Sleepiness is a symptom that nearly everyone has encountered, whether it be due to overworking, illness or lack of quality sleep. Regardless of the cause, being tired all the time can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. Sleepiness can also affect how well your body's immune system is able to fight off viruses. Chronic fatigue can also lead to poor eating habits and obesity. Trying to self-medicate with sugar or caffeine can help wake you up for a little while but these tend to also lead to an even bigger drop in energy. Fortunately, herbal remedies can be helpful in you overcome sleepiness. As always, consult your physician or health care professional before using any herbal remedy.
Step 1
Take 100 to 300 mg of Panax ginseng twice a day. According to the University of Maryland, Panax ginseng can help increase your energy levels so you don't feel so sleepy. Additionally, American Family Physician cites studies in 1996 and 1986 which found that individuals who took Panax ginseng reported improvement in reaction time, attention span and abstract thinking. Being sleepy affects all of these abilities to some extent. Taking Panax ginseng may also be helpful in providing you with energy to focus on what you need to accomplish.
Step 2
Drink a cup of gotu kola tea three times a day. The University of Maryland explains that gotu kola has been used for thousands of years to treat mental fatigue as well as various other conditions. Despite it's name, gotu kola does not contain caffeine and is not related to the kola nut that is used to make caffeinated beverages. In fact, gotu kola actually appears to have a calming, but not sedating, effect. If you're experiencing sleepiness, you may become frustrated because of the impact it has on your life and activities. Drinking gotu kola tea may help boost your mental energy while keeping your stress levels down, thus helping you focus better.
Step 3
Take a supplement that contains 3 gm. of yerba mate twice daily. According to the website Bodybuilding.com, yerba mate is popular with athletes because it contains caffeine, which provides extra energy. Unlike coffee, however, yerba mate also contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and is used as a weight loss supplement. If you are sensitive to the effects of stimulants, speak with your doctor before using yerba mate. In doses recommended by the manufacturer of the product you choose, yerba mate is considered safe and may help boost your energy levels to overcome sleepiness.
Step 4
Take the herb guarana in tea or capsule form, according to manufacturer's directions. According to Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, guarana is a popular weight loss supplement. Guarana contains caffeine which acts as both an appetite suppressant and a stimulant. The herb is also used in naturopathic medicine to relieve generalized fatigue and improve attention. Don't use this herb late in the afternoon or evening because it can cause insomnia. If you have sensitivity to stimulants, speak with your doctor before using guarana.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your doctor to determine the cause of your sleepiness and before you use any herbal remedy.
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