Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition due to the interruption of breathing during the night. Snoring loudly, daytime fatigue, waking up in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing and insomnia are all symptoms of sleep apnea, according to MayoClinic.com. People with sleep apnea should get medical treatment due to the possibility of complications such as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular difficulties. Herbal remedies may help with sleep apnea, but it is important to seek the advice of a doctor before starting any herbal supplement due to possible drug interactions and side effects.
Seek Medical Attention
While herbs may be able to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, herbal treatment cannot cure the disorder. Before taking any herbal supplement, always seek the advice of your physician. To treat sleep apnea, your physician may need to conduct sleep studies to determine the extent of your disorder. You may need a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine, which provides air pressure through a nose mask while you sleep; an oral appliance; or surgery.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which create a restful sleep. Valerian is used to help a person get to sleep as well as improving the quality of sleep. It may take a few weeks for valerian root to get into a person's system to have its full effect. Valerian root is also taken as a sleep aid due to it not being addictive like other sleep medications may be. Talk to your doctor to see if valerian root could be beneficial for you.
Passionflower
In addition to the relaxing effect of passionflower, it is also used for pain relief. Passionflower can be taken in tea or supplement form. This herbal remedy purportedly has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. Passionflower can also act as an anti-spasmodic and soothe muscles. Passionflower is also nonaddictive. It should not be taken during pregnancy. Speak to your physician before taking passionflower to ensure your safety.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is part of the mint family. This lemon-flavored tea is a good choice to drink right before bedtime. As a sedative, the calming effect of lemon balm tea promotes relaxation for a good night's sleep. Lemon balm tea may also help with anxiety and stress due to its relaxing qualities. It also is thought to improve the quality of a person's sleep.
Chamomile
Chamomile can act as a relaxant and sleep aid. A possible contributor to sleep apnea is sinus irritation. The soothing qualities of chamomile can help relieve this irritation of the sinuses. Chamomile can be taken as a supplement or in herbal tea. Drinking chamomile tea before bed can be a good way of preparing for a restful sleep due to its sedation effects, according to MedlinePlus.
