Herbal Remedies for Anxiety & Sleep Deprivation

Anxiety and sleep deprivation can be challenging. Prescription medication can oftentimes have unwelcome side effects. Herbal treatments in many different forms are available for anxiety and sleep deprivation. This guide suggests a few effective ones to try.

Symptoms of Anxiety

• Anxiety is a normal part of life, especially in threatening situations. Once the situation has passed, so will the anxiety. For chronically anxious people, this is not the case. Anxiety strikes without warning, is very intense, and usually requires some type of medication to get relief. Anxiety disorder can cause chest pain and pressure, panic, palpitations, phobias, and many more disruptive symptoms. The worst is the "fight or flight" mechanism, when adrenaline is pumped through the body, making the heart pound and causing uncontrollable shaking and muscle tension. The good news is that anxiety can be treated with herbal remedies.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

• Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as DHEA, is a hormone made in the body but levels decline after age 30. People with certain medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, AIDS, or adrenal insufficiency tend to have lower DHEA levels. DHEA supplements are sold in 15 mg., 25 mg., or 50 mg. capsules. It is not recommended to take more than 15 mg. at a time. Overuse of DHEA can impede the body's natural production of the hormone. For best results during an anxiety attack, let the tablet dissolve under your tongue.

  Gamma-aminobutyric acid, sold as GABA, is an amino acid normally produced by the brain and works to regulate excitability throughout your nervous system. GABA is a useful for treatment of sleep deprivation because it relaxes the body. Take 250 mg. three times a day between meals. For sleep deprivation, take 500 mg to 1000 mg. 1 hour before going to bed.

  Piper methysticum, known as kava, treats anxiety by relaxing muscles and calming nerves with no side effects when used properly. For herbal treatment of anxiety follow directions on the label. Kava should not be used long term because of its potential to damage liver damage.

  Seredyn is a supplement that works to increase GABA levels in the body. Maintaining GABA levels is essential in controlling anxiety. Seredyn contains L-theanine, valerian, and passion Flower. Any of these ingredients alone can be used for the treatment of anxiety but combined in a supplement, they offer an effective herbal treatment. The recommended dose is 1 to 3 capsules as needed. If taken on an empty stomach, this supplement works in 15 to 30 minutes; taken on a full stomach, the supplement will begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

• It is not widely understood what a serious condition sleep deprivation is and how it can have a grave impact on your health. Sleep deprivation can impair your ability to function normally on many levels. Without proper rest, the brain functions less efficiently, impairing memory and concentration. Some of the side effects of severe sleep deprivation are depression, heart disease, hypertension, and irritability. If you suffer from sleep deprivation ,you may notice you have slower reaction times, slurred speech, and even tremors. Sleep deprivation should not be ignored.

Herbal Remedies for Sleep Deprivation

• Valerian is a supplement made from the roots of the plant Valeriana officinalis. It is a useful herbal treatment for sleep deprivation because it increases GABA levels in the body and reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. The sleep-inducing effects of valerian herbal supplements increase over several weeks. The recommended dosage of valerian for treatment of sleep deprivation is 450 mg. in capsule form 1 hour before going to bed.

  Glycine is a nonessential amino acid in supplement form that is essential to maintaining a healthy central nervous system. Glycine helps you fall asleep quicker and assists with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycles. For treating sleep deprivation with Glycine, it is recommended you follow the dosage information found on the label.

  Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a member of the Cannabis family and is an ingredient in beer. Hops is considered to be a natural sleep aid and sedative. It has an antispasmodic property that will reduce muscle tension and aid in relaxation. It is available in capsules or liquid. To treat sleep deprivation with this herbal supplement, follow dosage direction on the label.

Exercise

• Exercise is essential for anxiety and sleep-deprivation sufferers. You will see an improvement in your condition by adding a 30-minute walk each day to your routine.

Warning

• Even though herbal supplements are natural, that doesn't mean they have no side effects or potential for triggering an allergic reaction. With any new medication, including natural ones, it is best to start treatment slowly to see how well you tolerate it. If you have an existing medical condition or are taking prescription medication, check with your doctor before starting any supplements. Drug interaction information is essential. Ask your pharmacists about herbal supplements and any medication you are taking.