Key takeaways
Temazepam (Restoril) and Hetlioz (tasimelteon) are both used to help with sleep issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep by slowing down brain activity. It's used for short-term treatment of insomnia and can be habit-forming, so it's a controlled substance. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, and a "hangover" feeling the next day. On the other hand, Hetlioz is a melatonin receptor agonist that helps regulate sleep cycles, especially for people who are totally blind with non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder or those with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. It is not habit-forming and is not a controlled substance, but it can take weeks to months to notice any effects. Hetlioz is only available as a brand name, making it more expensive, and must be taken at the same time every night on an empty stomach. Common side effects of Hetlioz include headache and abnormal liver tests.
