A Few Types Of Sleep Aids

Research into sleep indicates that a good night's sleep is extremely important to good health. Researchers will tell you that the body is benefited in multiple ways when it receives at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep positively affects health, reduces the risk of depression, improves memory, aids in cell repair and decreases stress. Working out regularly, dealing properly with work related and personal stress and avoiding caffeine in the evening will all help you get a better sleep. If you still have difficulty, you may turn to sleep aids.

Over the counter sleep aids typically have an antihistamine based drug as the active ingredient. This is usually diphenhydramine or doxylamine. Both of these might be effective for a little while but after a couple of weeks they will probably stop working. They also have side effects which may include drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth. Pregnant women should not take them.

A wide range of prescription medications are available for those suffering from sleep disorder. Some are designed to help you fall asleep; others to help you stay asleep, while there are still others that accomplish both. Before a physician prescribes any medication, he or she will look to determine your sleep patterns and any underlying cause for those patterns. Any medication prescribed will come with warnings. For example, it may be habit forming, adversely interact with other drugs, or lose effectiveness over time.

Perhaps you have heard of valerian. This is an herb commonly used in Europe to combat sleep disorders. It is also used against muscle pains, restlessness and anxiety. It is said not to be habit forming and does not give people a groggy feeling in the mornings. Results from valerian may take a couple of weeks to show themselves. Headaches and upset stomach are two possible side effects. Interestingly enough, the effect of valerian on people is not unlike the effect on cats of catnip.

Another key ingredient in over the counter sleeping aids is melatonin. This is a natural hormone found in the body produced by the pineal gland within the brain that acts as a regulator of the sleep cycle. Often people will take melatonin when their sleep cycles are disrupted, such as in the case of jet lag.

A supplement that has not gotten approval from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration is kava. This is a South Pacific shrub whose root contains kavalactone which is supposed to aid in sleep. Kava has been used as an insomnia treatment since ancient days. However, the main concern over it in the U. S. Is its possible threat to the liver.

Non-medicinal approaches have been recommended as solutions to sleeplessness. Relaxation methods such as visualization and yoga are two examples. Careful attention to diet has also been suggested as a means to fend off insomnia. Avoiding foods and beverages laden with caffeine and sugars, while taking in foods that are magnesium-rich or contain tryptophan, has been a successful formula for some people.

No matter what path you decide to go down, getting better sleep is one of the keys to a healthier body and mind. Talk to your doctor and research all the possibilities before deciding which sleeping aid to use.