Overview
If you are suffering from sleeplessness, insomnia and nighttime restlessness, there are a lot of sleep aids that you can try. There are also a lot of prescribed sleep aid medications (like Lunesta and Ambien) that you can use to help you on your quest to have a full, good night's rest. However, if you would prefer a natural remedy for curing your sleep woes, you are in luck because there are also a lot of terrific natural sleep aids that you can try.
Valerian
Valerian is a commonly used natural sleep aid. It is a herbal extract that can help people deal with insomnia as well as anxiety and stress. Valerian can help people fall asleep more rapidly and can even enhance the quality of the sleep the person is experiencing. Valerian is also believed to not cause morning grogginess, though it is advised that it is tried out over a period of a few weeks at a time, instead of just one night alone (it might take some time to start working effectively).
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural sleep aid and is a hormone that is made in the pineal gland, which is located in the central area of the brain. It maintains the body's circadian rhythms and can lower the time required for someone to fall asleep. Melatonin increases drowsiness and "sleepy" feelings, and can even keep people asleep for a longer period of time.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a very popular herbal sleep aid that is often used in tea form. The chamomile herb also has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Not only can it be taken as tea, but it can also be taken as tinctures. Chamomile has a very soothing and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help them fall asleep faster and easier.
Passionflower
Passionflower (commonly referred to as maypop as well) is a natural sleep aid as well as a sedative. It is commonly used as a natural treatment for insomnia. Passionflower has a calming effect similar to that of benzodiazepine. The calming effect causes people to fall asleep rapidly.
Kava
Kava (also referred to as kava kava) is a herbal sleep aid that can combat insomnia, anxiety and stress. It brings on relaxation and comfort without having any negative effect on motor function or the memory. It has sedative properties, though many people consider it to be an unsafe natural sleep aid. It is believed to possibly cause hepatitis, liver failure, liver toxicity and cirrhosis.
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