Herbal Remedies for Sleeping

Maintaining a pattern of sound sleep is essential to maintaining health. When sleep is disrupted by stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, or other life problems, it can become a stressful problem in itself. Prescription medications are available for sleep problems, but many are habit-forming. There are a host of herbal remedies that can assist in inducing sleep and most are non-habit forming.

Prevention/Solution

• Melatonin is a hormone that occurs in the body and helps to regulate circadian rhythms, the cycle that controls waking and sleeping.

Prevention/Solution

• Chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a sleep aid. It relieves anxiety and calms the central nervous system, both of which can induce a drowsy state.

Prevention/Solution

• Valerian root is a somewhat more potent herbal remedy that induces sleepiness and is often taken to combat insomnia. In rare cases, it can cause intense wakefulness.

Prevention/Solution

• Passion Flower has a sedative effect that can induce restful sleep without grogginess the next day.

Prevention/Solution

• Jamaican Dogwood is a very potent herb that can induce sleep, but should be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

Prevention/Solution

• Kava originates in the western Pacific region and has powerful anti-anxiety properties that can induce sleep. There may be the potential for some liver toxicity with extended use.