If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for at least three nights per week over one month's time, you probably suffer from the common medical condition known as insomnia. Insomnia can negatively impact your energy levels, moods, health and overall quality of life. This condition is most frequently caused by stress, depression, anxiety and the overuse of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Insomnia can also be caused by taking prescription drugs and herbal supplements.
Green Tea
One of the most common herbal supplements that may cause insomnia is green tea. Green tea dietary supplements are most often found in the form of dried tea leaves and capsules. According the the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea has many health benefits such as helping digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, improving mental alertness, increasing metabolic rate and treating flatulence; however, using green tea in large quantities can have negative side effects. Since green tea contains caffeine, using or consuming too much of this supplement can cause insomnia, irritability and dizziness. It could also cause nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, headaches, diarrhea and loss of appetite. If your insomnia or any other symptom from green tea get worse, see a physician immediately.
Ginseng
Another supplement that may cause difficulty in sleeping is ginseng. Ginseng is typically taken to increase physical stamina, prolong athletic endurance, improve concentration, memory, and alertness, according to MedlinePlus. However, if ginseng is misused or taken in high doses, The American Cancer Society claims the first symptom usually experienced is insomnia. Other side effects may include increased heart rate, a change in blood pressure, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headaches, rashes and dizziness. For women, added symptoms may include breast pain, menstrual problems, vaginal bleeding, and mood swings. Ginseng should be used with caution and it is always advised that you consult a health care provider before using an herbal supplement.
Guarana
Guarana is a berry that can be found on evergreen vines that grow in Venezuela and the northern parts of Brazil. It has been known to increase thermogenesis and improve physical endurance and stamina. The website Health.learninginfo.org states that guarana may be a useful herb for your health but because it contains guaranine, a chemical identical to caffeine, it should be used with precaution. Like any product containing caffeine, guarana may cause insomnia. It can also lead to other discomforting symptoms such as anxiety, trembling, heart palpitations and hyperactivity. In a study published in the March 2001 issue of the "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders," C. Boozer and colleagues found that guarana caused severe insomnia, headaches and dry mouth for those participants who used guarana as a weight loss product. Due to guarana's stimulant effects, women who are pregnant or breast feeding, as well as those individuals who suffer from high blood pressure or other cardiac problems should avoid using this supplement without the consent of a medical doctor.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Insomnia
- MedlinePlus: Ginseng
- American Cancer Society: Ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green tea
- PubMed.gov: An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial.
- A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness: Guarana: Benefits and Side Effects
