In other words, this widely used drug could do much more than relieve pain or promote sleep. It could subtly alter the way you experience emotions and interpret the world around you.
So what should you do instead?
Dr. Melillo isn’t calling for Tylenol PM to be removed from the shelves. He agrees that it can be helpful in some situations. But he’s firm on one thing: it shouldn’t become a bedtime habit.
For persistent sleep problems, she recommends speaking with a doctor or pharmacist to discuss options such as:
Non-addictive sleep aids
Melatonin or other natural supplements
Improve your sleep habits: Reduce screen use, avoid caffeine after midday, and stick to a regular bedtime.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which research shows is more effective than medications over time
If the real problem is nighttime pain, consider approaches such as:
Use paracetamol only when necessary, not routinely
Rotate pain relievers instead of relying on the same one every day
Try non-drug strategies such as heat therapy, massage, or gentle stretching
The goal is not to eliminate relief efforts, but to find safer, more lasting solutions that don’t create new problems and solve old ones.
