tylenol pm use?

Question

is it bad to take tylenol pm every night? i sometimes get horrible insomnia and have to take 3 or 4 to fall asleep. i don't want to nharm myself. is what i'm doing dangerous?

Answer 1

Occasional use of a sleep aid is fine but you don't want to become dependent on getting your sleep this way. Not only can it harm your organs but you will lose your own natural sleep rhythm. I would suggest having a ritual & going to bed @ the same time each night, (as much as possible) avoid any kind of stimulation before retiring.
You can use some Melatonin (which is a hormone) naturally made by your body aiding sleep. Melaton helps with falling asleep not staying asleep. I would also find out, why you're having trouble sleeping & make an apt. with your Doc. for a check-up.

Answer 2

Any time you NEED to take a medication consistently to fall asleep you are risking dependency.

While the contents of the medication are all over-the-counter, too much of ANYTHING is never good. Tylenol -- in moderation -- is fine. Too much can cause liver damage. Benadryl (the ingredient making you sleepy) in moderation is fine. Too much and you risk chemically induced narcolepsy.

Go see your doctor. He or she can help. There are excellent sleep aids on the market that can help you to develop a healthy sleep pattern.

Also, look at your lifestyle. Exercising too close to bedtime can cause you to not sleep properly. Also, cut out the sugar, salt, caffeine and other stimulants you might be consuming (ginseng, gurana, etc). Cut down on stress. And drink fewer alcoholic drinks (and drinks in general) closer to bedtime.

If things don't improve, DO see a doctor.

Answer 3

Tylenol PM is useful for occasional insomnia, not frequent. The ingredient that causes you to sleep is diphenhydramine, which is Benadryl. Tylenol can be damaging to the liver after prolonged use. You should try to determine the cause of your insomnia and request a sleep aid from your doctor. Herbal remedies are also available over the counter that do not contain analgesics (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)

Answer 4

I used to take 2 a night until I realized I was getting dependent on it. Maybe you should see a doctor and get a prescription for a sleep medication. It would probably be better for you.