The short answer
In Australia, the main sleep aids you can buy without a prescription are sedating antihistamines like doxylamine (Pharmacist Only) and, if you're 55 or over, prolonged-release melatonin from a pharmacist. Prescription options include benzodiazepines such as temazepam, "z-drugs" like zolpidem and zopiclone, and orexin blockers like suvorexant and lemborexant. The benefits are generally modest and every option carries risks, so most are meant for short-term use only. For insomnia that keeps coming back, guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) first.
On this page
What are sleeping tablets?
"Sleeping tablets" (or sleeping pills) is a loose term for any medicine taken to help you fall asleep or stay asleep. In Australia that ranges from antihistamines you can buy from a pharmacist to prescription medicines that act directly on the brain's sleep and wake systems.
The Sleep Health Foundation puts it plainly: sleeping tablets can only deal with sleep problems in the short term [1]. They don't change the habits, worries and body-clock problems that keep insomnia going. That's why doctors usually treat them as a short bridge, not a long-term plan.
Here's how the main options compare.
| Type | Examples | How you get it in Australia | Main concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedating antihistamines | Doxylamine, promethazine | Pharmacist Only (Schedule 3) [2][3] | Weak evidence for insomnia, side effects [4] |
| Melatonin | Prolonged-release melatonin | Pharmacist Only if you're 55+ (insomnia) or 18+ (jet lag), otherwise prescription [3] | Modest effect [5] |
| Benzodiazepines | Temazepam, nitrazepam | Prescription | Dependence, withdrawal, driving and falls risk [1][6] |
| Z-drugs | Zolpidem, zopiclone | Prescription | Complex sleep behaviours, dependence [6][7] |
| Orexin receptor antagonists | Suvorexant, lemborexant | Prescription, not on the PBS [8][9] | Next-day drowsiness, cost [10] |
What sleeping tablets can you buy over the counter in Australia?
Apart from herbal products, over-the-counter sleep medicines in Australia are mostly Pharmacist Only medicines. You buy them at a pharmacy, and the pharmacist checks they're suitable for you before handing them over.
Sedating antihistamines (doxylamine and promethazine)
Doxylamine is sold under several brand names, including pharmacy own-brands. It's a Schedule 3 Pharmacist Only medicine, sold for the "temporary relief of sleeplessness" [2]. Most oral promethazine products are also Pharmacist Only [3]. These medicines were made for allergies, and drowsiness is a side effect rather than their main purpose [1].
Do they work? A large network meta-analysis found doxylamine worked better than placebo for short-term insomnia [11]. But Australian sleep physicians writing in Australian Prescriber don't recommend antihistamines for insomnia, because the evidence is weak and the side effects are significant [4]. The 2023 European insomnia guideline also recommends against them [12]. They can leave you groggy the next day, and healthdirect advises people over 65 to check with a pharmacist or doctor first [2].
In early 2026 the TGA consulted on making all oral sedating antihistamine products for children under 12 Pharmacist Only, citing limited benefit and safety concerns in children [3]. For adults, single-ingredient antihistamine sleep products were already Pharmacist Only [2][3].
Melatonin
Melatonin is the hormone your brain releases in the evening to signal it's time to sleep. Australian rules are much stricter than in the US, where it's sold as a dietary supplement [3]. As at the latest TGA scheduling documents, a pharmacist can supply [3]:
- low-strength (2 mg or less) prolonged-release melatonin for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults 55 and over, in packs of up to 30 tablets
- low-strength immediate-release melatonin for jet lag in adults 18 and over, in packs of up to 10 doses.
All other melatonin is prescription only [3]. The Pharmacist Only option for people 55 and over started on 1 June 2021 [13].
The benefit is real but small. A meta-analysis of 19 trials found melatonin helped people fall asleep about 7 minutes faster and sleep about 8 minutes longer, with a modest improvement in sleep quality [5]. The European guideline says prolonged-release melatonin can be used for up to three months in people 55 and over, but doesn't recommend fast-release melatonin for insomnia [12].
Be careful with melatonin bought online. In 2025 the TGA tested imported, unregistered products and found eight contained significantly more melatonin than the label said, two contained less, and one contained none at all [14]. The TGA also warned about accidental overdose, especially in children [14], so keep any melatonin out of reach of kids.
In early 2026 the TGA's scheduling committee considered an application to make some melatonin products available to all adults as a Pharmacy Medicine [3]. Scheduling rules can change, so ask your pharmacist about the current rules.
Herbal and "natural" sleep products
Products such as valerian are widely sold, but the European guideline doesn't recommend herbal products for insomnia because the evidence doesn't support them [12].
Is any over-the-counter option clearly better?
No single product clearly stands out. Prolonged-release melatonin has some guideline support for people 55 and over [12]. Antihistamines are easy to get but aren't recommended for ongoing insomnia [4][12]. If you're reaching for a sleep aid most nights, that's a sign to look at what's driving the problem rather than switching products.
What prescription sleeping tablets are available in Australia?
Benzodiazepines (such as temazepam and nitrazepam)
Benzodiazepines are the longest-established prescription sleeping tablets. They're recommended for short-term use, less than four weeks [1]. Taking them every night tends to reduce their effect over time, and stopping suddenly can cause rebound insomnia and withdrawal [1].
The RACGP's guidance on drugs of dependence notes that sudden withdrawal can be associated with seizures, and that withdrawal symptoms can usually be minimised by reducing slowly [6]. Benzodiazepines are linked to a 60 to 80% increase in the risk of road accidents [6]. Long-term use has also been associated with cognitive problems, although those studies are hard to interpret [6].
Z-drugs (zolpidem and zopiclone)
Zolpidem and zopiclone act on the same brain receptor as benzodiazepines and share similar risks [6]. They were marketed for sleep because of how quickly the body processes them [6], but they are not risk-free.
In 2008 the TGA added a boxed warning to zolpidem after a sharp rise in reports of complex sleep-related behaviours, such as sleepwalking and sleep driving [7]. By January 2008, 394 Australian adverse reaction reports for zolpidem mentioned abnormal sleep-related events, and 103 mentioned sleep driving [7]. The warning notes these behaviours can appear for the first time after a period of uneventful use, and that zolpidem should not be taken with alcohol. It limits use to four weeks under close medical supervision [7]. If you ever do something in your sleep after taking a sleeping tablet, talk to your doctor straight away.
Orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant and lemborexant)
These newer medicines block orexin, a brain chemical that keeps you awake [10]. Suvorexant was the first orexin blocker marketed in Australia [10], and lemborexant is now also available. Lemborexant is under the TGA's Black Triangle Scheme, which means it's being closely monitored as a newer medicine [9]. Neither is on the PBS, so you pay the full price [8][9].
The benefit is modest. In trials, suvorexant helped people fall asleep about 5 to 7 minutes faster and sleep 16 to 21 minutes longer than placebo after a month [10]. A 2022 network meta-analysis found lemborexant had a favourable profile, but its safety data were inconclusive [11].
Dependence appears less likely than with benzodiazepines [10]. Side effects include daytime sleepiness (13.2% of people on suvorexant compared with 2.7% on placebo in trials), and some people have next-day effects, so you shouldn't drive unless you feel fully alert [10]. Sleepwalking, sleep paralysis and hallucinations were also reported [10].
A third orexin blocker, daridorexant, is included in the European guideline [12]. It isn't currently registered for use in Australia.
Other medicines sometimes used for sleep
Some doctors prescribe low doses of sedating antidepressants or antipsychotics for sleep. Australian sleep experts don't recommend them for insomnia on its own [1][4][16]. The European guideline allows low-dose sedating antidepressants for short-term use in some cases, but recommends against antipsychotics for insomnia [12]. If insomnia comes with depression or anxiety, treating that condition is a different conversation (see depression and anxiety).
A consultation doesn't guarantee a prescription. Your GP decides what's clinically appropriate.
What are the risks of sleeping tablets?
The main risks across sleeping tablets are:
- Dependence and withdrawal. Benzodiazepines and z-drugs can cause dependence, and stopping suddenly can trigger rebound insomnia and withdrawal [1][6].
- Next-day impairment. Longer-acting tablets can leave a "hangover" effect in the morning [1]. That affects driving, work and safety.
- Falls and confusion in older people. A meta-analysis in people 60 and over found sleep improved only slightly on sedatives (about 25 minutes more sleep), while cognitive side effects were about 4.8 times more common and psychomotor side effects about 2.6 times more common than on placebo [15]. The authors concluded the benefits may not justify the risks in this age group [15]. Poor sleep itself also increases falls risk, so it's a trade-off your doctor weighs with you [4].
- Complex sleep behaviours. Sleepwalking and sleep driving have been reported with zolpidem [7], and sleepwalking has also been reported with suvorexant [10].
- Mixing with alcohol or other sedatives. The most serious harms from benzodiazepines happen when they're combined with alcohol, opioids or other drugs [6].
- They don't fix the cause. Tablets don't change the patterns that keep insomnia going [1].
Why do guidelines recommend CBT-i before sleeping tablets?
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) is a structured program that changes the habits and thought patterns that keep insomnia going [1]. The European guideline recommends CBT-i as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults of any age, including people with other health conditions, either in person or online [12]. Medication is offered when CBT-i hasn't helped enough [12]. A July 2026 joint position statement from Australia's sleep, GP, psychology, pharmacy and nursing organisations also makes CBT-i the first-line treatment, and says sleep hygiene advice on its own isn't enough for chronic insomnia [16].
The same statement says that if sleep medicines are used, specific benzodiazepines and z-drugs may suit up to 2 to 4 weeks at the lowest effective dose, melatonin may be used for up to 13 weeks, and orexin blockers are generally for chronic insomnia. It doesn't recommend sedating antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, cannabinoids or complementary medicines for insomnia [16].
CBT-i takes more effort than a tablet, but it's aimed at the reasons you can't sleep, not just the symptom. Our insomnia treatment guide explains what's involved, how well it works, and the free online programs available in Australia.
How do you come off sleeping tablets?
If you've been taking a benzodiazepine or z-drug regularly, don't stop suddenly. Reducing gradually usually keeps withdrawal symptoms to a minimum [6]. A GP can plan a taper with you, and a sleep specialist or sleep psychologist can help you reduce or stop tablets [1].
When should you see a GP about sleep?
See a GP if:
- you've had trouble sleeping on most nights for more than a few weeks
- you're using over-the-counter sleep aids regularly
- you feel very sleepy during the day [4], or you snore loudly, stop breathing or gasp at night, which can point to sleep apnoea rather than insomnia
- your sleep problems come with low mood, worry or stress
- you've been on a prescription sleeping tablet for more than a few weeks, or want to come off one.
If you'd like to talk to a GP about your sleep, you can request an appointment. A GP can look at your sleep alongside mood, stress and your overall health, and refer you to a psychologist for CBT-i when needed. You can read more on our sleep page.
If you're in crisis or thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.
This page is general information, not medical advice.
Common questions
Can I buy sleeping tablets over the counter in Australia?
Only a limited range. Sedating antihistamines such as doxylamine are Pharmacist Only medicines, so you buy them at a pharmacy after the pharmacist checks they suit you [2]. Prolonged-release melatonin is also Pharmacist Only for adults 55 and over with insomnia [3]. Benzodiazepines, z-drugs and orexin blockers such as suvorexant and lemborexant all need a prescription [8][9].
Is melatonin over the counter in Australia?
Partly. A pharmacist can supply low-strength prolonged-release melatonin for short-term insomnia if you're 55 or over, and immediate-release melatonin for jet lag if you're 18 or over [3]. Other melatonin is prescription only. The TGA considered widening pharmacy access for adults in 2026, and scheduling rules can change, so check the current rules with your pharmacist [3].
What's the best over-the-counter sleeping pill in Australia?
There isn't a clear winner, and that's the honest answer. Prolonged-release melatonin has some guideline support for short-term use in people 55 and over [12]. Sleep experts don't recommend sedating antihistamines for insomnia because the evidence is weak and side effects are significant [4]. If you need a sleep aid most nights, it's worth looking at what's driving the insomnia with a GP.
How long can you take sleeping tablets for?
Most are designed for short-term use. Benzodiazepines and z-drugs are recommended for less than four weeks [1], and zolpidem's Australian boxed warning limits use to four weeks under medical supervision [7]. Suvorexant can be used for longer, but its use should be reviewed if you're still taking it after three months [10].
Are sleeping tablets addictive?
Benzodiazepines and z-drugs can cause dependence, and stopping suddenly can bring rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms [1][6]. Dependence seems less likely with suvorexant, though rebound insomnia has been reported after stopping [10]. If you've been taking a sleeping tablet regularly, talk to your doctor about reducing it gradually rather than stopping on your own.
Can I drink alcohol with sleeping tablets?
References
- Sleep Health Foundation. Sleeping tablets. January 2024. Accessed November 2026. sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleeping-tablets.html
- healthdirect. Restavit (doxylamine) medicine information. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/snomed/53322011000036109/restavit
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Public consultation on proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard (ACMS, ACCS and Joint ACMS-ACCS meetings, March 2026): melatonin and first-generation sedating antihistamines. Accessed November 2026. consultations.tga.gov.au/tga/scheduling-pre-meeting-march-2026
- Ng L, Cunnington D. Management of insomnia in primary care. Aust Prescr. 2021;44(4):124-8. nps.org.au/assets/AP/pdf/p124-Ng-Cunnington.pdf
- Ferracioli-Oda E, Qawasmi A, Bloch MH. Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders. PLoS One. 2013;8(5):e63773. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23691095
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice, Part B: Benzodiazepines. Accessed November 2026. racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/guidelines-by-topi
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Zolpidem (Stilnox): boxed warning on complex sleep-related behaviours. February 2008. Accessed November 2026. tga.gov.au/node/283949
- healthdirect. Belsomra (suvorexant) medicine information. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/snomed/901051000168106/belsomra
- healthdirect. Dayvigo (lemborexant) medicine information. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,1562121000168101/dayvigo
- Suvorexant (New drugs). Aust Prescr. 2017;40:116-7. nps.org.au/assets/0db6520f14f6939e-94e8bb8573f4-suvorexant-for-insomni
- De Crescenzo F, et al. Comparative effects of pharmacological interventions for the acute and long-term management of insomnia disorder in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet. 2022;400(10347):170-184. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35843245
- Riemann D, Espie CA, Altena E, et al. The European Insomnia Guideline: an update on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023. J Sleep Res. 2023;32(6):e14035. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38016484
- Therapeutic Goods Administration. Notice of final decision to amend the current Poisons Standard in relation to melatonin. Accessed November 2026. tga.gov.au/resources/publication/scheduling-decisions-final/notice-fin
- Roberts J. TGA issues warning on online melatonin. newsGP (RACGP). 29 September 2025. www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/tga-issues-warning-on-online-melaton
- Glass J, Lanctôt KL, Herrmann N, Sproule BA, Busto UE. Sedative hypnotics in older people with insomnia: meta-analysis of risks and benefits. BMJ. 2005;331(7526):1169. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16284208
- Sweetman A, Putland S, Meaklim H, et al. Management of adult insomnia in Australia: a joint position statement of the Australasian Sleep Association, Sleep Health Foundation, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian Psychological Society, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association. Sleep Adv. 2026;7(3):zpag086. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42781607
Published by Mental Health Clinic. Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice about your own situation. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.