If you struggle with getting restful sleep, you are not alone. Insomnia is a very common problem. Luckily, you have solutions if you want to avoid getting a prescribed sleep aid.
1. Consider using melatonin
Melatonin is a natural brain chemical that your brain produces. When this chemical is released, your brain tells you that it is time to sleep. You may want to think about taking melatonin as a supplement as it is a natural sleep aid to help your brain produce even more melatonin to help you fall asleep faster.
Is there a downside to taking melatonin?
Unfortunately, it has been reported that melatonin may make you feel extremely sleepy after you wake up. It has also been reported that melatonin only keeps you asleep for a certain amount of time before you wake up again with trouble going back to sleep.
2. Consider using valerian
If you have tried taking melatonin and it does not work for you, valerian is a plant extract that has a couple of benefits. The first benefit is that it may control anxiety and feelings of depression. The second benefit is that it has been reported not to cause you to feel extreme drowsiness.
Is there a downside to using valerian?
Most of the time, it takes up to a month or longer to feel any side effects, if any, from valerian. Once in a while, you may feel a headache or brain fog. The good news is that you are not likely to develop an addiction to using valerian.
3. Consider drinking sleepy-time tea
Chamomile tea is a healthy option that has been around for many years. Besides helping you fall asleep, sleepy-time tea may give you anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits for your body.
4. Consider using kava with caution
Kava is an herbal remedy commonly used to relieve symptoms such as anxiety and sleep problems. It has been reported to help you feel relaxed without causing any mental fog. However, you may want to steer clear of kava as it may be harmful.
5. Tryptophan is safe in milk
Tryptophan is an amino acid that may also be used as a natural sleep remedy. It helps your brain produce serotonin, which makes you feel good. It is strongly advised to take tryptophan by drinking milk rather than as a supplement, as deaths have been reported.
In short, these are five natural aids that may help you sleep if you use them with caution. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
