Safety First: These sleep aids are specifically chosen for their low or non-existent risk of physical dependency and addiction.
| Sleep Aid | Type | Mechanism | Effectiveness | Dependency Risk | Side Effects | Best For | Prescription Required | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramelteon (Rozerem) | Prescription | Melatonin receptor agonist | Moderate | Very Low | Minimal | Sleep onset | Yes | 
| Melatonin | Natural Hormone | Sleep hormone | Moderate | None | Minimal | Sleep schedule regulation | No | 
| L-Tryptophan | Amino Acid | Serotonin precursor | Mild | None | Minimal | Natural sleep support | No | 
| Low-dose Doxepin | Prescription | Antihistamine | Moderate-High | Very Low | Mild | Sleep maintenance | Yes |