Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common over-the-counter antihistamine often used to treat allergies, hay fever, and even occasional insomnia. While it’s effective in the short term, using it daily can pose serious health risks—especially if you're using it for sleep or long-term allergy control.
Why Benadryl Isn’t Safe for Daily Use
Cognitive Side Effects: Long-term use is linked to memory problems, confusion, and an increased risk of dementia, especially in older adults.
Sedation and Grogginess: Regular use can lead to daytime drowsiness, poor coordination, and impaired reaction time.
Tolerance Build-Up: Over time, your body may become less responsive to it, leading you to take more to achieve the same effect.
Not Designed for Long-Term Use: The FDA and medical guidelines recommend Benadryl only for short-term symptom relief—not as a daily medication.
Natural Alternatives for Allergy Relief
Vitamin C
Acts as a natural antihistamine, antioxidant, and supports immune function
Typical supplement dosage: 1000-2000mg/day
Saline Nasal Rinse or Neti Pot
Helps flush out allergens, pollen, and irritants from nasal passages
Provides immediate relief from congestion and sinus pressure
Use sterile, distilled, or boiled water to avoid infection risk
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
NAC helps break down thick mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways
Acts also as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Typical supplement dosage: 500-1000mg/day
Quercetin
A natural antioxidant found in onions, apples, and berries
Combined with bromelain will improve absorption
Typical supplement dosage: 200–800 mg daily, often taken multiple times throughout the day
Stinging Nettle
A traditional herbal remedy that may block histamine receptors and reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and congestion
typical dosage: ~300–600 mg daily, or consumed as tea
Here are some of my favorite allergy relief products I use clinically: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/afey-allergy-relief
Natural Alternatives for Insomnia
Sleep Hygiene Practices
Obtain a regular sleep schedule
Limiting screen time for 1-2 hours before bed
Avoid drinking caffeine after noon
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet while sleeping
Melatonin
A hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles
Helpful for jet lag, shift work, and mild insomnia
Typical supplement dosage: 0.5 mg-3mg take 1-2 hours before bed
Magnesium
Helpful for relaxation of muscles and calming of the nervous system
Magnesium in a glycinate form works the best for insomnia
Typical supplement dosage: 120mg-500mg before bed
Valerian Root
A well-known herbal remedy that may improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep
Can be taken as a tea, capsule, or tincture
Glycine
An amino acid that helps lower body temperature and signal sleep readiness
Typical supplement dosage: 3 grams before bed
Here are some of my favorite insomnia formulas I use clinically: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/afey-sleep-support
Reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4592307/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since 2005, Dr. Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr. Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.
Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr. Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office, call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.
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