Modafinil Natural Alternatives

Madafinil is a psychostimulant known by the brand name Provigil and is usually used as a treatment for narcolepsy. However, the drug has gained popularity as a treatment for many other symptoms, including sleep deprivation and depression. Modafinil is also common on the underground market as a light-weight performance-enhancing stimulant much like Aderol or Ritalin. While the drug remains a popular treatment for many low-energy related symptoms, there are several over-the-counter natural treatments for these ailments available.

Sleep Deprivation

• Modafinil has become a popular treatment for sleep deprivation because it is effective without the use of amphetamine. The drug has been proven to increase memory function in cases of sleep deprivation in studies done by Drs. Robert Joseph Thomas and Kenneth K. Kwong. Because the drug is effective and does not contain the highly addictive chemical amphetamine, it has become popular with people who suffer from insomnia or are prone to not getting a full night's rest due to work or school. However, sleep deprivation can be treated effectively and naturally as well.

  The most obvious treatment is to get a full night's rest. If you have difficulty getting to sleep at night, it may be a good idea to exercise the day before. You can also try teas made of velarian (the most popular treatment), chamomile, Jamaica dogwood or catnip to relax you before going to bed. If your problem is waking up tired, there are natural stimulants such as ginseng and caffeine that can give you a boost.

Depression

• It has been shown in a study done by a research team at Vanderbilt University that modafinil has mood-enhancing properties. It has been shown to increase mood drastically on a positive affect schedule and somewhat on a negative affect schedule when compared with a placebo group. These measurements gauge the increase in mood as it relates to positive and negative stimulation. Although this may be good news in clinical cases of depression where amphetamine could have been useful were it not highly addictive, there are again quite viable natural alternatives to the drug.

  St. John's Wart is often used to treat depression naturally and also provides a nice energy boost. 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia has been show to increase serotonin levels and combat depression. Also, ensuring that you get a healthy daily dose of B12 vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may help you defend against the onset of depression and maintain a healthy state of mind. If you find that your depression is coupled with sleep deprivation, a combination of daily exercise, vitamin supplements and a relaxing tea before bed may work wonders for you.