Herbal Sleep Aids

Herbal sleep aids are a popular choice for treating insomnia due to their effectiveness, availability, and low side effect profile.

Herbal tea can help induce sleep for some people.

Insomnia is a serious problem that often leads to irritability, memory impairment, poor work performance, and a reduction in quality of life. Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of numerous medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and depression.

Unfortunately, high levels of daytime stress combined with poor eating habits and insufficient exercise make it nearly impossible to relax, fall asleep quickly, and remain asleep for a full eight hours.

The Mayo Clinic states that adults require at least seven hours of sleep each night, but that as many as one-third of adult Americans experience sleep difficulties. Chronic insomnia affects an estimated 15 percent of the population, making sleep medications one of the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs in the United States.

For many who suffer from insomnia, sleep medications cause too many side effects or pose too many risks to outweigh the benefits. These people may benefit from herbal sleep aids.

Herbal sleep aids provide the benefits of over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications without the associated side effects, withdrawal risks, or concern about interactions with other medications. Medications like Valium and Ambien can be habit forming, especially when taking over long periods. Herbal medications do not pose this same risk, making them ideal for anyone with chronic insomnia.

Kava helps elevate mood, produces feelings of relaxation, and enhances dreaming. It is useful for both insomnia and anxiety disorders, and relaxes the body as well as the mind. Kava is especially effective at improve quality of sleep and reducing the amount of time needed to fall asleep, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Side effects are minimal, but experts recommend against the long-term use of kava due to a risk of liver damage.

Valerian is the most popular herbal sleep aid currently available in stores. The herb works well alone or in combination with other sedating herbs, and it is an effective treatment for muscle tension, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. While valerian rarely causes side effects when taken at recommended doses, the herb may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and a weak heartbeat in some people when taken at high doses.

The American Academy of Family Physicians states that valerian is a safe remedy for insomnia. The herb does not cause sleepiness upon waking, and can be helpful for anyone attempting to wean off benzodiazepine medications. Valerian is typically taken in capsule or tea form.

Passionflower promotes calm and induces sleep for many people. The herb is gentle and non-addicting, and it is safe for use in both children and adults. Passionflower is virtually free of side effects when taken at recommended doses, and may be especially helpful for insomniacs who suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, or muscle disorders. Passionflower is available in tea, capsule, or tincture form.

Chamomile is a beneficial sleep aid that is safe for both children and adults. The herb, which is commonly sold as a tea, has a soothing, mildly sedating effect. While there are no known side effects, anyone with an allergy to daisies or ragweed may want to avoid this herb due to the possibility of a reaction. Chamomile is also beneficial to digestion and may alleviate nausea, making it an excellent sleep aid for insomnia caused or worsened by gastrointestinal disorders.

Hops, an ingredient in beer, has a sedative effect when taken in moderate amounts. Hops is effective at relieving insomnia and anxiety, but may cause depression in susceptible people when taken for long periods. Pregnant women should not take hops due to the possibility of estrogen-like effects and an increased risk of miscarriage.

California poppy is a common ingredient in herbal sleep formulas since it helps promote sleep and eases anxiety. The herb is mild and is generally safe for use in children. California poppy is also available as a liquid extract for mixing in tea.

Skullcap is useful for relieving nervous tension and insomnia. Many sufferers of restless leg syndrome report a significant reduction in symptoms when using skullcap. Although skullcap rarely causes side effects, pregnant women should avoid the herb due to an increased risk of miscarriage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not regulate herbal remedies. This means there is no way to guarantee the dose or effectiveness of any herbal product you purchase. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for brand and dosing recommendations before beginning treatment.

While herbal sleep aids are generally safe and effective, they should be used only when necessary and in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Make certain to inform your doctor of any herbs you are taking to prevent potentially serious interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

• Sleep Requirements by Age
• Sleep Apnea Full Face Masks
• Foods Containing L-Tryptophan
• Why Is Sleep Important

• Pure Sleep
• Melatonin Forums
• How to Put Someone to Sleep
• Stop Snoring Mouthpiece
• How Long Can You Live Without Sleep