Insomnia can be irritating. Lack of sleep further leads to lack of ability to work and difficulty in carrying out regular activities during the day. All this time, you might have been staying up throughout the night and thinking how to put an end to this problem. You may also have tried all the medicines prescribed by the doctor, just to realize that they work momentarily. So, in case you are searching for some natural way to sleep peacefully at night, this article discusses some herbal and natural sleeping aids that can cure insomnia.
Possible causes of insomnia
There are several reasons behind difficulties in sleeping, insomnia (the inability to fall asleep) being one among them. Physical discomfort can also lead to sleep disturbances.Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), insomnia due to blood pressure medications, insomnia due to ADHD, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior disorder are a few other reasons behind disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle.
People whose professions demand working during nights also have trouble sleeping. Also, traveling across time zones and frequent change of work schedule can trigger sleep disturbances.
Some popular natural sleeping aids
Melatonin – The body has a biological clock called the circadian rhythm. When the circadian rhythm is disturbed, the functioning of the body is disturbed as well. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the Pineal gland, is responsible for the regular functioning of the body as it regulates the body clock. When melatonin is inadequately produced, the sleep-wake cycle is affected. The hormone is produced while a person is in darkness. People with low levels of melatonin have disturbed sleep-wake cycles.
Taking a melatonin supplement will increase the level of sleepiness and can be an instant cure for jet lag, which occurs due to a global travel or even sleeplessness due to any emotional imbalance. Melatonin is available in pill form. However, melatonin supplements that can be kept under the tongue or inside the cheek are more effective as they are absorbed into the body directly.
Melatonin is not tested for long-term use. Thus, even though there is no risk in taking this supplement, long-term use is not advisable. Some patients who take up melatonin are reported to wake up in the middle of the night, but for most of the people, melatonin is a good remedy.
Valerian – This is a herbal extract that reportedly does not have any side effect such as morning grogginess or lousiness. If you are generally a good sleeper and looking for a remedy that would induce sleep for one night, Valerian is not a good choice. Valerian helps those who face sleep disturbance every day. For such people, Valerian proves to be effective when taken regularly for a few weeks. Again, there are not many side effects while using Valerian for a month or two. However, side effects due to long-term usage have not been tested, hence not recommended.
Chamomile – The oldest remedy that is being used for centuries is Chamomile. It proves to be one of the effective natural sleeping aid and is best taken as a tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. People feel relaxed and are more prepared to sleep when consuming Chamomile.
Kava – Sleep deprivation due to stress and anxiety is becoming common nowadays. Kava, also known as Kava Kava, is a herbal remedy that is used to relieve anxiety and stress in a person. It has a unique mechanism of working without affecting memory and motor function. However, Kava is now considered unsafe for consumption as studies show that consumption of Kava may lead to liver toxicity leading to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.
Tryptophan – Tryptophan is a biochemical that induces the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin was believed to be a sleep inducer, and studies also show that destruction of nerve cells in the brain containing serotonin resulted in total insomnia. Thus, tryptophan is believed to relieve the condition of insomnia. Milk, especially warm milk has tryptophan, and if it is consumed at night, it helps in inducing sleep in people.
However, when tryptophan is taken as a natural supplement, people may develop a syndrome called scleroderma. If an individual is affected by the syndrome, symptoms like skin tightening, pain in joints and muscles, anxiety, depression, and difficulty in learning may occur.Thus, tryptophan, which continues to be a major research among sleep scientists, must not be taken as a supplement without a physician’s directive.
Food items like milk, cheese, nuts, turkey, beans, and eggs that contain tryptophan can be consumed safely as natural sleeping aid.
A good night sleep results in a productive day. Thus, if you are experiencing sleep problems, resort to one of the natural sleeping aid that proves to be effective to you. When it comes to dealing with sleep problems, it is always advisable to sort the problem without medications. The combination of a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and a natural sleeping aid is sure to help you get a good 8 hours of sleep.
