I just read that in the UK ...

[andy06shake]

I remember buying Lem-Sip, an over-the-counter cold medicine with codeine in it in the UK.

At a quick search "Solpadeine Max," "Nurofen Plus," and "Co‑codamol" all contain small amounts of Codeine and are available over the counter at the pharmacy here in the UK.

[Ray1990]

Codeine mixes have their place for moderate pain, I'm fairly sure it's considered a pharmacy (P) drug so they'll enquire what it's to be used for and it can only be sourced from a registered pharmacy.

The same would be true for some sleeping aids too such as antihistamines that cause drowsiness. The likes diphenhydramine and promethazine are totally legal but only pharmacists can legally sell them within the UK. Non drowsy antihistamines can be bought anywhere.

There's much more emphasis on treating underlying conditions than treating actual sleep issues in the UK since they take addiction seriously. That's not a jab at elsewhere and the differing approaches are probably based on financial reasoning, at a guess.

Valerian root, chamomile, lavender or even lemon balm are easily sourced. It's always best practice to tackle issues in a more natural and holistic way when it's possible and most people totally underestimate the power of a bit chemistry. I know I did, I've got a couple of friends who often seek sleeping tablets but they'll turn their nose up to a cup of chamomile and honey... I don't loose sleep over it though