Most people need at least eight hours of sleep at night, but getting that amount isn’t easy for those who struggle with sleepless nights. For one reason or another, some people toss and turn for hours before they can finally drift off to sleep, which is why sleep-aids have become so popular. Most of the ones that are sold over-the-counter are considered to be addictive because once someone starts using them, it gets harder for them to fall asleep on their own. Prescription sleep-aids are even more dangerous because of all the side effects that come with them. Luckily, there are organic ways to help get a better night’s sleep that are far safer. Read on for a list of several all natural health supplements that work just as well as sleep-aids, but without the dangerous side effects.
Kava Kava
The strongest herbal supplement for sleep is kava kava. It comes from a root that grows in the western Pacific. Sometimes, natives make it into a tea to drink in replacement of alcoholic beverages when they can’t relax. It acts like a sedative to reduce anxiety, which helps turn off worrying thoughts long enough for a person to fall asleep.
Passion Flower
Missionaries named this fragrant flower “Passion” because if one looks closely at the center of it, it looks like Jesus of Nazareth on the cross. Passion flower tastes very sweet, so it is often added to fruit punches as a natural flavoring. But it can also be drank alone to relax the body at night. This remedy can be easily used in combination with other supplements without any harmful interactions occurring, which is why it is found in the natural supplements for sleep sold by many retailers.
German Chamomile
Some people are surprised to hear that there is more than one kind of chamomile. German chamomile grows a little taller than other varieties, but it still has the same flowers that are needed for natural medicine. Unlike other herbs, German chamomile is safe enough for children to use. They can be dried to make into a tea for restless nights when sleep doesn’t come easily.
Lavender
The fragrant flowers of the lavender plant have been used in different types of aromatherapy for thousands of years. However, they are also delicious and edible. When consumed, lavender is flavorful and calming to the body.
Melatonin
The body naturally produces melatonin to regulate the biorhythms that affect energy levels. However, sometimes people don’t produce enough of it, and this can make it hard for them to fall asleep. When it is taken in a supplement form, it causes drowsiness in less than 30 minutes or so, which is why it is such an effective natural sleep-aid.
There are many health issues that can be attributed to a lack of sleep, such as hyperthyroidism and anxiety. Those who have been struggling to fall asleep for more than a week should head to the doctor for a check-up. And remember, never take any of these supplements if you intend to operate heavy machinery or drive. They are meant to be used only before a person goes to bed for the evening.
