.I didn’t enjoy the feeling at all and daren’t take any more. Back to the herbal ones for me!
Hi Sallie,
Thank you for your comment and describing your experiences with the different Nytol tablets. It sounds like sticking to the herbal version is definitely going to be a better option for you!
Regards,
Ethan
I used to take quetiapine for sleep so im very surprised nytol works for me. However I too feel groggy. In fact I don’t feel as if I have just slept for nine hours at all.
Hi Kay
Thanks for your comment. Yes, Nytol does seem be stronger than you might expect for an over-the-counter sleeping pill. Shame it makes you feel groggy though. Does it pass, and can you go about your day normally even though you say you don’t feel like you’ve had a long sleep?
Regards
Ethan
I bought Nytol 2 days ago to help me sleep, I’ve had a cold and had trouble sleeping, this product made my night a living nightmare, it keep me tired and restless at the same time , I could not stop twitching and moving, the entire night, i don’t recommend this product at all
Hi Manske
Thanks for sharing your experience of Nytol – it’s really helpful for other readers. I don’t know if perhaps it was worse because you had the cold, or if you were taking anything else for the cold that interacted with it? But nonetheless, it’s not uncommon for people to have very different reactions and side effects to sleeping pills.
I hope you feel better soon!
Regards
Ethan
I took Nytol for the first time last night in the belief it would aid a peaceful nights sleep. Like manske I had a stressful night and now, fourteen hours later, I am only just beginning to get back to normal. I was anxious and unable to co-ordinate my thoughts properly this morning; I felt so terribly unable to concentrate and to be my usual self. I have just read the instructions with Nytol and it is obviously the diphenhydramine that is causing my reaction. Why on earth is this product allowed to be sold over the counter? If you want a sleep-aid I would perhaps avoid Nytol; a calm nights sleep is the exact opposite to what you will possible get!
Hi KateB,
Thanks for your comment, and sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the Nytol. It’s good to hear from other people, even if they haven’t had any success with it. It’s sold over the counter because it’s deemed to be safe, and does work as a sleep aid for many people. Unfortunately some people also get side effects! But that’s the case with a huge range of medication.
Hopefully you’ll find something else which works better for you.
Regards
Ethan