It is common to occasionally have nights when it is difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. However, if this happens several nights in a row or on a regular basis, sleeplessness can lead to health problems. The first step is to have the cause of any sleeping difficulty properly diagnosed. Then you and your doctor can discuss treatment options, such as using herbal teas.
Considerations
Sleeplessness can be due to many factors, including medications and underlying medical conditions. Difficulty sleeping can sometimes be traceable back to lifestyle behaviors, says MedlinePlus. Drinking too much alcohol; ingesting caffeine, certain foods or using nicotine too close to bedtime; stress; having computers, TVs and cell phones in the bedroom and many others, can make it hard to fall or stay asleep. Making behavioral changes needs to be part of the plan. However, certain herbal teas used in conjunction with good sleep hygiene may help to calm the body and promote sleep. Keep in mind that even though herbs are natural, they can have side effects and interact with medications, so always use them only under a doctor's supervision.
Valerian
Valerian is one of the most commonly used herbs for insomnia and sleep disorders. Valerian contains multiple compounds that may have a sedative effect, however it is still unclear which compounds promote sleep, how much is needed and exactly what types of sleep disorders it works for, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements. Valerian is generally considered safe, but it should be used with caution since it can act as a sedative. While more research is needed, ingesting 900 mg of valerian at night may cause daytime drowsiness and affect the ability to concentrate the next day. Taking 600 mg or less seems to be safe. Each person has a different sensitivity and will need to experiment with how much valerian tea is safe, but this herb should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing, children under the age of 3 or by those taking other medications that cause sedation.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another popular herb used to promote sleep, manage stress and treat anxiety. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if chamomile, is or is not effective in promoting sleep. It appears to be safe, however some individuals are allergic to chamomile or similar plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. If using chamomile, be on the lookout for skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and chest pain or tightness. These symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Kava
The herb kava is sometimes used to improve mood, enhance a sense of well-being, and promote relaxation. While it may help to manage insomnia, there are concerns about possible liver damage. It is unclear whether the kava itself causes liver damage, or if liver damage only occurs when kava is mixed with other drugs or herbs, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Anyone considering using Kava should always talk to a health care provider first to determine what a safe dosage is. In addition, kava has been found to interact with many other medications.
