It’s common to feel sleepless once in a while, but when it becomes a regular occurrence, it’s time to do something about it. Different things may cause sleeplessness, and most times, the solution may just be to improve your sleep routine and hygiene. It may mean that you have to increase your activity level during the day or stop drinking stimulants right before bedtime. It may also be that you have to stop taking fried, fatty, or heavy meals before bedtime and minimizing your napping time during the day.
If you still have trouble falling asleep after making changes to your bedtime routine, you may want to consider natural sleep aids. Natural sleep aid helps you to relax while easing anxiety and promoting good sleep. It has also been reported that these sleep aids also provide other health-related benefits, such as pain relief and digestion.
How Beneficial is Natural Sleep Aids?
Many people use prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat insomnia and other sleep-related conditions. However, natural sleep aids are considered to be safer than these medications. This is because they have minimal side effects when compared to other products. Unlike prescription medication, natural sleep aids do not lead to dependency or withdrawal syndromes when used in the short term. The chances of complications or serious side effects are very minimal when they are used for short periods.
Options of Natural Sleep Aids
Natural sleep aids are made of natural herbs. If you are currently taking any medications or you have any medical conditions, you should discuss with your health practitioner before using any natural sleep aids to know the possible interactions between your medications and the herb. Here are some natural sleep aids that you can consider.
- Chamomile
This is a gentle herb that is popular for its calming effect. Its properties support relaxation and promote sleep. According to studies, Chamomile is said to improve sleep quality in postnatal women and also minimize the symptoms of depression. The herb comes in different forms, including capsule and tablet forms, tinctures, essential oil, and tea. Apart from improving sleep, it has also been found to boost digestion, relax the muscles, heal skin, and improve headaches.
- Valerian
This is another natural sleep aid that is made from the plant’s root. It works as a sedative and has been found to improve the quality of sleep among post-menopausal women. It can be combined with lemon balm, hops, and other natural herbs. It’s recommended that Valerian should be introduced in a lower dosage to prevent dependency and withdrawal symptoms. In addition to aiding sleep, it has also been found to help improve stomach and menstrual cramps, joint and muscle pain, headaches, and depression.
- Passionflower
This plant contains properties that promote relaxation and have a calming effect. It has been reported to help alleviate sleep disorders. It can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. Passionflower can also offer relief for various conditions, including anxiety, pain, muscle spasm, menopause symptoms, and inflammation. Passionflower is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
- Lavender
Although it is popular for its fragrance and used mostly in oil and perfume, Lavender is also used to boost wellbeing. It has a calming effect that can induce sleep. The essential oil can be used in a diffuser around the bet or diluted and rubbed on the nose and forehead. Its dried leaves can also be used as scented bags or tea.
Conclusion
It is essential to exercise caution when using herbal products, including natural sleep aids. If you are currently on medication or have a health condition, you should speak with your doctor before introducing natural sleep aids
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
