Yes, sleep aids are eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), but only if they contain an active medicinal ingredient used to treat a sleep-related medical condition.
Why Are Some Sleep Aids FSA/HSA Eligible?
Sleep aids that are used to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d) when they contain an active medicinal ingredient and are sold as over-the-counter medications. These products are intended to treat a diagnosable condition and not simply to promote general relaxation.
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, over-the-counter sleep aids are FSA- and HSA-eligible without a prescription, provided they meet the criteria for medical treatment.
FSA- and HSA-eligible sleep aids typically include:
Nighttime pain relievers or cold medicines that contain sleep-inducing ingredients (e.g., diphenhydramine, doxylamine succinate)
OTC sleep aids marketed to treat occasional sleeplessness (with diphenhydramine)
Combination products labeled for nighttime use and containing both pain relief and sleep aid ingredients
Children’s sleep products that include an active medicinal sleep aid ingredient and are labeled for temporary insomnia or restlessness
These products are eligible when they are used to treat sleep disturbances and include a therapeutic active ingredient.
What’s Not Covered?
Sleep aids that are considered dietary supplements or marketed for general wellness or relaxation are not eligible. This includes:
Products that contain melatonin, L-theanine, valerian root, CBD, or other herbal ingredients
Herbal teas, sprays, or patches marketed for sleep support
Aromatherapy or essential oil blends
Sleep masks, white noise machines, or comfort items not used to treat a medical condition
Products without an FDA-recognized active medicinal ingredient are considered general wellness items and do not qualify, even with a Letter of Medical Necessity.
How to Buy Sleep Aids with Your FSA or HSA
You can purchase eligible sleep aids directly at buyFSA.com using your FSA or HSA card. Every product listed on buyFSA.com is verified as FSA- and HSA-eligible, so there’s no guesswork or reimbursement hassle.
If purchasing elsewhere:
Use your FSA or HSA card at checkout (in-store or online)
Choose products labeled for treatment of sleeplessness or insomnia that contain a recognized active medicinal ingredient
Save your receipt in case your plan administrator requests documentation
Avoid herbal or supplement-based sleep aids that are not considered medicine
For more information, visit the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria.
