Insomnia is described as a condition in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep. According to MayoClinic.com, insomnia is among the most common of medical complaints. A typical night's sleep includes approximately eight hours of sleep each night; however that number may vary from person to person. In addition to many prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, passionflower may be used to treat insomnia to get a better night's sleep. Always consult with your physician before adding herbal supplements to your diet.
Identification
The passionflower got its name from Spanish explorers and missionaries and belongs to the Passifloraceae family. According to Herbs2000, the flower was originally introduced into the medical field in the early 1840s by a Mississippian doctor by the name of Dr. L. Phares. It may be found growing in Central and South America but is native to the United States. The passionflower is well known for its calming and sedative properties; however, it has not been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration.
Causes
Insomnia can be the result of certain health conditions, medications or caffeine. For example, if you suffer from anxiety, depression or stress, your sleeping may be disrupted frequently throughout the night. In addition, medications that contain decongestants, caffeine and other stimulants may make it difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. According to MayoClinic.com, as you age, you are at an increased risk of developing insomnia as sleep becomes less restful. Health changes related to aging such as arthritis, hot flashes and frequent urination may lead to insomnia.
Symptoms
One of the more common signs of insomnia is restlessness. Waking in the morning and feeling as if you have had no sleep may be the early signs of insomnia. In addition, frequent waking during the night, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue or sleepiness during the daytime hours and tension headaches may be signs of this condition.
Treatment
A variety of treatments are available for treating insomnia such as prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, doctors do not recommend relying on medications for long periods of time to get sleep. Using passionflower as an alternative treatment may help you get calming and restful night's sleep. According to Herbs2000, the passionflower has antispasmodic and sedative actions that relax muscle spasms and other symptoms related to stress. Passionflower may be used in teas or taken as a tincture. Herbs2000 recommends using 0.5 to 2.5 g of passionflower to make an herbal tea and to drink this tea two to three times daily.
Warning
Taking more than the recommended dosage of passionflower or any other herb may have negative side effects. Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their physician prior to using any herbal medications.
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