Types Of Natural Sleep Aids

Three of the most commonly used natural sleep aids include kava, melatonin and valerian. These are herbal products that help the body naturally wind down in order to prepare for a full night’s rest. The majority of these items can be purchased over the counter and typically do not need a doctor’s prescription. However, it is best to consult with your doctor before buying any natural sleeping aids. He/she will help diagnose your particular sleep disorder (or if your case is serious enough to warrant the use of natural sleep aids), which can help you figure out which type of natural sleep aid will work best for your needs.

Kava is an herb that serves to naturally combat feelings of anxiety. Having anxiety is a common symptom related to insomnia, which many people suffer from. In natural sleep aids, kava is available for use as a liquid extract, tablet, capsule or beverage. When consumed, kava works as a sedative, which helps insomniacs fall asleep and stay asleep. However, it is important to note that this natural sleep aid should not be used long term since it can cause severe liver damage.

Other natural sleep aids include melatonin, which is actually a naturally recurring hormone in the human body. This hormone works to regulate a person’s sleep cycle and wake cycle. This makes it an obvious choice for use as natural sleep aids. Melatonin comes in capsule or tablet form and is supposed to be taken 30 minutes before going to bed.

Valerian is another herbal product in the natural sleep aids category. This herb can be found in tablet, capsule, tea or liquid extract form and typically takes between 2-3 weeks to take full effect. Valerian should be taken one hour before going to bed.

Read the articles on this site: Natural Sleep Aids, if you are interested to find out more about effective natural sleep aids.

i am fighting an addiction to opiates and i am having trouble sleeping, what sort of sleep aids could i use?

i have always had trouble sleeping but it is even worse now that i am trying to get clean. the lack of sleep is making it very hard for me to stay clean and it is very frustrating!! i know doctors dont like to give people like me sleep aids but i fear if i dont get something to help me i am going to falter. if anyone knows of a non-habit forming sleep aid i would love to know about it. nothing seems to work!

Answer
This is a question I have answered many times in my practice as an addiction counselor, but the sad part is, the best method varies with each individual.
First, I want to tell you that seeking help through ANY source is a positive step, and I commend you for trying to cope with these stressors that you have identified as relapse triggers.
Here’s how I break it down:
1. Understand that your brain chemistry is changing, trying to return to normal. Abstinence from ALL mood altering chemicals, including caffeine and nicotine, will speed that process. (Sorry, benadryl is a mood altering chemical.)
2. Be patient with your body and brain. You’ve put them through hell. They WILL recover, but in their own time.
3. Exercise is good, in moderation. Google Search “John Ratey, M.D.” He recently published a book called “Spark” that has an excellent chapter on addiction. Follow his advice to wear out your body and have it ready for sleep when time comes.
4. Melatonin has worked well for some of my clients, but remember, everyone’s results will vary, and it usually takes at least two weeks of taking the supplement daily before it begins to take effect.
5. If you have access to health care, ask your doctor about Trazodone. I’ve seen recovering alcoholics use it as a sleep aid before, but I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Again, ask your physician. Trazodone is available by prescription only.
6. Meditation can, if practiced consistently, reduce anxiety, increase focus, and make sleeping easier. I have seen the Zen tradition known as Vipassina change lives, including my own.
The last and, in my opinion best advice I can give, is to find a 12-Step group. Narcotics Anonymous has web sites for most major metropolitan areas, and their sites all have lists of meetings.
I hope this helps.