安眠药

Struggling to sleep now and then is common, and the right over-the-counter sleep aid can help you get back into a routine. At Ways Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered pharmacy in Holborn, London, we stock a focused range of sleeping tablets and herbal sleep aids, all available without a prescription. Prescription sleeping tablets such as zopiclone require a prescription from a doctor and are not part of this range.

The collection falls into three groups: one-a-night antihistamine tablets such as Nytol Original 25 mg and Sominex; traditional herbal tablets with valerian, including Kalms One-A-Night, Nytol Herbal and Vitabiotics Sleepnite; and a liquid option, Nytol Simply Sleep & Calm Elixir, if you prefer not to swallow tablets. The one-a-night antihistamine tablets are Pharmacy (P) medicines and are supplied after a pharmacist consultation. All of these sleep aids are intended for short-term use — if sleeplessness persists, speak to our pharmacist or your GP.

Frequently asked questions

What sleep aids are available without a prescription in the UK?

Over-the-counter options fall into two main groups: antihistamine-based tablets such as Nytol Original 25 mg and Sominex, and traditional herbal remedies containing valerian such as Kalms One-A-Night and Nytol Herbal. Antihistamine sleep aids classed as Pharmacy (P) medicines are supplied after a pharmacist consultation. Prescription-only sleeping tablets, such as zopiclone, require a prescription from a doctor and are not sold on this page.

Are herbal sleeping tablets like valerian effective?

Herbal sleep aids such as valerian are traditional herbal remedies used for the temporary relief of sleep disturbances, based on traditional use only. Some people prefer them as a gentler first option. If they do not help, ask our pharmacist about the antihistamine-based alternatives in this range.

How long can I take an over-the-counter sleep aid?

Over-the-counter sleep aids are intended for short-term sleeplessness — always follow the directions on the pack. If your sleep problems persist, speak to our pharmacist or your GP rather than continuing to take a sleep aid long term.