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Natural sleep aids found to be effective remedies for insomniaNatural sleep aids like valerian root, passion flower, jujube seed, l-theanine, melatonin, hops, l-tryptophan and 5-HTP are effective alternatives to prescriptive sleep medications. Sleep remedies that combine a number of these natural products and that use quality ingredients are particularly effective.
Our product, Vitalisom PM is a combination of valerian root, passion flower, jujube seed extract and l-theanine. To learn more click here. The value of natural sleep aids is especially apparent when considering the side effects of sleep drugs. Why take natural sleep remedies instead of drugs?Natural insomnia remedies “are less likely to have the drawbacks of conventional drugs”.1Previously unreported side effects of prescriptive sleep medications are now coming to light. Side effects among prescriptive drugs vary depending on the drug. Side effects of benzodiazepines include anterograde amnesia [memory loss] and daytime drowsiness.2 Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines include urinary retention, dry mouth, constipation, cardiac toxicity, orthostatic hypotension [low blood pressure which can cause dizziness, weakness] and sexual dysfunction.3 
Since March 2007 the FDA has required a stronger warning of the risks of prescriptive sleep drugs: “severe allergic reaction, severe facial swelling, complex sleep-related behaviors, memory lapses, and hallucinations. Sleep behaviors may include sleep-driving, driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event”.4
To learn more about how sleep drugs work, click here. Types of natural sleep remediesThe different natural remedies for sleep have different actions in the body and on the brain.Herbs such as passion flower, valerian root, hops and jujube seed have a sedating effect. As mild sedatives, they allow one to relax and fall asleep more easily. 
Melatonin is a hormone that is normally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness. For more information on the daily sleep cycle, click here. L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are amino acids that feed a series of chemical reactions in the body and brain, resulting in increased production of serotonin and melatonin. When taken as a nutritional supplement they force feed the body’s production of these brain neurotransmitters. Serotonin is referred to as the body’s tranquilizing neurotransmitter, and melatonin the body’s sleep hormone. Deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and the B vitamins may be associated with insomnia. Calcium and magnesium are essential for muscle relaxation. Chromium (a component of the insulin molecule) deficiency may cause unstable blood sugar during the night, which can in turn cause one to wake during the night. Stress reductionStress hormones circulating within the body and brain are strongly associated with insomnia. Herbs such as ginseng, rhodiola, ashwaganda, licorice root and schizandra help the body resist the impact of stress. Called adaptogens, these herbs in combination with natural sleep remedies (sedating herbs) are very effective against insomnia.Don’t forget sleep hygieneHealthy sleep also depends on good sleep hygiene. Good sleep habits include:
References:1. Attele, Anoja S., DDS, Xie, Jing-Tian MD, Yuan, Chun-Su, MD Treatment of Insomnia: An Alternative Approach Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 5, Number 3, 2000, pp. 249-59.2. Walsh JK, Benca RM, Bonnet M, et al. Insomnia: Assessment and management in primary care. Am Family Physician 1999;59:3029-3038. 3. Sharpley AL, Cowen PJ. Effect of pharmacologic treatments on the sleep of depressed patients. Biol Psychiatry 1995;37:85-88. 4. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101557.htm From Sleep Aids to Home Page
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