SLEEP ALL NIGHT

Many natural sleep aids have been advertised as effective treatments for insomnia and other sleep disorders, such as restless legs, snoring, anxiety, etc. However, very little is known about their safety or effectiveness. Huge supply of  herbal remedies and dietary supplements may sound harmless, they can produce significant side effects or drug interactions. Moreover, they are not clinically tested and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), as are standard medicines. Before trying one of these natural sleep aids, talk with your family doctor or pharmacist.

Types of Natural Sleep Sids

• Herbal Sleep Aids
  • Herbal remedies for sleep problems include:
    • chamomile
    • hops
    • lavender
    • passion flower
    • Valerian root
  • Their benefits are still unproven: as with melatonin, these herbal remedies have not undergone extensive testing
  • Herbal remedies are generally considered safe, however, some of them can be harmful under certain circumstances
    • For example: you shouldn’t use chamomile if you are
      • pregnant
      • taking blood thinners
• Melatonin
  
  • Melatonin is the main hormone produce by our body. It’s main purpose is to control of our normal sleep–wake cycles
  • Synthetic Melatonin is produced in factories not regulated by the FDA due to its classified as a dietary supplement and not a drug
  • It should be noted that melatonin is widely sold as a sleep aid, however, it remains controversial among medical  as it has not undergone the rigorous clinical testing
  • Many clinical experts still question synthetic melatonin’s effectiveness and safety.

Next:  Test your knowledge by taking  Natural vs Alternative Treatment Quiz

Watch Video:  Herbal Sleep Aids – Learn about the most effective natural sleep aids available, how they work, and what you can expect from taking them.  

Last update Dec 24, 2009