What is the best over-the-counter sleep aid?

According to Mayo Clinic, some popular choices for over-the-counter sleep aids are Diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl and Unisome Sleep), Doxylamine (found in Unisome SleepTabs), Melatonin (a hormone supplement) and Valerian (a supplement found in a plant).

Mayo Clinic makes the following suggestions to people considering taking over-the-counter sleep aids: consult a doctor before taking any medication, think about the side effects of the medication chosen, consider these medications as a short term solution, and avoid alcohol. Mayo Clinic also states that if problems persist with sleeping, a physician should be contacted to help come up with a better long-term solution.