What is a critical consideration for selecting and using sleep aids?

The critical consideration for selecting and using sleep aids is FDA approval. This is essential because FDA-approved sleep aids have undergone rigorous testing to evaluate their safety and efficacy, helping to ensure that they will not pose significant health risks to users. The approval process takes into account potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and the overall benefit-to-risk ratio, which can provide healthcare providers and patients confidence in the aid's reliability.

While cost-effectiveness, user reviews, and availability are important factors to consider, they do not provide the same level of assurance concerning safety and efficacy that comes with FDA approval. Non-approved sleep aids may lack adequate research supporting their effectiveness or safety, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. Thus, prioritizing FDA-approved options helps guide users toward more trusted and scientifically validated choices for managing sleep issues.