Insomnia management starts with sleep-hygiene measures (consistent sleep schedule, screen and caffeine avoidance before bed, dark cool bedroom, regular daytime activity) and cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) — the most effective long-term intervention. Pharmacological options are reserved for short-term use (less than 4 weeks) because of dependence, tolerance, and rebound insomnia risks.
Stocked options. Melatonin (the body’s natural sleep-onset hormone — useful for delayed sleep-phase disorder, jet lag, and selected primary insomnia, particularly in age over 55) is stocked as Meloset. Take 1–3 mg 30–60 minutes before bedtime. Cleaner safety profile than benzodiazepines and Z-drugs; non-addictive; modest evidence base for typical insomnia. A higher-dose melatonin (10 mg) for delayed sleep-phase disorder, severe shift work, and age 55+ patients who haven’t responded to lower doses is stocked as Restfine. Most adults with typical short-term insomnia do well on 1–3 mg.
For specific sleep-disorder categories — see related catalogues. Trazodone (an off-label low-dose hypnotic — the most-prescribed off-label sleep aid globally) is in our Antidepressant & Antipsychotic Medications catalogue. Mirtazapine (sedating tetracyclic antidepressant useful when depression and insomnia coexist) is also there. Diphenhydramine and promethazine (sedating H1 antihistamines available OTC in many countries) are not currently stocked separately.
How to use. Acute short-term insomnia (jet lag, bereavement, transient stress) — melatonin 1–3 mg 30–60 minutes before bed for 1–2 weeks. Delayed sleep-phase disorder (especially in adolescents and shift workers) — melatonin 0.5–1 mg taken 4–6 hours before desired sleep onset. Chronic insomnia (more than 3 months) — CBT-I first-line; pharmacological options for selected cases under medical supervision.
Important. Persistent insomnia, particularly with daytime impairment, warrants evaluation for underlying causes — depression, anxiety, sleep apnoea, restless legs, chronic pain, perimenopause, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism. Avoid combining sleep aids with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon) and benzodiazepines (temazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam) are not in our routine stock — they require prescription in most jurisdictions and carry significant dependence and falls risk in the elderly. All MedsBase products ship from WHO-GMP πιστοποιημένους κατασκευαστές with discreet packaging and are covered by our Πολιτική Εγγύησης Επαναποστολής.