When it comes to natural sleeping aids it has been discovered many herbals present no significant side effects. However, that said, just like any medicine or sleep enhancer, you're going to find some sleeping aids that aren't so good. What is meant by this? Some natural sleeping aids proved reliable while others must be avoided altogether. The following article provides you with some of the best sleeping aids available today and warns you about a highly unfavorable remedy.
Valerian is one natural sleep enhancer that appears to affect a neurotransmitter (specifically GABA). In so doing, it produces a calming effect. This is comparative to other types of sleeping aids.
Valerian is dissimilar from other sleeping aids however in that it will not cause an individual to feel groggy in the morning. Further, another benefit of the sleeping aid, is that it seems to be non-addictive. With respect to the last statement, although clinical trials have for the most part supported the characteristic, the trials have not been completely conclusive.
It is generally advised a person experiencing difficulty sleeping take the sleep aid an hour before retiring to bed. Also, Valerian does not work right away. You need to take the natural sleeping aid two to three weeks before you begin seeing results. The natural remedy, further, should not be used for over three months at a stretch. Even though natural; care must be used in taking herbals as is the case with any other form of medicine.
The side effects associated with Valerian include a) Indigestion that proved mild in nature; b) headache; c) heart palpitations; and d) spells of dizziness. Valerian tea is available for consumption, however most persons do not prefer it due to the smell. Therefore, most sleep sufferers take Valerian in capsule form.
Another very popular selection (falling under the category of natural sleeping aids) is Melatonin. The persons who find sleep relief using the product are generally those individuals where the natural rhythm of sleep has been corrupted (to some degree). Persons benefiting from Melatonin may include nighttime disc jockeys or individuals who travel frequently by air and experience jet lag.
Melatonin is considered a hormone and origination begins at the pineal gland. The gland produces Serotonin. Serotonin is transformed into Melatonin at night when you are generally expected to sleep.
The sleep aid Melatonin is administered thirty minutes prior to retiring. Persons who experience conditions such as Schizophrenia, Depression, and Autoimmune illnesses are advised not to take the natural sleep enhancer and look for other remedies for insomnia.
One benefit of taking Melatonin is that (according to a University of Alberta sleep study) the natural sleep enhancer appears to produce no major side effects while allowing you to get a good nigh's sleep—that is when used for a period under three months. This means, at this juncture, any long term side effects are unknown.
The side effects of the natural sleep aid Kava proved extremely discouraging. Kava, it appears has relieved insomnia resulting from anxiety. However, that said, the FDA has issued a warning that Kava presents the risk of liver damage. The warning by the FDA is the result of twenty-five persons reporting adversarial effects from the use of Kava. Four of the reports indicated users required liver transplantation.
In summary, Valerian did produce some side effects in certain users; however, this appears dependent on the individual and Melatonin, when used in moderation produced no obvious side-effects. Kava, it is best concluded, probably should be avoided unless administered for a very brief period of time in ridding an individual of anxiety produced Insomnia.