Q. An elderly relative was struggling with insomnia and tried Tylenol PM. She took it for several days and developed severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations. Not only was she spaced out and confused, it made her sleeping worse.
My doctor said that PM sleep aids are bad for older people. After we stopped her medication, my relative recovered. Can you suggest some natural approaches to help her get some sleep?
A. Allergy medicine such as Benadryl and nighttime pain relievers like Advil PM, Excedrin PM and Tylenol PM all contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine. This drug may cause memory problems, confusion or delirium in the elderly (Archives of Internal Medicine, Sept. 24, 2001).
Safer sleep aids may include acupressure, magnesium, melatonin or herbs like lavender, lemon balm or passionflower.
We are sending you our new Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep, with details on non-drug options and evaluations of popular sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata.
