Safety Notice: Elderly individuals are more sensitive to sleep medications and have a higher risk of side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any sleep aid, as individual health conditions and medications need to be considered.
Medication | Type | Safety Profile | Side Effects | Interactions | Prescription | Best For | Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low-dose Melatonin | Hormone | High | Minimal | Low | No | Sleep cycle regulation | Start with lowest dose |
Ramelteon | Prescription | High | Low | Moderate | Yes | Sleep onset | Lower fall risk than other prescriptions |
Magnesium | Mineral | High | Minimal | Low | No | Sleep quality | Monitor kidney function |
Trazodone (Low-dose) | Prescription | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Yes | Sleep maintenance | Monitor blood pressure |
Chamomile Tea | Herbal | High | Minimal | Low | No | Gentle relaxation | May increase bathroom visits |