Quality sleep is an essential component of sound health. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that sleep directly affects not only your ability to function in society, but it also affects your physical and mental health as well. Most people require about eight hours of quality sleep each night. Certain herbal remedies may be prescribed by health care providers to encourage a healthy night's sleep. However, talk with your family doctor before using herbs to improve your sleep.
About Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition in which you are unable to get satisfying sleep for a period of at least one month. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that there are two principal types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Primary insomnia is insomnia that is caused by unknown factors. Secondary insomnia is insomnia that develops secondary to another medical condition. Factors that may contribute to insomnia and poor sleep quality include anxiety, stress, alcohol abuse and stimulants such as caffeine.
Herbal Sleep Aids
There are many herbs that may effectively induce a quality night's sleep. Certified nutritional consultant and nutrition expert Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that the following herbs may ease insomnia: valerian root, California poppy, lemon balm, kava kava, skullcap and passionflower. Other herbs that may act as sleep aids include herbs with sedative action, such as chamomile, bugleweed, catnip, oat, lavender, pulsatilla and St. John's wort.
An Effective Herb
California poppy is one the most effective herbs for treating insomnia or improving sleep quality. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," master herbalist Ed Smith reports that California poppy is known for its ability as a sedative. This herb also possesses the ability to reduce spasms, reduce pain and induce sleep. California poppy, notes Smith, is used to treat anxiety, restlessness, headache, toothache and neuropathy, or nerve damage. California poppy is a plant indigenous to certain parts of western North America.
Warning
A lack of quality sleep may reduce your immune system's ability to combat infections. Sleep deprivation is also a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. If you suffer from insomnia, visit a health care professional to have your condition assessed. There are many possible treatments for insomnia and many herbal and pharmaceutical sleep aids. Discuss the safety of herbal sleep aids with your family physician before using these substances to improve your sleep quality.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Brain Basics
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Insomnia
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
