​Sleep Health: How Pharmacists Can Help Patients Sleep Better

Having trouble sleeping? You're not alone, and many Americans are turning to sleep aids to help. 55.8% of adults have consumed at least one sleep aid in the past month, according to a SleepFoundation.org survey. 49.1% of adults have used melatonin, which is the most popular sleep aid.

As a pharmacist, you are in a unique position to help your patients make informed decisions about their sleep health. You can provide guidance on the safety and efficacy of medications, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, and lifestyle changes that may improve their sleep habits. Here are some tips for helping patients achieve better sleep health:

1. Learn about different types of sleep aids available: There are several OTC and prescription medications, as well as herbal supplements, that can be used to help with insomnia or other sleep issues. It’s important to understand the potential risks and interactions associated with each type of product so you can best advise your patients.
   
   For instance, most patients use melatonin incorrectly and believe it works like a sleeping pill. You can inform them of the proper dosage and the time of day to take the medication.
   
2. Educate patients on potential side effects: Many patients may not be aware of the risk of side effects or drug interactions associated with certain sleep aids. Educating them on these potential risks and discussing other options, if needed, can help ensure they are making safe and informed decisions.
   
3. Recommend lifestyle changes: Patients should be encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices that can improve sleep health, such as exercising regularly and avoiding caffeine late in the day. Additionally, you can suggest other habits like setting a consistent bedtime and maintaining a cool bedroom temperature.

By understanding the available products and educating your patients on the potential risks, you can help your patients make informed decisions about their own sleep health in order to get the best possible restful sleep. With so many OTC and prescription sleep aids on the market, it’s important to be able to advise them on which product will work best for them.

Making sure your patients understand the potential risks associated with their choice is also key, so they can make an informed decision about their health and safety. Finally, guiding them towards healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and setting a consistent bedtime are all excellent tools that you can use to help improve your patients’'s sleep habits.

By utilizing these tips, pharmacists can provide essential support to those who struggle with sleep issues. With the right approach and guidance from a pharmacist, patients can find solutions to achieve better sleep health and overall wellbeing.