Natural Sleep Remedies

There are various natural sleep remedies you can try that are widely available on the market. Although taking natural sleep remedies are generally safer than sleeping pills, they should still be taken with caution and should not be taken unnecessarily. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before considering taking any sleep aids.

Although natural sleep remedies contain natural ingredients they may interfere with prescription medication or may not be suitable for you. Prescribed Sleeping pills on the other hand are generally bad news.

Sleeping pills will break down your body’s natural sleep cycle and make sleep very difficult in the long term. It may also affect the amount of deep sleep you attain during the night as the chemicals in most major sleeping pills interfere with normal brain wave patterns.

You may find that you wake up feeling groggy, drowsy or tired. Other Side effects include urinary retention, blurred vision, dizziness and palpitations. Sleeping pills may help you get to sleep but with continual use your body will build tolerance, and you may find that you need to ‘up’ your dose to attain the same affect.

If you absolutely have to take something, then consider a natural sleep remedy first. Standardized Valerian extract is a safe and non addictive sedative which works by calming the mind and body. It has been used for centuries and again is widely used.

Valerian is available at most pharmaceuticals and is a natural remedy to aid sleep. Taken before bedtime it can ease nerves and calm the mind to help you drift off to sleep. Lemon
balm and Hops, are also soothing herbs which can calm and relax the mind and body.

If you are suffering from mild depression, this could be the cause of your insomnia. St John’s wort, is fast becoming a popular herbal remedy, it is widely available and is used to treat mild to moderate depression. As with all medicines it is recommended to consult your doctor, it may be a natural remedy but it may not be right for you.

To cope with fatigue and to boost your immune system, try Ginseng. Ginkgo Biloba is also widely available and can help improve memory, concentration and increase oxygen flow to the brain.

Natural sleep remedies, although rarely, can cause side effects. In these instances you should stop taking them immediately and seek medical advice. To be honest it is best not to take anything at all. Instead pay attention to your sleep habits (also referred to as sleep hygiene). Your daily routine, habits, diet and emotional levels all play a part in how well you are able to sleep.

It’s far more effective to tackle the cause of insomnia rather than the symptoms alone. Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your sleep:

Step 1: Get up and sleep at the same time everyday.
Step 2: Wind down an hour or so before you sleep.
Step 3: Relax with some soothing music or some chamomile tea.
Step 4: Leave your work at work.
Step 5: Expose yourself to sunlight in the day.
Step 6: Ensure that your bed is comfortable and supportive.
Step 7: Ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark and not to warm.
Step 8: Talk about your problems and don’t let your emotions build up.
Step 9: Remind yourself that bedtime is for sleep and not a time to worry.

I hope you find these simple tips useful.
 
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