7 Natural Sleep Aids

by Sarah Irani on March 27, 2008 in News & Culture

These days I fall asleep so quickly I don’t even remember shutting my eyes, but back when I was in college, I would toss and turn for hours. Looking back, it’s obvious why. I’d stay up for hours working or chatting on the computer – the perfect makings for a racing mind, tense back, and sleepless night.

Aside from shutting down that computer and giving yourself ample time to stretch and relax, there are plenty of natural sleep aids. It’s important not to become dependent on sleep aids, even natural ones, but to find the root cause for your sleeplessness.

Nevertheless, some sleep aids worth trying are:

Valerian: a mild herb that helps you fall asleep without morning grogginess.

Kava: the ground up Kava root is used by Hawaiians to make a relaxing brew.

Herbal Tea: try chamomile, hops, passionflower or lemon balm.

Diet: cut out caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, especially later in the day.

Melatonin: a natural sleep-inducing hormone, taken in pill form before bedtime.

Aromatherapy: try essential oils of lavender, chamomile or ylang ylang.

Soft Music or Meditation Podcasts: When I listen to a meditation podcast lying down, I’m always asleep before it’s over!

Be sure to research your choice so you prevent possible drug interactions or side effects.

Source: About.com

Image: James Jordan

Susan
November 10th, 2008 at 10:44 PM

Usually anxiety, stress and depression are the main reasons for loss of sleep.
Shjacks45
February 9th, 2011 at 4:50 PM

Catnip has same ingredient as Valerian, milder tea, and doesn’t taste as bad. Conversely Valerian seems to be more potent than Catnip on Cats.
Yea
February 15th, 2011 at 4:06 AM

kava is used by tongans, not hawaiians
RK
February 15th, 2011 at 8:24 AM

actually its also used in Hawaii and known as Awa, Ava in Samoa, Yakona in Fiji and etc. Its not just a Tongan herb. on another note if you try Kava dont use too much of it, there are some side effects such as liver damage, malnutrition, weight loss, renal dysfunction, rashes, swelling and it can mess with your platelet counts. Just because things are “natural” doesnt always mean better for you. Research before you take anything, natural or medically prescribed.
Anonamous
February 15th, 2011 at 9:35 AM

Rk-Personally I wouldnt try something like Kava or anything like it that causes so many possible side effects you have mentioned.I have tried both melatonin and valerian suplements and they seem to work temporarily.Too much caffene,booze,or even water before bed should be avoided.Meditation and soft music seems to work also. In my case where I have later stage development of tinnitus in the ears(ringing in the ears 24-7) after 40 years with this condition only thing that works for me is 3-4 glasses of red wine before bed buts just my personal choice when all else fails.
Gail
February 15th, 2011 at 3:25 PM

Buy trader Joe’s all Natural Pasteurized JUST CHERRY juice.
One cup before bedtime. Also good for pain.