Most of us will experience occasional insomnia at some point in our lives, whether from extra stress at work, or the evening before an important interview. However, before you go to the doctor for a prescription sleep aid, there are many over-the-counter and herbal sleep aids that could offer you relief from your restless nights.

While there is certainly no deficit of “natural” sleep aids, it can be difficult choosing which one may be best for you. Not all non-prescription sleep aids are created equal, and some address different forms of sleep, such as jet lag versus general insomnia. Others may dangerously interfere with medication you already are taking.

Lucky for you, here is an easy guide of some of the most popular active ingredients in OTC and herbal sleep aids.

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The science behind some of the most popular non-prescription sleep aids. Getty/ JEFF PACHOUD