Taking Advantage of Sleeping Assistance Alternatives that are Natural

Dec 31
12:48

2008

Trevor Price

Trevor Price

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If you suffer from sleep problems but don't want to run the risk of becoming addicted to drug-based sleeping pills, then consider natural sleeping aids.

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Do you suffer from sleeping problems but want natural sleeping aids that aren't habit forming? If so,Taking Advantage of Sleeping Assistance Alternatives that are Natural Articles please read on for a list of suggestions and herbal remedies that will help you get to sleep tonight.

Stay Away from Caffeine

Caffeine is in almost everything these days - from coffee to chocolate to cold medications to energy drinks. It's hard to escape caffeine in this fast paced world, but it's critical to do so to overcome insomnia and other sleeping problems. Until your sleeping patterns are back on track, you may want to drop the Starbucks.

Remember that caffeine can stay in the system and affect the body for 8 to 12 hours after it's been consumed. That means your lunch time coffee could be what's keeping you awake at night.

Exercise

While exercise will give you energy, it can also help you fall asleep at night. By regularly getting physical activity, you can easily get yourself into regular and healthy sleeping patterns. You don't even need to run a marathon - a simple walk after lunch or dinner could be all you require to fall asleep easily tonight.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is one of the best natural sleeping aids. Not only is it warm and soothing, but chamomile actually works to soothe the nerves, stomach and body. It relaxes the system and literally forces you to come down after a long and hard day. Additionally, it fights anxiety, kills worry and just helps you to relax.

Valerian

Valerian may not smell pleasant, but it's a fantastic sleep aid. Essentially, it's a minor tranquilizer that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, the same receptors that respond to Dalmane, Valium, Xanax and other sedating drugs.

The other difference is that taking Valerian doesn't lead to morning grogginess or trouble waking up. Instead, people report waking up feeling great and ready to take on the day. Remember, though, Valerian is a sedative and should only be taken before bed.

Hops

Hops isn't just an ingredient in beer, it's also a fantastic sleep regulator. Hops have been used for centuries both as an ingredient in beer and as effective remedy for sleeplessness and anxiety.

Because hops does contain estrogen and can increase estrogen levels, long term use is not recommended. In addition, pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take it.

Kava-kava

Kava-kava is one of many natural sleeping aids that originates on the islands of the South Pacific. There are significant clinical studies that suggest it may be just as effective as prescribed drugs in its ability to relieve anxiety. It's most commonly used as a sleeping aid and is completely natural, though users are advised not to take it with alcohol or other sedatives.