If you struggle with insomnia, the right sleep medication and/or treatment may help you improve your sleep and health. Find fast, affordable online insomnia treatment from a caring, licensed provider on Klarity Health. If your provider thinks a sleeping pill prescription online is right for you, you may be able to get one in as little as 24 hours.*
Only select providers offer free initial consultations. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Only select providers offer free initial consultations. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Find an insomnia specialist on Klarity Health and access:
from a licensed, board-certified healthcare professional
or in-person through treatment tailored to you if medically necessary*
No insurance needed. No subscriptions. No hidden fees.
Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Find a licensed, caring insomnia and sleep specialist on Klarity Health. Choose from top-rated licensed providers for an initial online insomnia consultation, ongoing support, and unlimited messaging.
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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects up to 30% of adults. And about 10% of adults suffer from chronic insomnia, which involves sleep disturbances that happen at least 3 times a week for 3 months.
There are a few common signs and symptoms of insomnia, including some that happen during the day. Insomnia isn’t just about nighttime difficulties — it can impact your ability to function anytime.
The classic signs and symptoms of insomnia include:
– Trouble falling asleep
– Waking up frequently during the night and having trouble getting back to sleep
– Waking up too early and being unable to get back to sleep
– Feeling tired even after what seems like enough sleep
Insomnia can also cause symptoms during the day, such as:
– Fatigue or low energy
– Mood disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression
– Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
– Impaired performance at work or school
– Increased errors or accidents
– Tension headaches or stomach issues
There are 3 key types of insomnia you may be diagnosed with.
Acute or short-term insomnia lasts for a few days to a few weeks. It’s often triggered by changes or events like job stress or emotional issues. It usually improves once your triggers resolve.
Chronic or long-term insomnia happens at least 3 nights per week for months or more. It may take a combination of approaches to effectively treat it.
Comorbid insomnia is linked to one or more other health conditions, like anxiety, chronic pain, or sleep apnea. Because of the connection, treating the underlying condition may improve your sleep. But many underlying conditions can be difficult to treat, so you may also need to treat your insomnia.
A healthcare provider evaluates insomnia by asking you about your sleep habits, lifestyle, and medical history. They may ask you to track your sleep patterns in a sleep diary for a few weeks too.
They may ask you to fill out a structured questionnaire, like the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). These standardized self-report screening tools for insomnia assess how severe your insomnia is and how much it affects your life.
Your provider may also ask you to use a wearable device that measures your sleep-wake cycles.
If your provider thinks you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, they may recommend monitoring and recording your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements during a sleep study.
With enough information, your provider can diagnose your type of insomnia and tailor the best treatment plan for you, which may include sleep medications, therapy, and/or lifestyle changes.
The right insomnia treatment plan depends on the type of insomnia you have, its underlying causes, and how long you’ve had it. Treatment tends to be most successful when it’s tailored to your specific case.
Many people want to cure insomnia naturally, and some options don’t involve medication, or can be used along with medication, including:
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) focuses on thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.
Sleep hygiene focuses on a consistent bedtime routine, less screen time, a comfortable sleep environment, limiting daytime naps, avoiding late-night meals, and not smoking in the evening.
Reduced alcohol and caffeine intake, regular exercise, and stress management may improve sleep.
Meditation may ease stress and anxiety that contribute to insomnia.
Natural supplements, like valerian root, melatonin, or magnesium, can help some people improve sleep.
But for people with chronic or severe insomnia, these changes may not be enough alone. When this is the case, medications offer an effective approach for many people.
Your provider may or may not recommend medication as part of your treatment plan.
Insomnia treatment, including sleep medications:
– “Z-drugs” like zolpidem (Ambien) or eszopiclone (Lunesta)
– Benzodiazepines like temazepam (Restoril)
– Sedating antidepressants like doxepin (Silenor)
– Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like melatonin or antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom)
All medications, including those listed here, have side effects, some serious. They may also have warnings, may be contraindicated for some people, and may interact with other medications. Before taking any medication or considering using a medication talk with your provider and read the medication guide.
Zolpidem (Ambien)
Ambien is a sedative or hypnotic and a controlled substance. It’s FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia for people who can’t fall asleep. Learn more about Ambien
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Lunesta is a sedative or hypnotic and a controlled substance. It’s FDA-approved for insomnia and in studies, helped people fall and stay asleep.
Zaleplon (Sonata)
Sonata is a sedative or hypnotic and a controlled substance. It’s FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia for people who can’t fall asleep.
Ramelteon (Rozerem)
Rozerem is a sedative-hypnotic. It isn’t a controlled substance. It’s FDA-approved to treat insomnia for people who struggle to fall asleep.
Daridorexant (Quviviq)
Daridorexant is an orexin-agonist that works against a brain chemical that causes wakefulness. It’s a controlled substance that’s FDA-approved to treat insomnia in people who can’t fall or stay asleep.
Temazepam (Restoril)
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that slows down the central nervous system (CNS) to cause drowsiness. It’s a controlled substance that’s FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Doxepin (Silenor)
Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medication. It’s not a controlled substance and is FDA-approved to treat insomnia when people can’t stay asleep.
Suvorexant (Belsomra)
Suvorexant is an orexin-receptor antagonist. It’s a controlled substance. It’s FDA-approved to treat insomnia in people who can’t fall and/or stay asleep.
Your provider may or may not recommend medication as part of your treatment plan.
Sleep medications, including those listed here, have side effects, some serious. They may also have warnings, be contraindicated for some people (meaning those people shouldn’t take them), and may interact with other medications.
Listed here are some of the most common side effects of sleep medications. Before taking any medication or considering using a medication talk with your provider and read the medication guide.
Common side effects of z-drugs, like Ambien and Lunesta, include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, confusion, memory problems, headache, nausea, and dry mouth. Some z-drugs also cause complex sleep behaviors, like sleepwalking, eating, or driving, that may result in injury or death. And more serious, but less common, side effects like allergic reactions can happen.
Benzodiazepines, like temazepam (Restoril), can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired, confusion, memory problems, and daytime fatigue. Some users experience paradoxical reactions like increased anxiety or agitation. Other potential effects include changes in appetite, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal issues. Rarely, more severe reactions occur.
Common side effects of sedating antidepressants. like doxepin (Silenor). include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, weight gain, daytime fatigue, headaches, or nausea. Cognitive effects like confusion or memory issues and sexual side effects have happened. Rarely, more serious effects like changes in heart rhythm or allergic reactions have occurred.
The extended use of sleep medications that are controlled substances may lead to dependence, abuse, and/or withdrawal symptoms.
To find an online provider for insomnia diagnosis and/or medication management, search healthcare marketplace services, like Klarity Health, to find an insomnia provider and schedule an appointment. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose you, and prescribe sleep medication if it’s right for you.
Note: some sleep medications are controlled substances and regulated by state law. Not all states let telehealth providers prescribe medication, including controlled substances, online. Check your state’s regulations or ask your provider for details.
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique insomnia treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Your journey to better sleep starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right treatment for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.
Your initial consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
If you have questions or need assistance, the Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support possible.
Real testimonials from real patients working with providers on Klarity Health.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
