Sleeping pills in Japan

Struggling to sleep? An over-the-counter sleeping pill might help you get the rest you need. While these medications aren’t meant for long-term use, they can be effective for occasional sleepless nights.

Sleeping pills in Japan are commonly referred to as 睡眠薬 (suiminyaku), meaning “sleeping medicine” or “sleeping pill.” To simplify your search, we’ve rounded up three of the most popular and highly recommended options, frequently endorsed by pharmacists in Japan. In fact, drugstore staff often note that these products sell so well, they sometimes run low—leaving just a single box on the shelf!

Most over-the-counter sleeping pills in Japan contain diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that promotes drowsiness by blocking histamine receptors in the brain. This makes it a popular choice for temporary relief from insomnia.

Keep in mind that Japanese pharmacies typically limit purchases to one box per customer. And as always, this guide is for informational purposes only—be sure to consult a healthcare professional to find the best option for you.

Recommended Sleeping Pills in Japan:

SS Pharmaceuticals Drewell (エスエス製薬 ドリエル)

Summary: This sleep aid tablet contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which blocks histamine in the brain to promote natural sleep. Ideal for those experiencing temporary insomnia due to stress, nervousness, or an irregular lifestyle, it helps with difficulty falling asleep and shallow sleep. Available at pharmacies and drugstores, it offers a gentle solution for a restful night and refreshed awakening.

Active Ingredient: diphenhydramine hydrochloride(50mg per 2 tablets).

Dosage: Take two tablets once a day with water or lukewarm water before bedtime. Not suitable for under 15 year olds or pregnant women. 

Apply an appropriate amount to the affected area once a day. Not suitable for infants or pregnant women.

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥1,958 for 12 tablets.

Considerations: Pharmacists advise avoiding driving and alcohol while using this medicine. They also caution against using it with other sedatives, cold medicines, or antihistamines. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, consult a doctor.

Special Note: Pharmacists also recommend Doriel EX. While it contains the same ingredients as Doriel, the difference is that Doriel EX comes in a capsule form that dissolves quickly and has a lavender scent. Please note that only one capsule should be taken (see below).

SS Pharmaceuticals Drewell Ex (ドリエルEX)

HapYcom Dreamin Aid a (ドリーミンエイドａ)

Summary: An over-the-counter sleep aid that contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that helps alleviate temporary insomnia. Designed to ease difficulty falling asleep and shallow sleep, it promotes natural rest for those affected by stress, nervousness, or an irregular lifestyle. Offering a gentle and effective solution, Dreamin Aid a supports a refreshing and restorative night’s sleep.

Active Ingredient: diphenhydramine hydrochloride(50mg per 2 tablets).

Dosage: Take two tablets once a day before bedtime. Not suitable for under 15 year olds or pregnant women.  

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥1,518 for 12 tablets.

Considerations: Drugstore staff recommend taking only the recommended dosage, as exceeding two tablets may cause nervousness and worsen insomnia. You may experience drowsiness or fatigue the next day. If symptoms do not improve after 2 to 3 uses, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Itami Pharmaceutical Utto Sleep Sedative (伊丹製薬株式会社 ウット)

Summary: Unlike the sleep aids designed for temporary insomnia relief mentioned above, Utto Sleep Sedative is formulated to calm mental excitement and ease nervous tension. This medication contains active ingredients such as bromovalerylurea, allylisopropylacetylurea, and diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which work together to relieve headaches, mental agitation, and neurasthenia, providing gentle and effective sedation. Please note that the active ingredient bromovalerylurea may cause addiction if taken continuously and may also associated with withdrawal symptoms, unlike the first 2 products, which are the equivalents of Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

Active Ingredient: bromovalerylurea: 250mg, allylisopropylacetylurea: 150mg, diphenhydramine hydrochloride: 25mg (per 3 tablets).

Dosage: Take one tablet 1-3 times a day after meals. Not suitable for under 15 year olds.

Price: Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥2,178 for 12 tablets.

Considerations: If your symptoms do not improve, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Drugstore staff note that possible side effects include rash, itching, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice.

General Tips and Considerations for Buying Sleeping Pills in Japan

Consideration: Pharmacists strongly recommend using sleeping pills only occasionally or for short-term relief. Regular or prolonged use can lead to rapid tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines, reducing their effectiveness over time.

Consultation: If your symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks or worsen, stop using the product and seek medical advice.

This information on sleeping pills in Japan is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of February 2025. Always read the product packaging and instructions carefully, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about treatment.

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.