If you've ever experienced insomnia disorder, chances are that you have experimented with sleep inducing drugs whether store-bought or through a prescription. But there are natural alternatives available when you need help sleeping.
Why should you consider a natural sleeping supplement or herb to help you sleep? Prescription sleeping pills and most of those found on store shelves contain drugs. Though these work well in inducing a faster and deeper sleep state, there are noticeable side effects, such as still feeling tired and listless the next day. Instead, you may get better quality sleep by opting for natural supplements or herbal formulas to achieve the same results. These may not be quite as strong as their drug counterparts, but they have few, if any, side effects.
NATURAL HERBAL SLEEP AIDS
There are several great natural herbal remedies that can gently & quickly help you sleep. They are nearly 100% non-addictive and have you waking up the following morning without feeling tired. Consider using the following when you need help sleeping:
Valerian Root
One of the best documented herbal sedatives is the Valerian root herb. Valerian is an affordable, gentle, mild sedative and taking this herb 30 minutes before bedtime eases many to sleep. Best of all, effects seem to wear off in just a few hours so you'll awaken in the morning feeling fine. Valerian is said to help you sleep even better when combined with the passion flower herb. Though sold mostly in capsule or pill form, it can also be purchased online as a sedative tea.
NOTE: Some people report some stomach discomfort or diarrhea after taking Valerian. If so, reduce dosage or discontinue use.
Kava Kava Root
This is a powerful herb that is well documented for its relaxation benefits. Drawbacks include a terrible 'muddy' taste, expense, messiness and time for preparation. The ground up roots are hard to find on land stores but are readily available online. Kava Kava can be purchased cheaper in cut (ground) form, or in more expensive pre-mixed stir-and-drink form. For help sleeping, take kava kava 15-30 minutes prior to bedtime.
NOTE: Sorry, this powerful herb is illegal in many countries but is still legally available for U.S. residents.
Herbal teas
Herbal teas have long been known for their gentle sedative qualities. Not only are these practical for insomnia disorder, but tea is generally cheap, readily available in stores, very tasty and a very pleasurable way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. To help you sleep, valerian tea is excellent, while passion flower tea, lavender tea, lemon balm tea and chamomile tea are also excellent natural sedatives. Try to get into the habit of sipping a few cups of these delicious teas before each bedtime.
NOTE: Avoid drinking Green Tea before bedtime as it contains caffeine.
HELPFUL DIETARY SLEEP SUPPLEMENTS
As with herbal sleep aids, the following supplements are affordable and can help you sleep fast, without many side effects:
Melatonin
Normal, chronic and severe cases of insomnia disorder are best treated with the melatonin sleeping supplement -- known to help you fall asleep fast and promote deep REM stage sleep. This inexpensive supplement usually comes in 1 mg, 3 mg & 5 mg sizes -- larger doses work better when you first go to sleep and smaller doses work wonderfully when you awaken and have insomnia in the middle of the night.
Effects can usually be felt about 30-60 minutes after taking melatonin. Side effects are minimal, if any. However it might be a good idea to allow at least six hours of sleep before taking melatonin.
NOTE: Many people report more frequent and vivid dreams while taking the melatonin sleeping supplement. Therefore, if you are prone to nightmares (or other dream-related disorders), you may wish to opt for another alternative.
5-htp
5-htp is a very popular supplement for sleeplessness and low moods. Though many people with anxiety or depression take this for a quick daytime mood boost, 5-htp can also be taken before bedtime. 5-htp wears off in several hours yet takes effect fairly fast so it can be ingested as you're going to sleep.
NOTE: Take only the amount as directed on the container. Also, avoid taking the 5-htp sleeping supplement everyday as it is said to be mildly addictive.
Magnesium
For help sleeping, taking the mineral Magnesium before bed (and on a daily basis) is said to have relaxing benefits. Two other minerals, Calcium & Potassium, may also be beneficial for insomnia disorder. Minerals are cheap and readily available at most drug stores or supermarkets.
B-Vitamins
ALL B-vitamins are known for their stress-reducing benefits, albeit mild. For help sleeping these cheap and readily available supplements can be ingested right before bed.
HINT: When buying B-vitamins, don't be overwhelmed with all the choices available on the shelves. When in doubt, just buy a "B-Complex" formula -- it is a variety of different B-vitamins all mixed into a single pill.
CONCLUSION
As you see, there are many effective natural alternatives to sleeping pill drugs, ranging from subtle (Valerian, 5-htp and Magnesium for example) to slightly more pronounced (Melatonin). Not only will you feel better about going to sleep easier via the 'natural route,' but you'll experience fewer side effects such as feeling refreshed upon awakening. And you will save money.
Why should you consider a natural sleeping supplement or herb to help you sleep? Prescription sleeping pills and most of those found on store shelves contain drugs. Though these work well in inducing a faster and deeper sleep state, there are noticeable side effects, such as still feeling tired and listless the next day. Instead, you may get better quality sleep by opting for natural supplements or herbal formulas to achieve the same results. These may not be quite as strong as their drug counterparts, but they have few, if any, side effects.
NATURAL HERBAL SLEEP AIDS
There are several great natural herbal remedies that can gently & quickly help you sleep. They are nearly 100% non-addictive and have you waking up the following morning without feeling tired. Consider using the following when you need help sleeping:
Valerian Root
One of the best documented herbal sedatives is the Valerian root herb. Valerian is an affordable, gentle, mild sedative and taking this herb 30 minutes before bedtime eases many to sleep. Best of all, effects seem to wear off in just a few hours so you'll awaken in the morning feeling fine. Valerian is said to help you sleep even better when combined with the passion flower herb. Though sold mostly in capsule or pill form, it can also be purchased online as a sedative tea.
NOTE: Some people report some stomach discomfort or diarrhea after taking Valerian. If so, reduce dosage or discontinue use.
Kava Kava Root
This is a powerful herb that is well documented for its relaxation benefits. Drawbacks include a terrible 'muddy' taste, expense, messiness and time for preparation. The ground up roots are hard to find on land stores but are readily available online. Kava Kava can be purchased cheaper in cut (ground) form, or in more expensive pre-mixed stir-and-drink form. For help sleeping, take kava kava 15-30 minutes prior to bedtime.
NOTE: Sorry, this powerful herb is illegal in many countries but is still legally available for U.S. residents.
Herbal teas
Herbal teas have long been known for their gentle sedative qualities. Not only are these practical for insomnia disorder, but tea is generally cheap, readily available in stores, very tasty and a very pleasurable way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. To help you sleep, valerian tea is excellent, while passion flower tea, lavender tea, lemon balm tea and chamomile tea are also excellent natural sedatives. Try to get into the habit of sipping a few cups of these delicious teas before each bedtime.
NOTE: Avoid drinking Green Tea before bedtime as it contains caffeine.
HELPFUL DIETARY SLEEP SUPPLEMENTS
As with herbal sleep aids, the following supplements are affordable and can help you sleep fast, without many side effects:
Melatonin
Normal, chronic and severe cases of insomnia disorder are best treated with the melatonin sleeping supplement -- known to help you fall asleep fast and promote deep REM stage sleep. This inexpensive supplement usually comes in 1 mg, 3 mg & 5 mg sizes -- larger doses work better when you first go to sleep and smaller doses work wonderfully when you awaken and have insomnia in the middle of the night.
Effects can usually be felt about 30-60 minutes after taking melatonin. Side effects are minimal, if any. However it might be a good idea to allow at least six hours of sleep before taking melatonin.
NOTE: Many people report more frequent and vivid dreams while taking the melatonin sleeping supplement. Therefore, if you are prone to nightmares (or other dream-related disorders), you may wish to opt for another alternative.
5-htp
5-htp is a very popular supplement for sleeplessness and low moods. Though many people with anxiety or depression take this for a quick daytime mood boost, 5-htp can also be taken before bedtime. 5-htp wears off in several hours yet takes effect fairly fast so it can be ingested as you're going to sleep.
NOTE: Take only the amount as directed on the container. Also, avoid taking the 5-htp sleeping supplement everyday as it is said to be mildly addictive.
Magnesium
For help sleeping, taking the mineral Magnesium before bed (and on a daily basis) is said to have relaxing benefits. Two other minerals, Calcium & Potassium, may also be beneficial for insomnia disorder. Minerals are cheap and readily available at most drug stores or supermarkets.
B-Vitamins
ALL B-vitamins are known for their stress-reducing benefits, albeit mild. For help sleeping these cheap and readily available supplements can be ingested right before bed.
HINT: When buying B-vitamins, don't be overwhelmed with all the choices available on the shelves. When in doubt, just buy a "B-Complex" formula -- it is a variety of different B-vitamins all mixed into a single pill.
CONCLUSION
As you see, there are many effective natural alternatives to sleeping pill drugs, ranging from subtle (Valerian, 5-htp and Magnesium for example) to slightly more pronounced (Melatonin). Not only will you feel better about going to sleep easier via the 'natural route,' but you'll experience fewer side effects such as feeling refreshed upon awakening. And you will save money.
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