The terms “Sleep Aids” and “Sleeping Aids” refer to the various therapies, medications and supplements that can help you enjoy a sound and peaceful sleep when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. Sleeping aids and pills are nothing new as our ancestors have been using herbal potions and the opiate laudanum to induce sleep for centuries.

The early 1900s witnessed the introduction of barbiturates, and in the 1960s, benzodiazepines arrived on the scene. There are many safer classes of drugs like non benzodiazepine hypnotics that can easily help us to overcome sleeping disorders today.

Even though you might know the tips for a good night’s sleep like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, controlling stress, and relaxation before bedtime, sleep can still elude you. Sleeping aids can help you in such circumstances. They are available in many forms that cure and treat various types of sleeping disorders.

Sleeping Disorders

Sleeping disorders may appear in many forms, like failing to sleep the whole night, feeling sleepy and tired during the day though you had enough sleep, having crawling sensations in your legs, and snoring. Some of the most commonly occurring sleeping disorders are:

* Insomnia – failing to sleep

* Sleep apnea – breathing interruptions during sleep

* Restless legs syndrome – a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs

* Narcolepsy – sleep attacks during the day

* Parasomnias- nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common type of sleeping disorder where you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you wake up feeling dull and tired. People with insomnia would have some or all of the following symptoms:

* Trouble falling asleep

* Waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again

* Waking up too early in the morning

* Feeling tired upon waking

* Sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day

* Irritability

* Problems with concentration or memory

Insomnia Causes

There are many reasons for insomnia. Insomnia is sometimes caused by a medical problem (primary insomnia). It can also be caused by depression and certain medications. Insomnia can either be a short term problem lasting less than a month (acute) or a problem that lasts longer than a month (chronic).

The main causes of acute insomnia include:

* Stress

* Illness

* Emotional or physical discomfort

* Environmental aspects like noise, light, or extreme temperatures that affect sleep

* Specific medications used for the treatment of colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma

* Working a night shift.

The causes of chronic insomnia include:

* Depression and/or anxiety

* Chronic stress

* Pain or discomfort at night

Insomnia Treatment

There are many treatments for sleep disorders. Sometimes just having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc. can help in overcoming insomnia and other sleeping disorders. However, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of insomnia to ensure you are prescribed the correct treatment.

There are medical as well as self-help non-medical treatments for insomnia.

Medical Treatment of Insomnia

Using medication is the most popular way of treating insomnia. Reports say that almost 25% of Americans take some form of medication for the treatment of insomnia. You are advised to take insomnia medications only when:

* The cause of insomnia has been identified

* Sleep troubles cause problems in carrying out daily activities

* Behavioral approaches are ineffective

* Insomnia is acute (temporary or short-term.)

* Insomnia occurs along with a known medical or physical condition

Insomnia Medication Treatment Guidelines

When you start taking medication for the treatment of insomnia, be sure the medication:

* Starts with the lowest possible effective dose

* Is for a short term, if used nightly

* Is alternating or sporadic, if used long-term

* Is accompanied with good sleep practices and/or behavioral approaches

Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics

The choice of a prescription medication for the treatment of insomnia greatly depends on the patient’s diagnosis, history of drug or alcohol abuse, age, medical conditions etc. Generally, there are three types of prescription medications for the treatment of insomnia: Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics.

Hypnotics are the most effective prescription sleeping aids that induce and promote sleep.

Antidepressants are the best solution for the treatment of insomnia when the cause of the sleeping disorder is related to depression. However, a patient should discuss the problem with a doctor as some antidepressants can also cause insomnia.

Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety drugs prescribed for the treatment of insomnia due to anxiety.

Self-Help & Non-Medicinal Insomnia Treatments

Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may include:

* Improved sleep habits and environment (sleep hygiene)

* Stress management and relaxation techniques

* Acupuncture and massage

* Cognitive behavior therapy and

* Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic remedies

Some people prefer non-medicinal and self–help strategies to treat insomnia as they tend to be less addictive, and drug-free alternatives have fewer side effects. Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may also be less expensive than prescription drugs.

Effectiveness of Hypnotics for Insomnia Treatment

Clinical studies have examined data that proves the efficacy and reliability of hypnotics like Rozerem for the treatment of insomnia. After comparing hypnotics to a placebo for the treatment of insomnia, experts have come to the conclusion that hypnotics like Rozerem:

* shorten the time needed to fall asleep

* increase the total sleep time

* decrease the number of repeated awakenings

* enhance sleep quality

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Can you take sleep aids during a sleep study? I am going for?

my second study where I will be wears the CPAP mask this time in addition to the 25 wires, 2 belts, nasal canula and pulse ox meter. I was really hard to sleep last time. I wonder if taking some type of sleep aid will mess up the test?

Answer
Yes it will. You are not to take anything except for your daily, prescribed medications. You will be amazed how well you will sleep when you can breathe without snoring with the CPAP mask on. After being chronically sleep deprived because of sleep apnea, this is going to be a blessing. Don’t take any sleep aids.

Ever find yourself watching the clock as it races towards the dreaded morning alarm? spend the nights tossing and turning? counting flocks of sheep to no avail? Everyone suffers from the odd sleepless night during their lifetime. Stress, overwork, not enough physical activity, jumpy legs, digestion problems, poor diet, pollution, an uncomfortable bed, seasonal changes, even the moon phase can all contribute to sleep problems and prevent us from drifting off to the land of zzz’s…

In today’s hectic society the majority of people find little time to relax. I mean really relax – not just slumped on a couch in front of the TV, but actually switching off and relaxing. Letting your mind wind down, turning off the TV or computer, resting your ears, eyes and brain from the constant barrage of [mostly useless] information. Research shows that taking an hour out to yourself before retiring to bed prepares the body and mind for sleep, thus enhancing your chances of a peaceful, restful night.
A warm evening bath is a wonderful way to relax. Make the experience as indulgent as possible – lanterns / candles instead of electric lights, a warm environment, warm towels to climb into afterwards, maybe even some peaceful music in the background, and try to ensure that you won’t be disturbed. Enjoy this moment – create a space you can relax in and allow yourself that time!

Herbal Baths
The two most well known herbs / oils which would enhance the bathing experience are Lavender and Chamomile, and both are gentle enough for children and adults alike. If you’re using the essential oils in the bath dilute them first in carrier oil [almond, olive, jojoba etc..] or milk, this helps the oils disperse in the water, and avoids a film of essential oils forming on the surface. Generally speaking, for an adult, up to 6 drops of essential oil/s should be sufficient for a full bath. For children between 5-12 use no more than 3 to 4 drops essential oil mixed with a carrier.
The dried or fresh herbs can also be added to the bath, either directly or brewed up as a strong infusion which can be added to the bath water.
Other herbs you might like to try in the bath include Hops, Lemon Balm and Marjoram. Other essential oils include Neroli, Benzoin, Marjoram, Pathchouli and Ylang-Ylang.
A Herbal foot or hand bath can be just as effective – a hot footbath, in particular, helps to draw blood away from the head.

Herbal Infusions
Caffeine can play a large part in causing restless nights – if this is the case for you try to avoid that extra cup of tea or coffee late at night and try a herbal cuppa instead :
Lemon Balm has an excellent reputation as a bedtime herb – soothing to the stomach and a gentle sedative with a lovely zesty flavour.
Chamomile is another successful favourite for a bedtime cuppa – try blending it with Lemon Balm.
Valerian Root makes a rather foul smelling and tasting infusion, but an extremely effective sedative. Valerian should not be taken with any other sleep inducing drugs, and I would recommend it for only very occasional use. [Try blending it with other more pleasant tasting relaxants mentioned in this list].
Catnip [as long as you can keep the cats off it] is a gentle sedative and like Chamomile and Lemon Balm is suitable for restless children. Catnip contains sedative chemicals similar to those found in Valerian, but is certainly a more pleasant tasting alternative!
Passionflower has been used for centuries as a remedy for insomnia, particularly sleeplessness caused by anxiety or nervous tension. If you suffer from anxiety, emotional worries or nervous tension try blending Passionflower with Lemon Balm.
Hops produces a slightly bitter tasting tea, and is well known for its sedative qualities on the whole nervous system. I tend to stick with Hops as a bath or sleep pillow addition, but it does work very well as a sleepy cuppa – although it is best not to take Hops internally if you suffer from depression.
Elderflower makes a delicious, delicately fragranced infusion which helps relax the nerves.
Limeflower is another one to mention for a delicately flavoured relaxing herbal cuppa, and is also valuable as an antispasmodic and sedative to the nerves and digestive system.

Oil Burners
Creating a relaxing environment to sit and unwind in before you retire to bed is one of the most important steps you can do to ensure a decent sleep. An oil burner can be used to great effect – as long as you remember to blow out the candle before falling asleep! Relaxing oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, Rose, Neroli, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Benzoin, Frankincense, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Violet can all help create a soothing environment. Choose one or two oils which you find most comforting and relaxing and add a few drops to water in a suitable oil burner.

In The Bedroom
One of the most effective, easy to use and well-known sleep remedies is Lavender essential oil sprinkled on the pillow or bedding, or dap a little Lavender on to the wrist pulse points and forehead / temple. Another way to include Lavender in the bedroom is in a sleep pillow – make a sachet or small pillow and stuff with Lavender herb and add a few drops of Lavender essential oils. Pop the sachet under your pillow or hang it on your bedstead and breath in the relaxing fragrance. Other relaxing herbs you could include in a sleep pillow include Hops, Lemon Balm [particularly useful for menopausal women suffering from nightly hot flushes] Chamomile and Marjoram. If nightmares are causing the restless sleep you might like to try including Rosemary in your sleep pillow mix.

Ready made sleep pillows, organic herbs and essential oils are available from Gaia’s Garden: http://www.gaias-garden.co.uk/

In The Kitchen
Eating a healthy, well balanced diet is not only essential to your general health and well-being, but will also improve your chances of a restful sleep. Junk food and processed foods stuffed full of additives, preservatives and artificial colourings is one sure-fire way to send your digestive system into chaos. Over-indulging or eating rich foods in the evenings can also cause problems. Many a sleepless night is caused by poor diet or digestion problems. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet [organic where possible], Smoothies are easy to make [a blender is useful of course] and the combinations of fruit and veg are endless – have fun experimenting with different blends. Include natural yoghurt, or ice-cream if you fancy treating yourself [try and find a natural, organic ice-cream],
Lettuce has a long-standing reputation as a soporific food. The Romans were particularly keen on it, and modern research has discovered that it does contain sleep-inducing compounds. Eat the leaves raw, make Lettuce soup or drink as an infusion in the evenings.
Oats are an excellent food for ensuring a peaceful sleep – try muesli, granola or porridge, and instead of a chocolate bar in your break, try a flapjack. Oats also make a tasty topping for stewed fruit or fruit crumbles.
For a bedtime drink try adding a little honey to mug of warm milk [sprinkle a little cinnamon or cocoa on to add a bit of luxury], or try one of the herbal infusions mentioned above.

Non-Herbal Remedies
Suitable relaxing music can be invaluable in creating an atmosphere of calm and programming the body to prepare for sleep. Keep the volume low, and choose natural sounds such as evening birdsong, gentle rain or waves, or gentle blues, relaxed jazz, lilting folk music, or music composed specifically for meditation / relaxation. As scientists are beginning to realise just how effective [and affective] music can be I read more and more reports on ‘listen to classical music before bedtime’ – great if you’ve chosen Debussy’s “Arabesque no.1″ but not so beneficial if you have chosen Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”. There are hundreds of suitably soothing classical music choices, and research has proven some of Mozart’s music to be extremely beneficial at soothing brain waves. The trick is to find the appropriate piece – trial and error and a simple love of exploring the many faces of Classical music will help you assemble a relaxing evening collection. [Aim for unhurried tempos, 50-60 beats-per-minute as opposed to the 120 + bpm of clubbing music]!

There is growing research to suggest that sunlight plays an important role on our body clocks – sometimes it can be a case of not enough natural light causing a lack of energy and a desire to hibernate [as can be seen most drastically during our winter months], in others a lack of natural light appears to cause restless sleep. Research has shown that babies who are exposed to a few hours of natural daylight during their waking hours sleep more peacefully than those exposed to little or no sunlight.
Far too many people spend their days locked in dingy offices in front of computer monitors with little or no natural light, and we are constantly bombarded with artificial light day and night, from lightbulbs to TV screens – it’s hardly a surprise that our natural body clocks are so confused!

Sleep is an important and vital part of living – allow yourself time to relax and re-energise. Creating your own evening ritual will teach your brain and body to slow down and prepare for sleep. Relying purely on sedatives whilst continuing to rush about like a mad-march-hare-on-speed during your waking hours is not the answer! Fresh air, plenty of exercise, a well balanced diet, meditation and time to yourself will all help in improving your chances of a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. So take care of yourself, listen to your body, and sleep well. Sweet dreams….

• For further herbal information, or to purchase organic herbs, quality oils, natural sleep products and much more, please visit Gaia’s Garden : http://www.gaias-garden.co.uk/

_________________________________________________________________________________

The herbal remedies mentioned in this article are not intended to replace professional advice. Any medication you are on should also be taken into consideration – always check with your healthcare professional if you are on prescription drugs before taking herbal remedies. Seek professional medical advice before taking herbal remedies if you are pregnant, epileptic, have a serious health issue, or are taking prescription medication.
_________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author : Gillie Whitewolf has an affinity with herbs and a passion for nature, along with an insatiable appetite for creating – from herbal remedies and wildcrafts to visual and aural arts.
Gillie also runs Gaia’s Garden, a place to explore the world of herbs and the natural magic of mother earth. Visit the Gaia’s Garden Shop for organic herbs, spices and resins, quality oils, the Gaia’s Garden range of herbal and aromatherapeutic products, meditation music, art and crafts and much more… http://www.gaias-garden.co.uk

Hope this article was just right, take a look at our other articles while you’re here.

Anyone in here take Melatonin for sleep problems?

The sleep I do get is of poor quality. Someone once suggested I take Melatonin at bedtime to improve the restfulness of my brain. Anyone heard of this or tried it?

Answer
well melatonin IS the sleep chemical of the brain so it should work just dont over do it because your body will adapt to it and stop producing its own after a prolonged period, but if your looking for some natural supplements then Valerian is a natural herb that stimulates melatonin production and i know from personal experience that it works.

Sleep Disorders

Dealing with insomnia sleep topics is never easy. If the condition persists through time, there can be very decent consequences that result. With this in mind, people with severe insomnia sleep topics especially likely may wish out remedies either medically or for the duration of self-examination. The options for treatment of insomnia sleep problems will vary depending on the cause.

Sometimes it’s nothing more than removing a little stress from one’s life, but others will find they have more serious issues to tackle before sleep will come easily. Causes can include such things as medications, anxiety, pain and even pregnancy. When insomnia sleep issues persist, getting help is almost always advised. Letting them go too long can lead to many insomnia sleep problem consequences. The most common consequences of long-term insomnia sleep problems include:

· Health complaints. People with long-term insomnia sleep disruptions often find they don’t heal as fast as other, they might not fight off infections as well and they generally do not feel as good as they once may have.

· Irritability. Those who suffer from long-term insomnia sleep problems are quite often classified as cranky and irritable. Without the necessary sleep to keep things in focus, the littlest things can set these people off. Sleep Disorders

· Depression. Insomnia sleep problems that continue have been known to lead to serious psychological conditions. By clouding a person’s judgment and their ability to react correctly to the world around them, these insomnia sleep problems can lead to isolation, feeling of self-loathing and more. Other factors likely will go into the mix, but insomnia sleep problems can most certainly add to it.

· Performance issues. Insomnia sleep concerns can impact everything a person does. From their performance at work to their handling of personal relationships, all aspects of life can be impacted greatly. When insomnia sleep problems are particularly bad, they can lead to loss of employment, interpersonal relationships crumbling and more.

· Fatality. This is not the most common outcome of insomnia sleep disorders, but it can result. When insomnia sleep problems get in the way of everyday function, things can go wrong with health and even in ability to handle heavy equipment, such as driving an automobile. With more than 100,000 crashes a year chalked up to drivers falling asleep at the wheel, insomnia sleep concerns are a real problem for some.

When insomnia sleep concerns persist, getting help or trying to tackle the root cause is very likely a good idea. Whether the insomnia sleep issue is caused by pain, stress or even medications, finding the root cause often leads to the real cure. When this is found, it is possible for people to avoid the consequences that can go along with insomnia sleep problems. Do your body a favour. Have a good sleep tonight! Download your Sleep Disorders eBook now!

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My sleep problems are out of control?

I cannot get myself out of bed without at least 10 hours of sleep, usually closer to 12 or 13. My schedule also changes all the time. When I “reset” myself back to getting up in the morning, I just can’t stay that way for much more than a week. I am missing out on life because all I do is sleep all day. I feel bad about myself and more depressed. My psychiatrist told me to use trazodone at night, but I already have problems waking up and I think that makes it worse. I just want to be able to wake up after 8 hours of sleep like a normal person. Even if I slept from 4 am to noon every day, I would be happy. When you get up after sleeping 13 hours and it’s already dark outside, you just feel awful. Is anyone else going through this? If so, any techniques or meds which worked for you?

Answer
you are not alone on this. Even if i get 10 hrs of sleep a night, i still hit that snooze alarm. I find myself rushing out the door and than i cant fall asleep till midnight. I have tried sleeping pills and they just do not help (at least for me). If pos take a warm bath at least one hr before you plan on going to bed. my Doc told me that would help me get a better night of sleep. also don’t drink anything with caffeine past 7pm. that makes you not sleep as well and then u are tie rd in the morning. my doc tells me to wake up the same time every morn even on weekends (yea right). i have been told that if you sleep more than eight hrs a night, you are sleeping way too much.

            Sleeping occupies about 1/3 of our entire lifetime, and so it is obviously important for that reason alone. Sleep also helps repair and renew our bodies when we are in a resting state. When proper sleep occurs, we awaken refreshed and ready to start the day. However, many people do not get a good night’s sleep, and then do not wake up with the energy and vitality they should have. When insomnia symptoms start affecting the rest of someone’s life, it’s time to think about treatment options.

            At first, sleep is usually light, and then later is deeper, but it’s not deep throughout the night, even in healthy sleep. Sleep itself involves a number of cycles that are filled with different stages of sleep within each cycle. Sleep stages alternate between light sleep, intermediate sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. For reasons that are not completely understood, all stages within the cycles are needed for a restful and rejuvenating sleep. If the cycles are broken up significantly by lack of sleep, the symptoms of insomnia begin to occur. These symptoms can include: drowsiness, irritability, shortened attention span, lack of coordination, memory problems, lowered performance on complicated tasks, energy level, productivity, and social functioning. Some people think that they can get away with less sleep in order to be more productive, for example, working two full-time shifts, or working a full-time job plus full-time schooling. However, the lack of sleep with catch up with them and inhibit their productivity and problem-solving skills, so they are really only running in circles instead of progressing ahead.

            Insomnia affects about 10% of Americans and about 30% of seniors (1). Causes of insomnia can include: dietary and lifestyle factors (ex. late night snacks and spousal arguments), depression, pain, anxiety, poor sleeping conditions (ex. noise, a cheap mattress), illness, certain medications, lack of exercise, and stimulants such as caffeine. Half of all insomnia cases are thought to be psychologically-related (1), as you can see from the specific causes above. Insomnia can affect more than just the person who cannot sleep well. Lack of sleep is blamed for more than 100,000 car accidents in America each year (2). There is another related condition called sleep apnea that can also be dangerous. Sleep apnea is a disorder involving brief interruptions of breathing, can be associated with insomnia. It occurs from repeated airway obstruction at night, which results in the person waking up for very brief periods. Sleep apnea is also characterized by loud snoring. Many people with sleep apnea also have high blood pressure, for reasons currently unknown.

            How much sleep should someone have? The two most important factors that determine how much sleep someone should get are genetics and age. Younger children under five years of age need close to eleven hours of sleep. Teenagers usually need 8-9 hours of sleep. Adults need a highly variable amount of sleep, 4-9 hours, depending on the person. The adults that need only four hours of sleep have some genetic differences from the average person needing more sleep, and those differences are being investigated. Older people generally need less sleep than younger adults (2).

            Some insomniacs cannot get to sleep because of other disorders that they have, including restless leg syndrome. This semi-conscious response compels a person to move their legs often, even in prone positions. This is obviously very annoying and disruptive to sleep. This particular disorder may be due to a magnesium deficiency or anemia (possible iron deficiency) (1). Stimulants besides caffeine can contribute to insomnia, including decongestants, cold medications, and some asthma medications. For chronic insomniacs, some psychological therapies, such as relaxation training, may be useful. Some people who can’t fall asleep at night choose to take naps. Experts are divided about whether naps are beneficial or not. If you do take naps, try to take them between 1-4 PM.

            Described below are some common-sense tips on how to help manage insomnia. Do not exercise too close to bedtime. Don’t take naps past 4 PM in the afternoon. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, allowing for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Try to sleep on your side — this inhibits snoring. People with insomnia need to eliminate all caffeine-containing beverages after four PM, including caffeinated coffee, colas, energy drinks, and tea. Alcohol, heavy meals at dinner, and bedtime snacks should also be minimized or eliminated. Sleeping pills can be harmful to the quality of sleep, because they disrupt the deeper stages of sleep within the sleep cycles (1), much like alcohol does. Sedatives called benzodiazepines have been used for insomnia, but they can cause physical dependence and many have withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. 

            There are some supplements that can help improve the quality of sleep. The herb Valerian improved sleep quality in a German study (3). Do not take valerian if you have liver problems or are taking prescription drugs. The hormone melatonin can improve the amount of sleep time in people with insomnia (4). Unfortunately, melatonin can cause depression in some people, and you should not take this supplement without notifying your physician. Copper, iron, and magnesium, all of which are found in many multivitamin or multimineral formulas, may help sleeping problems. A study found that poor sleep quality is associated with low copper, iron, and/or magnesium levels (5). Males should consult their physician before taking iron supplements. 

Below are the common drugs and supplements used to help insomnia. Everyone, especially pregnant and nursing women, should not take any of the items listed below before consulting their physician. 

 

Drugs

Trazodone (Desyrel)

Edema, blurred vision, hypotension, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, incoordination, tremors, weight gain or loss

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Anaphylaxis, hypotension, headache, heart problems, anemia, insomnia, convulsions, anorexia, multiple drug interactions

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Confusion, insomnia, abnormal vision, potential for dependence

Benzodiazepines listed below

All benzodiazepines have potential for physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Quazepam (Doral)

Drowsiness, headache

Estazolam (ProSom)

Relatively safe for this drug class

Flurazepam (Dalmane)

Dizziness, drowsiness

Temazepam (Restoril)

Confusion

Triazolam (Halcion)

Drowsiness, incoordination

 

Herbs

Catnip

Relatively safe

California Poppy

Relatively safe

Lemon Balm

Relatively safe

Valerian

Possible liver toxicity, multiple drug interactions

(German) Chamomile

Anaphylaxis, multiple drug and alcohol interactions

Kava

General toxicity, liver damage, eye problems,  skin dicoloration, multiple drug interactions

Passionflower

Relatively safe

Vervain

Relatively safe

Hops

Depression, anaphylaxis, additive interaction with sedative drugs

Oatstraw

Relatively safe in gluten-tolerant people

 

Vitamins

B6 (Pyridoxine)

Relatively safe at 100 mg/day or lower

B3 Niacinamide

Relatively safe, should not be taken with Carbamazepine

 

Minerals

Calcium

Chance of kidney stones if taken without food

Magnesium

Relatively safe at 500 mg/day or lower

Iron

Toxic in high doses, multiple drug interactions

Copper

Relatively safe at 3 mg/day or lower

 

Accessory Supplements

DHEA (Dihydroepiandrosterone)

Increased risk of some cancers, liver problems, insulin resistance, multiple drug interactions

Melatonin

Drowsiness, depression, seizures in susceptible people, multiple drug interactions

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Toxic in general, skin disorders, serotonin syndrome (can be fatal), heart problems, difficulty breathing, multiple drug interactions

Phosphatidyl Serine

Relatively safe

 

References:

1. Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Ed. Avery Books/Penguin Putnam Inc., 2000.

2. Litin, S., ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 3rd Ed. New York, NY: HarperCollins Books, 2003.

3. Vorbach, E., Gortelmeyer, R., & Bruning, J. Therapie von insomnien. Wirksamkeit und vertraegichkeit eine balrianpraepurats. Psychopharmakotherapie (1996) 3: 109-115.

4. Attenburrow, M., Cowen, P., & Sharpley, A. Low dose melatonin improves sleep in healthy middle-aged subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl.) (1996) Jul, 126(2): 179-181.

5. Feinstein, A. Healing with Vitamins. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books, Inc., 1996.

Dr. Jensen is both a consultant and author in the BioMedical and Nutrition fields. He has previously written a book on both topics, The Failures of American Medicine, published in 2002. Dr. Jensen has also written a doctoral dissertation on how Vitamin C can reduce stress and allergies via its antihistamine effect. He has worked in a broad range of BioMedical fields, such as gene regulation, cancer research, and HIV vaccine development. However, Dr. Jensen eventually decided that helping people more directly would be more rewarding for everyone involved. He has since helped clients with dozens of different ailments. Dr. Jensen is a practitioner in the field of Metabolic Typing, which characterizes different biochemistries among people based on certain physical and behavioral traits they have.

You can contact Dr. Jensen at 1-800-390-5365, or mail him at drjensen@individualizednutrition.com.

In order to gather more knowledge about this subject please continue to browse this site.

Natural remedies for insomnia or sleep problems?

drugs can cause dependence and serious side effects. Are there any effective natural remedies? Thank you in advance.

Answer
a poster above mentioned some product that can be dissolved in a hot tub. Well, a hot tub alone can help you fall asleep!

There are many instances in which behavioral and environmental changes aren’t effective at treating or curing insomnia. There are also times when insomnia sufferers simply don’t wish to try these other types of treatments and cures. Fortunately for those individuals, several effective sleep aids and medications are available.

If taken correctly and only as needed for short periods of time, prescription medications need not cause any problems with addiction. That’s good news especially since sleep medications are the most common treatment for insomnia.

Medications to treat insomnia are available by prescription and over-the counter. To obtain a prescription, you of course need to be under the care of a physician. This is actually wise since effective treatment begins with a firm diagnosis and an identification of any underlying causes for the insomnia. For example, if insomnia turns out to be a symptom of depression or anxiety, the patient will fare better when given a prescription designed to treat depression or anxiety rather than the sleep disorder.

When insomnia is identified as purely a sleep issue, the most effective sleep aids for promoting sleep are called hypnotics. The two main goals of hypnotics are to induce sleep faster and then maintain it for a longer period, resulting in better quality sleep.

There are half-life hypnotics and full-life. Half-life hypnotics are designed to stay in the system only half the amount of the time as full-life so they won’t interfere with daytime activities. Hypnotics vary by dosage, too. They’re most effective when taken for short durations and when their use is decreased over a period of time rather than all at once.

Antihistamines are the most common form of over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping aid. Although antihistamines are designed to block the chemicals that the body releases during an allergic outbreak, they have the ability to calm which makes them effective at encouraging sleep. However, this is a point of considerable debate. Some OTC sleep aids contain pain relievers and even if they don’t, OTC sleep aids should never be taken with alcohol. Even though they’re available without a prescription, it’s advisable to consult with a medical professional before taking any type of sleep aid.

Melatonin supplements are another sleep aid that can help in dealing with insomnia. Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone the body produces as day turns into night. Melatonin helps the body prepare for sleep by lowering body temperature and triggering other changes inside the body.

Care must be taken when supplementing melatonin because there is always a risk of over-supplementation (ingesting more than the body needs to work effectively). In addition, nutritional supplements such as melatonin lack the stringent testing and reporting requirements that govern prescription medications so side effects and long-term effects may not be fully understood.

Some claim that herbal remedies including St. John’s Wort, valerian root, chamomile and lemon balm are effective at reducing instances of insomnia, but like nutritional supplements, there are no regulations requiring the generation of reports and/or studies to back up these claims or document the benefits or disadvantages of long-term usage.

If you’re having trouble sleeping and nothing seems to help, it might be time to see about speaking with a sleep consultant. Visit www.sleepmanagementconsultants.com to learn more about insomnia– and how you can, with help, finally get a good night’s sleep.

I’d like to thank you for reading my article, why not go check out some of my other articles.

Can I take sleep aids while on Lexapro?

I just started taking Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I was wondering if I could take herbal sleep aids to help sleep at night such as melatonin. Or possibly Tylenol ‘Simply Sleep’.

Answer
I am taking Lexapro. I beleive the instructions said that any sleep aids you want to take have to be allowed by your doctor. The risk of the two interfering is great. You could make your depression, or your mania, worse.
You might want to try my wonder drug. It’s called exercise, it works, and is not forbidden by any drug.

Are you in need of insomnia help? Sleep problems interfering with your every day life? Then you’ve come to the right place, as you’re about to find out how you can get more restful sleep without drugs and without medications!

So many people think that drugs are the answer when it comes to getting more sleep. They couldn’t be more wrong! You don’t need sleep aids and expensive prescription drugs to get to sleep faster — you just need to read & follow through with some of these great insomnia tips!

1. Find a way to relax before trying to sleep. Going to sleep while tense or worried is not going to help your insomnia problem one little bit. In fact, it’s likely to make the problem worse. Having said that, take 20-30 minutes before bed to do something relaxing, whether that be reading a book, watching TV, taking a warm bath, getting a massage, drinking warm milk, etc. By getting relaxed, you’ll be able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

2. Don’t watch TV or read a book before going to bed. Although many people can watch TV or read whatever they want before going to bed, others can not. The reason for this is because their mind is still stimulated after watching television or reading. Having a stimulated mind is what keeps people awake when they really want to sleep.

3. Do a bit of exercising before bed. If you work in an office, where exercise is not necessary to do your job, you are more susceptible to insomnia than those that are physically required to work. For this reason, you need to do 15-25 minutes of exercising before bed in order to give your body the oxygen it needs. The more oxygen your body has, the easier it will be for you to sleep better.

4. Stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Keeping a pattern of sleep is essential to getting enough rest each night. By keeping a good sleep routine — waking up around the same time and going to bed around the same time — your body won’t have any trouble identifying when it is time to sleep and when it is time to get up. Constantly switching your sleeping routine is a sure-fire way to insomnia and sleep problems.

If you’re in need of help with sleep problems, then you really ought to follow these 4 insomnia tips. You might not be cured of your sleeping problem, but you’ll most definitely see an improvement in your sleep each night.

Tired of trying these oddball insomnia tips & remedies and always coming up empty handed? Want a guaranteed solution for your insomnia problems? Then visit http://www.SleepTracks.org, the only website that can guarantee an insomnia cure for you!

That is all I have for you in this article. Check out a few more for more great information.

If my baby does not learn how to fall asleep on her own, can it lead to sleep problems later in her life?

I have a beautiful five month old girl who has a very hard time falling asleep unless she is nursed, in the car, or in her stroller. I really dont want to use any kind of cry it out method, but hope I am doing the right thing for her sake-dont want her to have sleep problems later in life.

Answer
Ask yourself these………..

Did our grandparents worry about sleep training our parents “correctly” ?

Did our parents worry about sleep training us “correctly”?

And as a result are we a society of people with sleep problems?

There are millions all over the world with serious sleeping problems.  If they are able to snatch an hour or two of sleep at night, they consider themselves very fortunate.

Many of these unfortunate individuals regard their condition as untreatable. After struggling for years to find an effective cure for their insomnia, they finally  give up and accept their condition as something they must learn to live with.

It makes them better to read about famous authors, artists, scientists, film-starts, politicians and many celebrities who also suffered from insomnia.  They are pleased  to learn that these famous people were still able to live useful productive lives in spite of getting very little sleep at night.

If you also happen to be someone who has problems sleeping, it may be a source of some releif to know you are in good company.   Listed below are names of just   a few  famous personalities, from all walks of life, who suffered in the way as you are suffering now. 

Napoleon.    Napoleon is one striking example of a person who managed to get by on as little as three hours sleep.  Another famous personality who appeared to need very little sleep was Winston Churchill. 

Winston Churchill.  It is a well-known fact that, for the most part of his life, Churchill suffered from insomnia.  He also suffered from severe bouts of depression that persisted until old age. Churchill referred to this depressive state as his “black dog”. 

Sir Isaac Newton. The famous British mathematician, astronomer and philosopher, one of the leading pioneers of scientific discovery, whose name is associated with the laws of gravitation, was also known to have suffered from severe depression and inability to sleep.

Thomas Edison the most famous and prolific inventor in history also had great difficulty in falling asleep.

Robert Burns.  The Scottish poet, in his personal writings frequently referred to his fits of melancholy and anxiety and his inability to enjoy the comfort of a full night’ sleep.

John Stuart Mill.   The famous English economist and philosopher John Stuart Mill was also known to have suffered from bouts of depression and as a result found great difficulty in falling asleep.

Benjamin Franklin, considered by many to have been the most intelligent and able president in American history, who achieved world renown not only as a statesman and diplomat, but also a scientists and inventor, is also someone who suffered from severe bouts of insomnia.

Other American presidents who were also insomniacs were

Abraham Lincoln  and  Theodore Roosevelt.

 

And in more modern times the name of Margaret Thatcher has been mentioned as someone who had great difficulty in falling asleep.

 

Well known writers, who were known to have suffered from insomnia were

Shakespeare, Dickens, Marcel Proust, and Scott Fitzgerald.

 

Actors and actresses were also not immune:

The names of Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe come to mind.

In spite of the discomfort, frustration, stress and tension these famous people must have suffered from insomnia, they still managed to achieve distinction in their chosen fields. They never allowed their insomnia to stand in the way of their goals.

It is interesting to note however, that so many of these famous people, forced to cope with their sleep problems, also suffered from problems of depression and anxiety.

If you are inclined to the view that the lack of sufficient sleep – referred by medical authorities as “Sleep Deprivation” – cannot harm your body in any way and you bolster this argument by using the examples of famous people who suffered from insomnia without noticeable ill effects, it is important to realize that there is a wide variation in the need for sleep by different people.

 In the same way as individuals respond in different ways to the effect that food has on their bodies, due to variations in their metabolic functions, there is a wide disparity in the amount of sleep different people need.

The fact that a famous person, who you have read about and admire, could get by with as little as two or three hours of sleep at night, does not necessarily means that you can do the same without endangering your health.

The benefits, to both mind and body, of deep, relaxing, refreshing sleep every night are universally recognized.  There is no doubt that people are able to function physically far more effectively.  They are also able to think far more clearly and work far more productively.

If you feel that you are not getting enough sleep at night, it is very important to be aware of the serious dangers to your health of sleep deprivation.  Sleep deprivation is a condition that  can be avoided.

Insomnia is not an incurable disease.  Sleeping problems can be solved without sleeping pills, drugs, or medication of any kind.

If at present you feel that you are not getting the amount of sleep you need to remain healthy, it is important for you take steps to remedy the situation.  Effective solutions to solve insomnia and  long-standing sleep problems are definitely available to you.

Dennis Fisher is the Managing Director of Financial and Investment Companies. In addition to his involvement in many fields of business, he has involved himself in an in-depth study of sleep problems and effective ways to solve these problems. Go to his website http;//www.effectivesleepsolutions.com for more information about these unusual ways to cure insomnia.

That’s it for this article why not check out another.

How to substitute weed for my sleep problems ?

I enjoy smoking weed cause it really helps me sleep. But lighting a bowl isn’t simply for me. Only cause smoke is bad on my lungs and seeing that I run cross country. (should i just bake) ?

Answer
Melatonin 3mg (=over the counter sleeping aid…)

Love

End My Suffering Please! asked:

yep, its 2am and im sitting here at the computer, not expecting an answer because most of you normal human beings are doing what god intended us to do: SLEEP AT NIGHT.

which leads to my question: I have serious insomnia issues and I am looking for natural sleep remedies. I’m to the point where sleeping pills no longer work for me and they make me feel too droggy or i sleep until 5 in the afternoon. This is totally messing up my life.

warm milk doesnt help (including the fact that it makes me wanna gag) so i really need something powerful but natural.

thanks in advance