Sleep is as important to our health as a healthy diet and regular exercise, yet millions of people around the world have trouble sleeping. Whatever the reason for not being able to sleep, this lack of sleep can lead to poor health and quality of life. Thankfully there is a way of treating insomnia by putting natural sleep aids to work for a more peaceful night’s sleep.
Having trouble sleeping affects us both mentally, as well as physically. Not only does insomnia lead to sleep deprivation, depression, and a lower quality of life compared to people who can sleep, it also creates other complications including:
• Substance abuse
• Lower performance on the job or at school
• Increased risk and severity of long-term conditions or diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Slowed reaction time while driving and higher risk of accidents
• Psychiatric problems, such as depression or an anxiety disorder
• Irritability
• Overweight or obesity
Everyone needs to sleep in order to stay focused and alert when they need, or want to be awake. As mentioned earlier, there are ways of treating insomnia by putting natural sleep aids to work – for a great night’s sleep.
Tips to Naturally Treat Insomnia
Relaxation techniques
work for some people. The three most popular techniques are yoga, muscle relaxation and visualization, but when using these techniques it’s important to be where you plan on sleeping – in bed (or your bedroom). If you’re not, and you fall asleep you’ll probably wake up because you’ll realize you’re not in bed, such as if you try doing them on the couch. You may also feel refreshed and have trouble going back to sleep, which pretty much defeats the purpose.
Proper lighting
Proper lighting is important, so use a lot of light when you’re awake, and sleep in complete darkness. This spurs your body into a sleep/wake cycle.
Chamomile Tea
Has mild sedative effects, and has been used for hundreds of years to relieve insomnia and encourage a good night’s sleep.
Unhealthy Sleep Aids to Treat Insomnia
Of course, there are prescription sleep aids, but most of them are highly addictive. Then there are sleep aids that anyone can pick up at their local grocery store, but experts generally advise against using these medications, not only because of side effects but also because these products are often ineffective in relieving sleep problems.
Treating Insomnia Using Natural Sleep Aids
Instead of using sleeping aids with side-effects, try treating insomnia by putting natural sleep aids to work.
Put Melatonin to Work
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found in the body. It has many purposes, but one is to regulate sleeping and waking. If that cycle is ever broken, melatonin can be taken before bed to reset the body’s clock. It is so efficient, it can also work for treating jet lag.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for calming the nerves and relaxing the mind. Which ultimately induces sleep without any side effects. It naturally relaxes the body, if used consistently.
Passion Flower
Passion Flower Powder is considered nature’s tranquilizer, because it helps relax muscles, as well as relieve stress and anxiety for a better night’s sleep. It also helps you stay asleep if you wake up a lot during the night. You can try it in drinks, teas, pudding, or milk, and it’s not addictive.
GABA
Overstimulation leads to irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. GABA, acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and induces relaxation and sleep.
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a natural compound our bodies produce as it makes serotonin. It has shown to help improve the quality of sleep by increasing REM. That’s the deep sleep we all need for a perfect sleep.
Valerian Root
This sleep aid has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia, and it is also is used to help improve conditions connected with anxiety or psychological stress.
If you suffer from insomnia, explore natural sleep aids to help you sleep such as melatonin, chamomile tea, and Aloe Vera before going to the drug store, or your doctor for a prescription. Treating insomnia, by putting natural sleep aids to work for you not only helps you get the rest you need. But, most of them also help with relaxation and anxiety issues.
This article was written by Whitney. L. Coopeir, who is a is a vitamin, herb, and nutritional supplement specialis, who shares her exclusive knowledge in the medical field, by writing blogs and articles on a variety of topics incuding natural sleep aids.