The best sleep aid for 2024: Get better sleep without a prescription

Cost: $26 | Type of sleep aid: Herbal supplement

Garden of Life products are some of the most respected in the supplement world, and these Sleep Well Tablets are our top pick for good reason. 

We love that they use natural ingredients like valerian root, lemon balm and chamomile to help you toss less and dream more. Plus, they're non-habit-forming and won't leave you feeling like a zombie during your morning commute.

As someone who has tried everything from counting sheep to mindfulness apps, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of these tablets. Just be prepared for the possibility of weird or vivid dreams. According to a 2020 study, valerian root can have this effect. I, however, didn't have any issues. I slept soundly through the night and woke refreshed, as the label promised.

We also love these tablets because they contain a probiotic blend for gut health, are certified vegan and non-GMO and don't contain artificial ingredients. 

One happy reviewer said, "I don’t get the groggy feeling that melatonin gives me, and they are safer than any over-the-counter sleep aid." 

The con? The tablets are quite large and may be hard to swallow. If you have trouble with pills, look for the spray or liquid formula.

Cost: $10 | Type of sleep aid: Supplement

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. While our bodies produce it naturally to signal when it's time to sleep, some people with insomnia respond well to melatonin supplementation for its sleep-promoting effects. Though research is ongoing, there's enough evidence to suggest that melatonin can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality in some individuals, particularly those with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.

I've tried melatonin in the past, and while it helped me fall asleep faster, I've often awakened too early and felt groggy the next day. Natrol's new Time Release Melatonin gummies are formulated to help you stay asleep longer, thanks to the slow release of melatonin throughout the night. This 10-milligram gummy contains no artificial sweeteners, is non-GMO and free from synthetic dyes and flavors.

The drawback of gummy supplements is that they can stick to your teeth and potentially contribute to cavity formation — though these only contain one gram of added sugars. Still, brushing your teeth after taking them is important to preserve your pearly whites. 

Users seem to appreciate this new formula, with one reviewer saying, "Texture is like all gummy bear candy, but its performance is great, and my sleep quality has changed. Highly recommended!"

Cost: $25 | Type of sleep aid: Supplement

Ritual's BioSeries Melatonin looks different from your standard drugstore supplement. The dissolvable capsule contains three smaller tablets, each designed to release melatonin at different stages throughout the night. In two small company-sponsored randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, the participants who took the BioSeries Melatonin supplement experienced peak, sustained melatonin levels throughout the night, better sleep patterns and a more refreshed wake-up when compared to individuals who took a placebo. 

Why does it matter? Well, your body's natural melatonin levels begin rising in the evening to help you fall asleep and peak in the middle of the night. This supplement is designed to mimic the natural rise and fall of melatonin to promote deeper sleep. "Melatonin can be very helpful," says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, an integrative medicine physician and author. "But unless a sustained release form is used, people will wake during the night."

Unlike most capsules that use gelatin, this one is vegan-friendly and suitable for those with allergies or gluten sensitivities. It also contains no unnecessary additives and is third-party tested for heavy metals and microbes. 

After taking it, I slept more soundly and didn't experience any morning grogginess.

One satisfied customer writes, "By far the best non-prescription sleep aid you can currently get!" However, some reviewers say they cost more than other options on the market and, as a bottle contains 20 capsules, there aren't enough for a month if you take them nightly.

Cost: $25 | Type of sleep aid: Herbal supplement

Valerian root is one of the herbal supplements that works well for me regarding sleep. Nature's Sunshine Herbal Sleep Capsules contain a combination of valerian root, passionflower and hops flowers to promote a sense of calm without fillers or synthetic ingredients.

I tried these capsules before bed — now I wish I'd known about them years ago. Not only did I drift off to sleep quickly, but my mind wasn't running an internal marathon — one of the reasons I often have difficulty falling asleep. I woke up feeling more rested than usual, and my Fitbit confirmed that I slept deeper. 

One user said it helped her sleep naturally without side effects or a feeling of being hungover.

As mentioned, valerian root has been linked to vivid and unusual dreams. Stop taking them if you notice unsettling sleep patterns. I didn't experience adverse side effects, but it's something to consider. Another important note: A serving size is two capsules, so the 100-capsule bottle will last less than two months if you take them daily. 

Cost: $32 | Type of sleep aid: Topical

Ever since I tried this Wholesome Hippy Calm Cream, I've been sold on the benefits of magnesium for sleep, which are also well supported by research in individuals with sleep disturbances or insomnia. 

While most people take magnesium as a supplement, some evidence suggests that topical magnesium can be absorbed more efficiently through the skin, which could make it a powerful option for promoting relaxation (although more research needs to be done to support this conclusion). 

When applied before bed, Wholesome Hippy purports that this cream helps ease muscle tension and fosters a sense of calm. Plus, it's enriched with other sleep-promoting ingredients like melatonin, valerian root and chamomile, making it an ideal addition to a nighttime routine.

As someone who often deals with tense muscles and difficulty falling asleep, I was excited to try it. Thanks to the shea, cocoa and mango butters, the texture is thick and moisture-rich, but it dries quickly, leaving you feeling moisturized but not greasy. A little bit goes a long way — I only needed a fingertip's worth on each foot. The scent is heavenly too!

The real reason I love it? I've been using it on my son's feet as part of his nighttime routine, and he's finally sleeping through the night. Granted, he doesn't have severe sleep issues, but it's certainly helped him wind down and stay asleep longer. 

One user raved, "The quality of my sleep has vastly improved and my anxiety doesn't wake me up. Plus, it has the added benefit of pain relief! You only need a small amount, so it lasts quite a while."

Cost: $4 | Type of sleep aid: Herbal tea

Nothing can replace a warm cup of tea before bed — it's a nightly ritual that helps still the chaos of three kids and a million to-dos. For those nights when I need extra help unwinding, I reach for Stash Chamomile Nights Tea. The blend of chamomile, spearmint and natural lotus flavors puts my mind and body at ease after a long day.

The tea is light yet soothing, and I appreciate that it's naturally caffeine-free. While more research is needed to understand the benefits of chamomile fully, some studies show it may promote better sleep and reduce anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorders.

This tea isn't just great for bedtime — I've also found myself drinking it during stressful moments when my brain won't stop racing. Its calming effects and delicious flavor make it a staple in my tea collection. 

One of the more than 43,000 Amazon reviewers says, "This is a chamomile tea with an extra bit of calm due to the addition of some mint and lotus flavor. It's a really nice tea to have right before bed. It actually makes me considerably sleepy sometimes, so I avoid drinking it earlier in the day."

Cost: $13 | Type of sleep aid: Aromatherapy

I started using essential oils years ago after looking for natural ways to support a healthy and pleasant-smelling house. If you ask a certified aromatherapist, they'll likely tell you that essential oils have been used for centuries for sleep and relaxation. However, not all oils are safe or suitable for every household, especially if you have pets or small children, but I trust the safety and quality of NOW essential oils.

The Peaceful Sleep Oil Blend has quickly become one I can't sleep without. It includes chamomile, lavender, orange, tangerine and sandalwood oils to help promote a relaxing atmosphere conducive to sleep. This blend isn't overpowering like others I've tried. I add a few drops to my diffuser 30 minutes before bed and feel myself starting to unwind almost immediately. What more could I ask for?

While essential oils can be controversial, some studies suggest specific oils like lavender and jasmine may help with sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. 

The almost 2,400 Amazon reviewers rate it 4.6 out of 5 stars, with one user saying, "My kids and my husband swear by this!"

Cost: $15 | Type of sleep aid: Over-the-counter (OTC)

When all else fails, the trusty ZzzQuil is on my nightstand. I'm not a fan of relying on medication to sleep, but sometimes it's the best option when I can't afford another restless night. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine HCl, a common antihistamine that causes drowsiness.

While it's non-habit-forming, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not take it for more than a few consecutive nights. The company recommends stopping the medication and seeing a doctor if you have insomnia for more than two weeks. I also try to take it at least eight hours before I need to be up in the morning, as it can cause drowsiness or even dizziness the next day.

These are liquid caps, which I find much easier to swallow than larger pills. The outer capsule dissolves quickly, so it works faster than traditional capsules. I've undoubtedly woken up with dry mouth after taking these, but they do the job when needed. Plus, they're affordable and available at most local and online drugstores. Amazon reviewers rate them 4.5 out of 5 stars, with one user commenting, "Slept like sleeping beauty!"

Cost: $60/year | Type of sleep aid: App

Sleep trackers do one thing well: track the amount of sleep you get. What I find interesting about the RISE Sleep Tracker app is that it not only tracks your sleep debt (the amount of time you need to make up for lost sleep) but also provides personalized recommendations for improving your sleep habits and becoming more alert during the day.

It took me five minutes to set up, including syncing it with other health apps, and it's been an eye-opening experience. For example, I learned that I was in 3.3 hours of sleep debt and required 9 hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. In terms of energy, RISE estimated my circadian rhythm and suggested times for me to wake up, exercise to improve energy and wind down for bed. This is all based on data collected via phone motion and other inputs I provided about my lifestyle.

The app has several other handy features, like progress reports, relaxing sleep sounds and habit reminders. It may not be as accurate as a wearable when used alone, but RISE uses data from other external devices if you have one (like Fitbit or Garmin) to further analyze and improve predictions beyond most smart device apps I've tested. 

The nearly 3,700 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Play agree that this is an app worth trying. You can give it a whirl for free for seven days before the price goes up to $60 per year.

Cost: $150 | Type of sleep aid: Humidifier

My sinuses are pretty sensitive, so I've always been a fan of humidifiers. This Humidifier and Aroma Kit by Canopy is the first humidifier I've tried that has two options for aromatherapy: You can add a few drops directly to the water tank or use the separate magnetic aroma puck with up to five drops of oil. The puck, which attaches to the top of the humidifier, slowly diffuses the scent into the air. You can change the puck depending on the time of day or the scents you prefer.

I tried this in my bedroom while I was down and out with a cold, and it definitely helped keep my nasal passages more comfortable while I slept. I like that it has a large tank and user-friendly controls — I can also pop the parts into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Though it's on the pricier side for a humidifier, the added features make up for it.

It does have some limitations, though — it's best suited for spaces less than 500 square feet, and the aroma puck may not work as well in larger rooms. But overall, I stand with the hundreds of satisfied Amazon reviewers who give it a thumbs up. One user shared, "One of the best aspects of this humidifier is how quietly it operates. Even on the highest setting, it produces only a gentle hum, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or nurseries."

Cost: $135 | Type of sleep aid: Pillow

Two nights. That's how long it took the Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow to sweep me off my feet and into the dreamiest snooze in recent memory. As a pillow snob — I quite literally sleep with five different pillows on my side of the bed — this one has quickly become one of my all-time favorites.

The outer cover is 100% organic cotton, and the inner foam layers are CertiPUR-US certified. What I love most is how it contours to my neck and head without feeling too firm or soft. I sleep on my side and back, and it's comfortable in both positions. The cover is removable and machine washable too!

One downside is the price point — it may be out of budget for some. It also had a slight initial odor that quickly dissipated within a day or two. With a 1-year warranty and a 45-day trial period, it's worth trying if you're looking for a new pillow that adapts to your body as you move.

Cost: $230+, depending on size | Type of sleep aid: Sheets

I'm feel like I'm at a 5-star resort in the Turks & Caicos whenever I climb into bed with these Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets. Made with premium viscose from bamboo, they are soft, eco-friendly, moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and odor-resistant. Can you ask for more from a set of sheets?

I prefer these sheets over traditional cotton ones because they keep me cool throughout the night without ever feeling chilled. They also have a subtle sheen that makes my bed look extra inviting. The fitted sheet is slightly oversized, so it stays in place even if you have a thicker mattress or added topper. And unlike other bamboo sheets I've tried, these don't wrinkle easily in the wash. I've washed them multiple times following the care instructions, and they still feel new.

These are an investment (to say the least), but they may be worth it if you value a good night's sleep. Plus, Cozy Earth offers a 100-night trial and free shipping and returns — you can try them risk-free. 

Cost: $974+, depending on size | Type of sleep aid: Mattress

I'm not going to lie — I was skeptical about choosing a mattress online without trying it in person. I struggled to decide which firmness level I wanted: plush, luxury firm or firm. But I went with a luxury firm and have been super happy with my decision. The Nolah Evolution 15" is the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on — no exaggeration.

I didn't initially understand what "luxury firm" meant. Is it closer to firm or medium? From my experience, it's like having a firm mattress (great for back support) with several inches of melt-into-your-mattress softness on top. I'm a side-back combo sleeper, and this mattress cradles me without feeling like I'm sinking. My husband's morning back pain has disappeared, too.

Some important notes: It comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king and split king. There's a 120-night trial period, although you can opt out for a $100 discount. If you decide to return it within that period, it costs $99 for pickup. The mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty, but most replacements/repairs will require some kind of transportation or repair fee.