Safety considerations

Prescription sleeping pills (and even some nonprescription sleeping aids), as well as certain antidepressants, may not be safe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or an older adult. Sleeping pill use may increase the risk of nighttime falls and injury in older adults. If you're an older adult, your health care provider may prescribe a lower dose of medicine to reduce your risk of problems.

Some health conditions — for example, kidney disease, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems or a history of seizures — may limit your options. Also, prescription sleeping pills and nonprescription sleep aids may interact with other medicines. And taking certain prescription sleeping pills can lead to drug misuse or drug dependence, so it's important to follow your health care provider's advice.