A drink before bed might seem like just the thing to relax you and help you nod off. Many people feel sleepy after a drink or two, but using liquor as a sleep aid isn’t a good idea. If you’re having trouble sleeping, better to try meditation, reading or listening to tranquil music than a hot toddy or a nightcap. Alcohol before bed can do more harm than good.
The body makes arginine naturally but you may need to obtain more from foods. Arginine can be found in many protein-rich foods, such as meats, milk and eggs. Arginine has many functions in the body, and it may even help to regu...
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the body. To maintain good health, you must consume the recommended daily allowance of magnesium regularly. Ganthoda, an Indian spice, is used in Ayurvedic medicine as wel...
Ganthoda powder is an herb that can be used to treat certain conditions, including sleep problems. It is common to have trouble falling asleep occasionally, and this usually passes within one or two nights. If you have a hard t...
Many people have a favorite remedy for falling asleep, such as hot decaffeinated tea or taking a melatonin supplement. Beverages containing warm milk and cinnamon are another well-known home remedy for sleeplessness, according ...
Sleep is important for teens' overall well-being, as it helps them eat well and lower their stress. Most teens require about 9.25 hours of sleep per day, but only 15 percent of them get that, says the National Sleep Foundation....
Selenium aids antioxidant proteins so they can function properly in your body. Getting enough selenium helps to prevent cell damage that may contribute to chronic diseases. Selenium also plays a role in your immune system and t...
A bedtime snack isn’t only something you had when you were a child -- if you have difficulty sleeping, it could be the small meal that helps you fall asleep more easily. The right combination of foods, including a carbohy...
Ornithine is a metabolite of the amino acid arginine. Arginine and ornithine are purported to stimulate muscle growth and sometimes are recommended for insomnia. However, as of 2011, conflicting information on both of these ben...
By the time your baby reaches 8 months, he should be sleeping about 14 hours a day, with 10 to 11 of those hours coming at night, according to Lauren Gelman's "Parents Magazine" article. Every baby is different, howev...
In any given year, more than one-third of adults complain to their physicians about insomnia, and up to 6 percent use medications at least occasionally to help them sleep. Herbs and dietary supplements, such as the amino acid g...
While many people do not get sufficient magnesium from their diet, an actual deficiency is uncommon, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low magnesium levels can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders and ...
If you are having trouble sleeping, you may find certain foods can have soothing and sleep-inducing effects. Eating foods that contain amino acids like tryptophan can help to activate neurotransmitters in your brain to induce s...
Knowing that your child will eventually outgrow her gassiness and the crankiness and crying that go along with it doesn't really help when you're dealing with a tired baby who can't sleep because of gas discomfort. While the on...
Vyvanse is a medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. According to the FDA, Vyvanse is a controlled substance approved for children 6 to 12 years old, designed to reduce symptom...
Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is made from an evergreen shrub native to the Middle East and eastern Africa. So prized is ashwagandha in the Ayurvedic healing system, that it has earned the status of a rasayana -- a ...
Valerian root is among the more popular natural sleep aids. It can be easily purchased over the counter at most health food stores. While it is marketed as an alternative to prescription sleep aids -- which may come with many u...
Making an infusion involves brewing a large amount of dried herb in water over a long period of time. An infusion allows you to obtain the herb's active constituents in drink form, which is easier for your body to absorb. Passi...
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it helps keep you awake, which is the opposite of helping you fall asleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, the last thing you want to do is consume caffeine.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects approximately 2 percent of the general population in the United States. Women are affected 10 times more frequently than men, but individuals of both genders and all ages, in...
Traditionally, Native Americans used passionflower as a sedative. This herbal treatment may also help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, drug withdrawal and difficulty sleeping. Before taking passionflower to help with yo...
Good nutrition is intimately associated with good sleep, and an important part of good nutrition involves getting the required amount of all essential vitamins each day. Certain vitamins are closely linked with a good night's s...
Sleeping and exercise both produce growth hormone. Not getting enough sleep and exercise can inhibit these hormones, causing a growth hormone deficiency. Not only will you feel more tired and have difficulty completing tasks fr...
Sleep problems are common in the United States -- only about 35 percent of American adults get eight or more hours of sleep per night, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Insufficient sleep can reduce mental...
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 t...
The foods you eat can significantly affect how quickly you fall asleep and how well you sleep. As your body processes the food you consume, the nutrients and chemicals in that food influence the speed of some bodily functions. ...
It also relieves stress by easing muscle tension. Prolonged stress can cause insomnia, the inability to sleep or stay asleep. Insomnia affects one in three adults occasionally and one in 10 chronically. Chronic insomnia can r...
Many people have problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep throughout the night. Insomnia could be due to a variety of factors, but MayoClinic.com suggests that you can combat insomnia by engaging in regular exercise. Addin...
Numerous factors contribute to sufficient, restful sleep. Insomnia, or the inability to fall or remain asleep, is the most common sleep difficulty in the United States, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Occasional and...
Your diet plays and when you eat it plays an important role in the quality of your sleep. Eating dinner early will ensure that you aren't kept awake by your body digesting your evening meal. You may want a bedtime snack about a...
Health is a measure of your body's overall well-being. The health triangle is a way for you to measure your health. The triangle is split into three parts -- social health, physical health and mental health. For optimum health,...
Getting a good night of sleep makes a difference in the quality of your day, because it allows you to think clearly, stay alert, and remain energized whether you're home or at work. Vver-the-counter sleep aids and prescription ...
Menopause, peri-menopause and post-menopause can create hormonal imbalances that include hot flashes, mood disorders and sleep disturbances. The National Sleep Foundation posits that sleep disorders associated with the onset of...
Not being able to get a healthy night's sleep is frustrating. There are many sleep aids available that a doctor can prescribe to help you sleep. However, if you prefer to avoid prescription medications, there are natural altern...
A good night's sleep is important to physical and mental health. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep each night, but a busy schedule often precludes getting enough sleep during the workweek. People who manage to relega...
You hear a lot about sleep hygiene these days, which includes good mattress, fresh air, silence and relaxation. But one of the key components of getting a good night's sleep is what you eat during the day and any snacks you mig...
By the time babies are 9 months old, they are usually sleeping through the night, possibly for nine to 12 hours at a stretch, according to the Mayo Clinic. But sometimes they don’t. If you’re the parent of a wakeful...
A healthy sleep pattern can easily take a backseat to lifestyle full of work, stress and hours spent in front of a television or computer screen. If you feel exhausted throughout the day, only to stare up at the ceiling for hou...
Many people suffer chronic insomnia due to sleep anxiety, which is characterized by excessive worry and preoccupation with sleep. Oftentimes, people with longstanding insomnia develop sleep anxieties because they have experien...
More than a third of American adults have problems falling asleep or experience daytime sleepiness, according to a 2002 article by researchers at the Sleep Research Laboratory in Ontario, Canada, published in the journal "Sleep...
An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, leaving adults nationwide under-rested and fatigued come morning. Yet when sleeplessness strikes, you don'...
A good night's rest is essential for proper health. The American Psychological Association warns that sleep deprivation can lead to slowed speech, apathy and impaired memory. Extreme sleep deprivation may even cause you to fall...
What, how much and when you eat has an effect on your ability to fall and stay asleep throughout the night. You may already know that products containing caffeine can make sleep more difficult, the amino acid tryptophan can mak...
More than a quarter of the "U.S. population report occasionally not getting enough sleep, while nearly 10 percent experience chronic insomnia," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep deprivation can ...
The foods you eat can affect how well you sleep. Heavy, high-fat foods can cause you to feel bloated and might keep you tossing and turning all night. But foods that are rich in carbohydrates, tryptophan or magnesium can help...
Noise machines produce a steady sound or "white noise" that muffles outside noises. "Consumer Reports" magazine cites support for noise machines by Dr. David N. Neubauer of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center. Neubauer sug...
A restful, energizing sleep may evade you if you're lacking certain specific nutrients in your diet. Such nutrients help with proper body functioning and hormone production that may influence your sleep quality. Because vitamin...
There are many remedies for insomnia, and while some herbs and meditation methods are effective, certain foods can help you sleep. The types of foods you eat, coupled with the amount and timing of consumption, have an impact on...
Almost 60 percent of Americans struggle with difficulty falling asleep or problems with waking up early or frequently throughout the night, reports the National Sleep Foundation. A combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional ...
No one likes missing out on their sleep. Researchers from the University of Warwick warn that lack of sleep can even increase risk of premature death. The body requires both good quantity and quality of sleep to maintain optima...
Insomnia is a disorder in which a person has trouble falling or staying asleep. Anxiety and stress are often associated with insomnia. If insomnia is ongoing, a physician may prescribe medications or suggest over-the-counter me...
Problems getting to sleep have affected all types of people across many centuries. Different solutions may be offered by different populations; some of these suggestions appear similar, while others seem to be particular approa...
Tossing and turning as you try to fall asleep each night can make bedtime upsetting. A study performed by the National Sleep Foundation found that as much as 58 percent of respondents had at least one symptom of insomnia a few ...
Insomnia is a terrible affliction. Lack of proper rest degrades your body's ability to perform and makes you feel sluggish and out of it. There are many causes of insomnia and probably just as many cures, but one option to try ...
Insomnia affects 20 to 30 percent of all adults, according to the NYU Medical Center's Sleep Disorder Clinic website. Its definition includes difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as waking too early and waking ...
A night of deep and restful sleep can leave you feeling refreshed, energetic and prepared for the day ahead. Sleep is as important to your body as food and air. Your body needs this time to heal and regenerate. Sleep deprivatio...
Herbal teas have long been touted for their ability to promote sleep and relaxation. While many teas have not been proven to induce sleep in clinical trials, anecdotal evidence of their effectiveness abounds. For best results,...
Insomnia affects all kinds of people. As well as the mental fatigue and the jaded thinking that comes with bouts of bad sleep, the body is placed under a higher stress load with stress hormones soaring in the day that follows. ...
The stress of the everyday grind or drinking too much coffee and alcohol can be the cause of those sleepless nights, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), which goes on to note, however, that there's no...
Problems with sleep are not new. While the prevalence of sleep disturbances may be caused by high-stress lifestyles, late-night TV and early-morning alarms, available remedies provide a promising option for sleep-starved indivi...
In fact, 30 percent of older people experience insomnia at night, and 25 percent of them are too sleepy during the day. Difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep is often treated with sleeping pills. These drugs are called "h...
A 2010 report in the "Journal of Sleep Research" followed people for a 36-year period. During that time, the proportion of women complaining of sleeping problems doubled. This result suggests that sleep degrades with age. Thus ...
Insomnia afflicts enough people that the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that 20% of Americans use one form or another of sleep aid, often every night. Good sleep hygiene and behavioral modifications are the first...
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reports that sleep-deprived drivers are just as dangerous as drunk drivers, and adequate sleep is essential for good health. Although the amount of sleep needed varies from per...
Millions of people struggle with a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, which costs the United States an annual $16 billion in lost productivity and medical costs, reports the National Center for Complementary and Altern...
Like a battery, our bodies and minds are in constant need of recharging. One of the ways to get that is through regular, quality sleep. The average adult should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, according to...
New Mexico State University reports that herbs used to treat insomnia are effective due to their depressive effect on the central nervous system. Common herbs used to help sleep are lavender, chamomile and valerian. The univers...
This technique uses a small patch placed directly on the skin to gradually infuse medications. New techniques improving this process have recently increased the number and type of drugs being prescribed. These drugs include tho...
Lying awake at night unable to sleep is no fun, and can leave you exhausted and grumpy in the morning. Instead of reaching for the sleeping pills or a glass of wine, which according to the Mayo Clinic may prevent you from achie...
"To sleep: perchance to dream" isn't only a quote from "Hamlet," but it is also the elusive goal of insomniacs around the world. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be effective in helping you fall--and stay--asleep, bu...
Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep per night and nearly 40 percent of us aren't getting it. Insomnia afflicts 4 of 10 people at some time in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic, while more than 1 in 10 terms t...
Sleep is a necessary part of life. It is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system and for optimum performance. Although sleep is something that should happen automatically, many people have trouble getting a good nig...
Hectic lives, stress and caffeine are only a few factors that contribute to sleep problems in our society. In 2002, the National Sleep Foundation found that 74 percent of adults in the United States experience trouble with slee...
If you are suffering from insomnia, a chronic inability to fall sleep or remain asleep, you are not alone. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60 million Americans struggle with insomnia each year. Fortunately, sci...
Stress, anxiety and sleepless nights are both common and frustrating. Alternative methods to drugs are becoming more popular, as people try to care for their bodies naturally. Instead of reaching for a pill to encourage sleep o...
Chronic sleep disorders and periodic sleep disturbances take their toll on health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, ignoring sleep problems can lead to depression, heart trouble and obesity, or even result in a deadl...
According to The Better Sleep Council, 68 percent of American women do not get their eight hours of recommended sleep each night. A number of factors, ranging from your sleep environment to work and family stressors, can preven...
Using all-natural herbs for falling asleep sounds healthy, but some sleep herbs can actually do more harm than help. For example, herbal sleep blends that contain valerian root may cause liver damage, according to the U.S. Nati...
Sleep is imperative to the proper functioning of the human body. It allows the brain to replenish vital chemicals and process information for long-term memory storage. It also helps the body heal and recover from illnesses. Lac...
Given the easy availability of coffee, sugar and constant mental stimulation from computers, cell phones and MP3 players, it is not difficulty to understand why it can be hard to "unplug" and get to sleep at night. While there ...
When you can't sleep, you can't do much else either. Lack of sleep affects your brain function, mood, health and well-being in profound ways. Sleep studies and prescription remedies may be helpful for more severe sleep problems...
This condition can lead to complications, including anxiety, hypertension, depression and cognitive dysfunction. Those suffering from chronic insomnia may become prone to opportunistic infections. Several natural interventions...
There are times when we have trouble sleeping, but many individuals don't want to rely on prescription sleep aids, fearing addiction. A variety of natural herbs have been used for centuries to help promote sleep and relaxation,...
Three out of four Americans claim they have trouble getting to sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation, which advises aiming for seven to nine hour a sleep each night. According to Dr. Rubin Naiman of Circadian Healt...
Sleep is so intimately tied to all of your body's biological functions that one night without it can throw off your health and wellness for up to three days. Chronic sleep conditions that affect both the amount and the quality ...
Food is a powerful tool. Not only does it provide nutrients to our bodies, it also effects our energy and sleep cycles. How you eat can have powerful effects on how you sleep. While many foods act as stimulants to keep us alert...
There are many things that can prevent you from falling asleep at night: physical pain, medications, mental stress and even excitement can keep you awake. Trouble sleeping does more than keep you from dreamland; it can have a n...
Tossing and turning, laying awake at night and constantly struggling to get to sleep can not only be hard on your mind, it can take a toll on your body. There may be a myriad of reasons why you can't get to sleep at night, but ...
Many Americans have a cavalier attitude towards rest, provoking sleep difficulties which can lead to serious health risks. Sleeping pills help millions get their ZZZs by temporarily easing the passage into sleep and improving i...
Insomnia is a common problem among people suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and emotional disturbances. Medicinal herbs may help to ease symptoms of insomnia with fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Nevertheles...
Sleep is an essential part of our health because it helps to restore the muscles in our body after a day of hard work. Sleep is also important for maintaining brain health. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, des...
If you're not getting enough restful sleep, it can negatively affect all aspects of your life, from your mood to work performance to your relationships and health. You're not alone; the Mayo Clinic reports over one-third of adu...
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining one's health. But sleep hours across America have fallen steadily as the "always on" modern society of evening and night shifts, multiple jobs and home tasks, 24/7 retai...
One in three people will suffer from insomnia as some point in their lives, according to statistics from SleepMed Inc. In fact, each year 20 to 40 percent of adults will suffer some degree of insomnia. Physicians suggest cuttin...
Failure to get a good night's sleep is all too common for many people, but getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep at night can improve a person's attitude, ability to concentrate and even overall health. Though sleep may...
Millions of Americans have trouble falling asleep. Before investing in expensive sleep aid products or prescription pharmaceuticals, try using the power of carbohydrates to help you sleep. Not all carbs are created equal, tho...
Sleep is essential for good health, clear thinking and brain function, but according the University of Maryland Medical Center, only about 35 percent of adults in the United States get the eight hours of sleep most people need....
Trouble getting to sleep is a common condition that can lead to daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, poor work and school performance, irritability and depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, most adults require between se...
Insomnia is the inability to sleep or stay asleep for at least eight hours per night. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that promote sleep, but most leave you feeling drowsy the next morning and throu...
If you've been having trouble falling asleep, you're not alone. "More than one-third of adults have insomnia at some time, while 10 to 15 percent report long-term insomnia," says the Mayo Clinic. Insomnia may be bothersome, but...
When a baby wakes frequently throughout the night or refuses to sleep, both parent and child suffer. A parent can try a variety of methods to help a baby sleep soundly at nighttime. There may also be underlining causes that ar...
According to U.S. News and World Report, 2/3 of American adults say they are not getting enough sleep each night. There a several sleeping pills on the market that can help with this problem, but many people do not like to take...
The most common reasons for difficulty falling asleep are stress, untreated illness or a disruption in the circadian rhythm (your natural biochemical sleep pattern). No single method will be effective for everyone. For example,...
What you eat and drink can have a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and receive a good night of quality of sleep. Although it is common knowledge to stay away from caffeine before going to bed, certain foods and...
The medicinal uses of food are almost endless. It's used as fuel to energize us and can be used to decelerate us at the end of the day to help with sleep. Food can bring the gift of calm and peaceful rest, soothing irritability...
Certain foods cause us to become tired and fall asleep quickly, due to chemical reactions that occur in the body and brain, triggering neurotransmitters like serotonin and hormones like melatonin. Eating foods that trigger thes...
Trouble sleeping or insomnia not only makes you tired but also leads to health problems as well. Everyone goes through periods where they occasionally can't sleep. However if the problem becomes chronic it can take a toll on yo...
Most 6-month-old babies sleep between 11 1/2 and 15 hours throughout the day, according BabyCenter.com. By this age, many babies take only a couple of daytime naps and can sleep through the night. However, all babies grow diffe...
Sometimes it doesn't matter how tired you are, how comfortable your mattress is or how warm and cozy you are, insomnia still has its way of wreaking havoc with your sleep schedule. For some, this condition happens occasionally;...
Some sleep disorders are the result of stress, work or simple lifestyle choices. Doctors will sometimes prescribe lifestyle changes that encourage new sleep patterns or reduced stress. If you want to help someone overcome his s...
Many of those who suffer from sleepwalking report elevated levels of stress and challenge in their day-to-day lives. Avoiding or preventing stress is a daunting task, but making even subtle changes in your daily routine can hel...
It may sound counterintuitive, but getting more sleep can help prevent sleepwalking. Someone who walks in her sleep is not getting enough rest, as the sleepwalking state occurs only in the upper stages of sleep, rather than dee...
