A night of restful sleep is vital for good health, so if you’re suffering with insomnia, perhaps one of the many natural sleep aids that are available may help you. Not getting enough sleep can affect many areas of your life, such as rendering you less effective at work and making it difficult to concentrate and remember things. Not getting enough sleep can also create a hazard for those around you, and may eventually lead to serious health issues.

More and more people are turning to natural remedies to relieve common problems instead of manmade drugs that may cause undesirable side effects. In many cases, all natural products are even more effective than a prescribed drug.

One of the most common substances used for the treatment of insomnia is called melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces at night when it comes time for sleep. Melatonin does induce sleepiness, but reactions to melatonin do vary from one individual to another. It is generally considered safe although it does produce some side effects, such as sleepiness during the daytime, nausea, and headaches.

Another substance that is sold over the counter is called Valerian. Valerian is a herb that can be found in capsules, tablets, and even tea form. Valerian can assist with falling asleep faster and also getting more restful sleep. While small studies have been done regarding the effectiveness of Valerian, they seem to be rather uncontrolled and more work needs to be done. Generally thought to be safe, Valerian may interact with certain medications. As with any new substance you introduce, it’s always wise to check with your doctor first.

One of the most overlooked natural sleep aids is the use of exercise. While regular exercise has long been proven to help with weight reduction and the prevention of certain conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, the effects on sleep patterns is also a great benefit. Studies show that people who exercise 3-4 hours before sleep have an easier time falling asleep, and also obtain a more restful sleep, than people who don’t exercise. Regular exercise can offer enormous benefits in all areas of your life, but don’t overlook a good night’s sleep as one of them.

Many people who suffer from insomnia consider relaxation techniques to be effective in helping them achieve a restful night of sleep. Examples of these techniques include yoga, deep breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation. Developing a peaceful and relaxing routine as you work your way to bedtime may help a great deal. Many of us are extremely busy during the day, and it’s hard to slow down and get out of that type of routine. Reading, listening to calming music, and enjoying a cup of decaffeinated tea are examples of how you might slow the pace at the end of the day.

Natural sleep aids can be a great way to relieve your insomnia without introducing a harsh prescription drug into your daily routine. Some simple modifications in your lifestyle may be all that’s necessary to achieve the restful night of sleep your body desperately needs for optimal health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/natural-sleep-aids-to-help-you-sleep-at-night-5065497.html

These amino acids are affordable and are used in therapeutic doses much larger than those levels normally found in food. The concept of orthomolecular medicine is based upon the use of very large doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or botanical extracts for the cellular repair and enhancement of normal brain activities.

Are you not getting a promotion because you are tired at the office? Are you close to a divorce from fatigue and lack of sleep? Can you not handle your children because you are too tired? Sleep disorders can cause many problems and you may not be able to break the pattern on your own. Sleeping pills can help you fall asleep, but most cause you to sleep too much or wake up with fatigue. Modern orthomolecular medicine can help these problems disappear for many people within several weeks. There may be sleep habits that also need to be altered and dietary changes that should be made. Do not eat or watch television in the bedroom if you have sleeping problems. Stay out of bed until you are ready to fall asleep. Purchase a good mattress and cotton, silk, linen, hemp, or wool linens for the bedroom. Try to avoid caffeine and excess alcohol in the late afternoon and evening. Do not take over the counter sleeping aids.

Orthomolecular Medicine uses several supplements to improve and enhance sleep. These can be botanical products like Kava, Valerian, St John’s Wort, Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile. The botanicals should be taken on a daily basis for several months. This may take three to five weeks to make a noticeable change in sleep.

Melatonin and a combination of Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium should be tried for very serious sleep problems. Melatonin does not always work and should be taken in levels of 1.5 to 3 mcg/day about thirty minutes prior to bedtime. You may want to take selenium along with the melatonin to enhance your immune system.

Chinese patent formulas to improve sleep include Amnien Pian, Bu Nao Wan, and Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan. There are at least twelve different patent formulas from China that can aid sleep. The correct formula is selected based upon your needs. Most Chinese patent formulas should be taken for at least six weeks or longer to address the underlying disorder causing the insomnia symptom.

Amino acids needed to enhance sleep include 5-HTP, theanine, and GABA. The addition of bio-identical hormones may be needed for men in andropause or women in menopause. Do not ever take any type of hormone without a blood test or saliva test to determine which hormones are low. Remember that the Chinese have avoided many sleep disorders and hormone imbalances by using food therapy and Chinese herbs. Consider these options with a healthcare provider.

© Dr R Stone, MD-India

Dr R Stone has a MD in Alternative Medicine from India, MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, and BBA from the UT at Austin. Dr R Stone also trained in Laser Therapy, ICAET, and NAET. Honors include Cambridge Who’s Who and Stanford Who’s Who. Memberships include World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Kunsthaus Museum (Zurich), Austin Modern Art Museum, New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dali Foundation, Austin Art Alliance, Austin Film Festival, and Chagall Foundation. Dr R Stone ownshttp://www.MediciGalleries.com and http://www.ErectileDysfunctionPlace.com. Dr Stone has written extensively on brain diseases and alternative medicine

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/get-over-your-sleep-disorder-with-orthomolecular-medicine-4524198.html

Ok I have taken Tylenol PM, Advil PM and SImply Sleep when I tried Tylenol PM it first made me drowsy within 30 minutes then a month later it no longer worked for me so I tried other and yet the other 2 did nothing so I take 3 Hydroxyzine 2-3 hours before bed and using sleep mate white noise machine and sometimes ear plugs and within 30 minutes I am sleeping but I do wake up in the middle of night.

Can over-the-counter sleep aids like diphenhydramine HCl kill you?