Not being able to get a healthy night's sleep is frustrating. There are many sleep aids available that a doctor can prescribe to help you sleep. However, if you prefer to avoid prescription medications, there are natural alternatives that can help you get the deep sleep your body needs for optimal health.
Herbal Sleep Aids
Herbal remedies have been known to help induce sleep, though they have not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as sleep aids. For this reason, they should be used with caution. St. John's Wort may help you sleep, but it may also interfere with other medications, including birth control pills and blood thinners. Many people drink chamomile tea before bedtime, though it should be used with caution in those with pollen allergies. According to HelpGuide.org other herbs that can help with sleep include lavender, valerian root, kava kava, passionflower and lemon balm.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone that tells the brain when to sleep and when to wake up. As people age, their bodies produce less melatonin, making sleep more difficult. Some older people, as well as people who have erratic sleep cycles due to irregular work shifts, find melatonin a useful sleep aid. According to MelatoninFaq.com there are two forms of melatonin available on the market --- natural and synthetic form. However, synthetic melatonin is safer, because the natural form may be contaminated with animal viruses, says MelatoninFaq. Studies on the effectiveness have been mixed.
L-Tryptophan
Anyone who has gotten drowsy after a big Thanksgiving meal knows that L-Tryptophan, a chemical found in turkey, causes sleepiness. L-Tryptophan, which converts into Seratonin in the brain, is an essential amino acid that helps promote sleep. It's also found in chocolate, oats, bananas, brown rice, peanuts and dairy and soy products. Low Seratonin levels are often responsible for sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, according to the Vitamin Supplement Guide. L- Tryptophan supplements are available in capsule form in a variety of strengths. According to Vitamin Supplement Guide, the usual dosage is one 500 mg capsule for every 50 lbs. of body weight taken one hour before bed. Side effects may include drowsiness and dizziness or cause you to be less alert than normal.
