Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
There are several treatment options for those who have difficulty falling or staying asleep, such as the use of natural remedies and herbs. While these natural options may seem like they act slower than other options, they usually help to regulate sleep cycles in a natural way that doesn’t lead to significant adverse effects.
We will go through some of the most recommended and effective sleep aid solutions that you can easily acquire over-the-counter from most health stores.
1. Melatonin
Melatonin is the main hormone responsible for regulating sleep in the body. It has proven effects against insomnia in several studies. Under normal conditions, melatonin is produced by the body at the end of the day, preparing the body to fall asleep.
However, with the increase in stress levels in society, as well as the use of blue lights in bedrooms, and the ingestion of certain medications, melatonin production tends to decrease in some people, which causes insomnia.
For this reason, melatonin can be an important natural supplement to treat cases of insomnia related to low levels of this hormone. It can be purchased at local and online natural product stores and also at pharmacies in the form of pills, chewables or patches.
2. GABA
GABA is an amino acid that the body naturally produces as its main inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is also available as a dietary supplement, which is believed to have relaxing effects.
Studies have not been conclusive on the effectiveness of natural GABA supplements though, because this substance does not seem to cross the blood-brain barrier, and so it has a limited effect on the brain where GABA is most active.
Some synthetic forms of GABA have been developed to enable it to reach the brain more efficiently, and one of the most popular forms of synthetic GABA is phenibut, which is typically used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
GABA supplements are sold at most health stores, and you can buy phenibut in its raw powder form or as capsules from many online stores. You should be careful when using synthetic forms of GABA since taking a high dose of these may cause some unpleasant adverse effects.
3. Valerian
According to some studies, valerian root supplements have a powerful action against mild to moderate insomnia, because it has anxiolytic and sedative properties that help you relax and sleep more easily.
Unlike the sedative drugs in the pharmacy, valerian does not cause any kind of dependency and therefore can be used safely by most people. However, its effect can take up to a few weeks to be noticed as it slowly shapes the sleep cycle. You can find valerian supplements in the form of capsules, powder or herbal tea.
4. Chamomile
Chamomile is a plant that helps the body relax and decrease stress and anxiety, which are often factors that cause sleep problems. This is one of the oldest herbal remedies that people from all over the world have been using for centuries. To obtain its calming benefits, you can prepare a fresh tasty tea before bedtime.
5. Lavender
Lavender is a plant with violet flowers that is very easy to find and has many great benefits. To help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep, you just need to smell a few drops of its essential oil for about 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
You can also find lavender in oral supplement form, often mixed with other relaxing herbs, however, it seems to be most effective as an essential oil applied to the skin/face or used in a diffuser.
6. Passion Flower
Also known as passiflora, this medicinal plant has been used for many years to help treat sleep problems. This herb contains a compound called chrysin, which has been shown to induce relaxation and work as a natural sleep aid.
Although non-prescription remedies can help treat several cases of insomnia, there are also several other cases where they are not enough, especially when there are other underlying health problems. Therefore, it is advisable to go see a doctor when insomnia does not improve after a few weeks of treatment with an OTC remedy or when it interferes with your quality of life.
