Just about everyone can suffer from insomnia either for one or two nights, or months and months. We usually rush to the drug store to find something to help us sleep, but for some of us, the insomnia is a result of a more serious problem. Before popping pills and self diagnosing, make an appointment with your doctor for a consult before doing anything. If he rules out anything serious, here are the best natural sleep aids you should try before anything else.
One is valerian. It is an herb that has been around for years and years. Most health food stores carry it and some mainstream vitamin stores have it as well. You can usually find it in tincture form very easily. A few drops in tea or some other hot beverage will usually do the trick. Unfortunately, it tastes pretty bitter and its odor is just as bad. For anyone who wants the benefits without these issues to deal with, you can try to find it in capsule form. Still as effective, but harder to find.
There are some side effects that are fairly common and they include everything from headaches to stomach pains. It is also recommended to avoid taking this with any other medication including antihistamines and anti-anxiety drugs. The major drawback, however, is that even with nightly use, it takes a few weeks to work. This is more effective in long term treatment of non specific insomnia; not something to take for immediate relief.
Something that does provide a more immediate effect is melatonin. This is a naturally occurring hormone in the body; it is a byproduct of serotonin. Melatonin can be purchased in most drug stores and grocery stores and is quite effective if taken right before bedtime. Few side effects have ever been reported.
If solving your immediate problem is impossible (bad relationship, job loss, money woes...), try a cup of chamomile tea. Sometimes something warm and soothing is all you need.
One favorite alternative is kava. This herb has many pros and cons, and one of its major problems is that it has been known to cause liver failure in patients who do indeed use it for more than three months or so. It has been used as a natural tranquilizer for years, but on an occasional basis. For people who are looking for a long term nightly sleep aid, kava probably should not be your first choice. Even the FDA, who usually refrain from commenting on herbs, has advised that liver damage is a real concern with long term use.
Frequently, prevention is better than a cure. Changing your overall eating habits could have a dramatic effect on your sleep patterns. Reducing or eliminating caffeine can be a great help. Caffeine can stay in the body for hours and hours, so your morning coffee can still be keeping you awake at 10 PM. And don't just blame your morning coffee! Cola, chocolate and even many over the counter cold and allergy medications contain high doses of caffeine.
And, if you're having trouble falling asleep, stay away from sugar as well. Don't head to the kitchen for a cup of cocoa or another slice of pie just to pass the time! - 31096
One is valerian. It is an herb that has been around for years and years. Most health food stores carry it and some mainstream vitamin stores have it as well. You can usually find it in tincture form very easily. A few drops in tea or some other hot beverage will usually do the trick. Unfortunately, it tastes pretty bitter and its odor is just as bad. For anyone who wants the benefits without these issues to deal with, you can try to find it in capsule form. Still as effective, but harder to find.
There are some side effects that are fairly common and they include everything from headaches to stomach pains. It is also recommended to avoid taking this with any other medication including antihistamines and anti-anxiety drugs. The major drawback, however, is that even with nightly use, it takes a few weeks to work. This is more effective in long term treatment of non specific insomnia; not something to take for immediate relief.
Something that does provide a more immediate effect is melatonin. This is a naturally occurring hormone in the body; it is a byproduct of serotonin. Melatonin can be purchased in most drug stores and grocery stores and is quite effective if taken right before bedtime. Few side effects have ever been reported.
If solving your immediate problem is impossible (bad relationship, job loss, money woes...), try a cup of chamomile tea. Sometimes something warm and soothing is all you need.
One favorite alternative is kava. This herb has many pros and cons, and one of its major problems is that it has been known to cause liver failure in patients who do indeed use it for more than three months or so. It has been used as a natural tranquilizer for years, but on an occasional basis. For people who are looking for a long term nightly sleep aid, kava probably should not be your first choice. Even the FDA, who usually refrain from commenting on herbs, has advised that liver damage is a real concern with long term use.
Frequently, prevention is better than a cure. Changing your overall eating habits could have a dramatic effect on your sleep patterns. Reducing or eliminating caffeine can be a great help. Caffeine can stay in the body for hours and hours, so your morning coffee can still be keeping you awake at 10 PM. And don't just blame your morning coffee! Cola, chocolate and even many over the counter cold and allergy medications contain high doses of caffeine.
And, if you're having trouble falling asleep, stay away from sugar as well. Don't head to the kitchen for a cup of cocoa or another slice of pie just to pass the time! - 31096
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Looking to find the best information on natural sleep aids for getting the rest you deserve, then visit www.aboutnaturalsleepaids.com to find the best advice on natural sleep aids for you.
