Alternative medicine has become popular enough to be incorporated into traditional education. Medical schools are now exploring the use of traditional remedies. And people are increasingly turning to natural substances for common problems like sleep disorders. In fact, a 2009 paper in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics shows that more than 37,000 different herb products are being used to treat insomnia. Only a few of these items have been scientifically shown effective.
Exogenous Melatoinin
Melatonin is a hormone released nightly by the pineal gland. It can also be synthesized in the laboratory and taken orally in a pill form. A 2010 experiment presented in Pediatric Neurology evaluated the use of exogenous melatonin in epileptic children. These children often display sleep disorders like teeth grinding and breathing difficulties. Three months of treatment with melatonin improved these sleep disorders. It also enhanced daytime alertness and reduced seizure activity. Because melatonin is a natural substance, it was well tolerated by the children, and no negative reactions were reported.
Valerian Extract
Valerian is a flowering plant which is a potent facilitator of sleep. It is particularly effective when taken with hops. A 2005 study offered in the journal Sleep investigated this combination in people with insomnia. Valerian and hops, given for 14 nights, reduced insomnia severity and enhanced life quality in the patients. No significant adverse reactions were noted. These results suggest that herbal supplements when used in combination can safely and effectively enhance sleep.
Kava Extract
According to a 2001 publication in Phytotherapy Research, kava is another natural substance which may be useful for sleep disorders. That study looked at the effects of this root in insomnia. Six weeks of kava use decreased the time it took for the patients to fall asleep. It also increased sleep duration and improved mood. The extract was well tolerated by most subjects, but it caused dizziness in 12 percent of them. Kava has been associated with other side effects as well. Many of these reactions result from impurities. Thus it is important to obtain natural products from a reliable source.
Cherry Juice
A 2010 investigation in the Journal of Medicinal Food tested the effects of a cherry juice blend on sleep in older insomniacs. This fruit juice has alleged hypnotic properties, and it's occasionally used as traditional sleep aid. Results indicated that 2 weeks of tart cherry juice reduced the number of minutes spent awake during the night. Few adverse reactions were noted, and none were significant. These findings suggest that common foods may provide an alternative option to prescription drugs for sleep disorders.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics"; Drug-Use Pattern of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Insomnia: A 4-Year Survey in Taiwan; L. C. Chen et al.; October 2009
- "Pediatric Neurology"; Melatonin and Sleep-Related Problems in Children with Intractable Epilepsy; H. A. Elkhayat et al.; April 2010
- "Sleep"; Valerian-Hops Combination and Diphenhydramine for Treating Insomnia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial; C. M. Morin et al.; Nov. 1, 2005
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Kava and Valerian in the Treatment of Stress-Induced Insomnia; D. Wheatley; September 2001
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Effects of a Tart Cherry Juice Beverage on the Sleep of Older Adults with Insomnia: A Pilot Study; W. R. Pigeon; May 3, 2010
