Sleep Aids for a Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep aids are essential for some people who deal with insomnia on a regular basis. The occasional night without sleep is common, but if it is becoming chronic, you could have a problem. Talk to your doctor to make sure that you don’t have an underlying health condition first, but if you are otherwise healthy, you can consider some of these natural sleep aids.

Valerian

Valerian is one of the natural sleep aids that have been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It is commonly purchased over the counter in Europe and is becoming more popular in the U.S. Unlike some other sleep aids, it is not entirely understood how valerian works, but studies suggest that it may work by calming the neurotransmitter GABA, which is how many prescription sleep aids work. Unlike other sleep aids, it is not believed to cause addiction or next day grogginess.

Melatonin

Another one of the popular sleep aids is melatonin. This sleep aid works well for people who have had a disruption in their sleep cycle, such as taking a trip or working an odd shift. Naturally found in the body, this sleep aid is made by the brain as nighttime approaches and allows you to fall asleep.

Kava

Another one of the popular sleep aids is kava. Known for its anti-anxiety properties, kava can be useful if your insomnia is caused by stress or anxiety. You should use caution when taking sleep aids containing kava, however, since there is some risk for severe liver injury if you do not take the supplement according to directions.

Relaxation

Not all sleep aids require you to pop a pill. Relaxation techniques can go a long way to help you sleep better. They usually require at least 20 minutes prior to bedtime to complete, and include:

- Visualization. You imagine a relaxing scene, focusing on all the details with all of your senses. The more vivid the visualization, the more effective it will be. - Meditation. By gradually relaxing all parts of your body and meditating, you can make sleep aids more effective. - Yoga. A combination of sleep aids, yoga uses breathing, meditation, and stretching to help you relax.

Diet: A powerful sleep aid

Even the best sleep aids will not work if your diet is not conducive. Watch out for how much caffeine you take in a day, since caffeine is well known to cause problems with sleep. Avoiding sugar can also help, since eating sugar gives you a short-lived burst of energy and a crash afterwards, which can wake you at night. Eat foods that help you sleep, such as those that contain tryptophan and magnesium. These can help you get a better night’s sleep.

There are numerous sleep aids that you can try if you are having a hard time getting to sleep at night. You may find that these natural sleep aids may work just as well, if not better, as prescription ones that leave you feeling groggy and drowsy the next morning when you wake up.