Many people experience a sleepless night here and there, but if it happens often, you may begin to experience side effects from lack of sleep. A report from Harvard Medical School notes that sleep deprivation can cause problems from mood swings and high blood pressure to poor immune function and weight gain. Whatever the reason may be for your lack of sleep, there are natural herbs that can help you reach dreamland once again.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that is native to North America, Europe and Asia. It is used to treat sleep disturbances, as well as anxiety. According to the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), valerian helps with sleep by shortening the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep. It is believed to be more efficient when taken every night, rather than only on the nights you have sleep issues. AAFP reports that valerian is well tolerated, and should be taken in a dose of 300 to 600mg of valerian root extract, at least 30 minutes, but not more than two hours, before bedtime.
Lavender
Lavender is often added to bath soaps and body lotions for its calming effect. It is an herb that grows in many parts of the world, including North America. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that scientific evidence proves that lavender slows down the activity of the nervous system, which can lift the mood, aid in relaxation and improve sleep quality. The best way to use lavender to fight sleeplessness are as a tea, available in most health food stores, or as an aromatherapy agent. To use as aromatherapy, place three drops of pure lavender oil in 3 cups of boiling water and inhale the vapors. This works best when done one hour before bedtime.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that is also native to North America, as well as Europe. It has been used for centuries to treat numerous ailments, from digestive trouble to skin rashes. One of the uses chamomile is best known for is its sedative affect. The National Institutes of Health reports that chamomile has been shown in studies to relieve insomnia, but that further studies should be done before recommending it as a remedy. In the meantime, however, many people are already enjoying the effect that chamomile has on their sleeplessness. To treat insomnia, drink chamomile as an evening tea an hour before bedtime. You can buy chamomile teas in most supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores. You can also use it as an aromatherapy agent, just as you would use lavender, mentioned above. Simply put three drops of chamomile in 3 cups of boiling water and inhale the vapors. Again, this is most effective if done an hour before bedtime. If you find it does not help, you can decrease the amount of water.
If you are currently on any medications that are classified as sedatives, do not use these sedative type herbs without consulting your physician, as they can increase the sedative effect of your medication.
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