Long days of work deadlines, kid crises and teacher talks can keep your mind racing at night. So it’s no surprise that more and more moms turn to medication for sleep. In fact, some 30 percent of women use a sleep aid—over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed—weekly, according to a study by the National Sleep Foundation.

Cause
“Insomnia is more common in women than in men and often increases with age,” says Donna Arand, PhD, clinical director at the Kettering Hospital Sleep Disorders center in Dayton, OH. Mounting work life pressures can cause women to turn to meds for relief, since insomnia is not a working mom’s friend.

Effect
A medicated night’s sleep can come at a price. residual effects from even mild meds might include sluggishness at work or abnormal sleep behaviors like limited dream recall or nightmares. Popping even an OTC pill may also leave you too groggy to answer midnight mommy calls from your kids and eventually lead to dependency.

Cure
Sleep meds are considered acceptable for short-term use or for the occasional sleepless night, says Dr. Arand. But if you’re using them as a Band-Aid for bigger problems—anxiety, underlying stress or other emotional issues—you may need professional help. Eating right, exercising, deep breathing and a regular bedtime can all help induce slumber—naturally.

Tip: Create a nightly ritual so your body knows when it’s time for bed.