Natural Sleep Aids

Difficulty sleeping is a relatively common problem, affecting 20 to 40 percent of adults. Inadequate sleep can affect your health and impair immune system function. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be effective, but may have significant side effects. Natural, herbal teas and supplements can offer safe and effective alternatives.

No TV in Bed

• Remove the television from your bedroom. Watching television or reviewing work-related documents from your bed makes you more alert and can interfere with sleep.

Dietary Supplements

• Try melatonin to help prevent jet lag or ease insomnia. Melatonin supplements can help to balance the natural secretion of melatonin in the body, a hormone in the brain that helps to regulate sleep patterns.

Herbs

• Drink a warm cup of herbal tea made from Chamomile, Valerian root, Passionflower or Kava Kava to help you to fall asleep. These herbs have been used in folk medicine for centuries.

Warning

• Before using any natural sleep aid, talk to your doctor about potential interactions with any medications you are taking, including antidepressants.

Considerations

• If you continue to have trouble sleeping or are relying on any type of sleep aids more and more, contact your doctor. You may have another condition that is causing your sleep disturbances, such as anxiety, depression or restless leg syndrome.