Your body needs adequate sleep to function properly throughout each day. If you are like most individuals, you require about seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order to feel energetic and rejuvenated the next morning. If you experience long-term sleep deprivation, you will eventually feel the consequences throughout your daily life. Over time, chronic loss of sleep may also affect your overall heath in a negative way. Many people who suffer from insomnia turn to natural sleep remedies in order to solve their problem. If you find yourself in this category but are unsure of which remedies to try, you may wish to consider the following:
Melatonin
Your pineal gland, which is located deep within your brain, produces a hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythms in your body, the rhythms that balance your sleep/wake cycle. Although you are unaware of it happening, your melatonin levels spike just prior to bedtime. This surge in the melatonin levels in your bloodstream creates the drowsy feeling you experience just before falling asleep. It is for this reason melatonin supplements are very popular as a treatment for insomnia. Melatrol offers you a free sample to try their all natural product made with mostly melatonin.
Even though melatonin can cause some sluggishness the next day, the benefit of Melatrol is that it will not give you that drowsy feeling. You will sleep great, stop tossing and turning and wake up refreshed.
Aromatherapy
You may have heard that the scent of lavender promotes a calm state of mind and can help to induce sleep. For years, this was regarded as folklore; however, scientific data has now confirmed that there are sedative qualities associated with the flower. It has been found that the scent of lavender can increase your total sleep time, cause you to sleep more deeply and wake up feeling refreshed. Evidence suggests that it works better for women, which may be due to the fact that they have a more acute sense of smell than men.
Valerian
Valerian is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries for the management of chronic insomnia. While limited research has been conducted on the herb, there is some evidence that suggests Valerian may improve sleep quality and reduce the number of minutes it takes a person to fall asleep. If you are a poor sleeper, research suggests that you will benefit even more from Valerian than if you experience only occasional sleeplessness, although the reason for this is not yet known.
Magnesium Rich Foods
You may be surprised to know that magnesium rich foods are one of the best natural sleep remedies available. A magnesium deficiency can actually cause insomnia, as well as a host of other health problems including pain, irritability, muscle tremors and constipation. Magnesium rich foods include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, molasses, cashews, almonds and wheat bran. If you like to enjoy a snack before going to sleep, consider having a bowl of whole grain cereal or a serving of almonds approximately an hour before bedtime.
Like all supplements, some natural sleep remedies are associated with risks and side effects. Approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration is not required for herbal remedies and some over the counter sleep aids. Therefore, it is essential that you learn all you can about each remedy you are considering. Additionally, it is wise to speak to your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet.
