Sleeping Pills - An Effective
Alternative
by Donald Saunders
Overcoming insomnia is a journey - and, as you may
have discovered, it can also be a matter of trial
and response. Undertaken systematically overcoming
insomnia and getting a good night's sleep is an
ultimately rewarding process. But, if you've already
made basic changes to your diet and sleep routine,
and you've tried specific techniques for reducing
stress and improving the quality of your sleep,
you may be tempted to turn to artificial sleep aids
like sleeping pills.
While sleeping pills may promise a miracle cure
for insomnia, the inherent risks of taking sleeping
pills to combat insomnia are myriad. Regardless
of whether you opt for short-term sleeping pills
or a longer course, barbiturates, benzodiazepines
and non-benzodiazepines alike all carry similar
risks - namely the potential for over-use or, in
the worst cases, the possibility of addiction.
Because sleeping pills serve to depress your body's
nervous system in order to create an artificial
sleep, they do not facilitate the essential
healing and restorative cycles and functions normally
undertaken by your body during sleep. That's why
taking sleeping pills can often leave you feeling
drowsy or inadequately rested in the morning.
Instead of turning to sleeping pills to overcome
insomnia, try using one of the numerous natural
and time-tested remedies that are widely available.
Often referred to as a natural sleeping pill,
melatonin offers one viable sleep-enhancing option.
Melatonin is the hormone naturally produced by your
body to induce sleep, and many people have successfully
restored their own productive sleep patterns by
using melatonin to help stimulate the body's own
urge to sleep. Melatonin can be an effective natural
alternative to sleeping pills, but should nonetheless
be used with caution as it is not yet regulated
by any government body.
Herbal remedies are another excellent alternative
to sleeping pills and also to melatonin. Consumed
in the form of herbal teas and supplements, or even
as aromatherapy, herbs like valerian root and chamomile
have been lauded as effective sleep-enhancers for
centuries. Unlike melatonin or sleeping pills, chamomile
does not have to be consumed over a period of time
before it becomes effective. Chamomile tea can be
used on an as-needed basis and many people have
used its sleep-enhancing qualities to successfully
combat bouts of insomnia.
Slightly stronger than chamomile and usually taken
in pill form, valerian root is another well-known
herbal sedative recognized for its ability to overcome
insomnia and promote quality sleep. Valerian's sleep-inducing
properties are so effective that it is actually
medically recognized as the herbal equivalent of
Valium. Indeed, it is said that the name Valium
was derived from Valerian, although Valium
itself is not otherwise connected with valerian
in any way.
As with all adjustments to your sleep cycle or sleep
routine, you should choose one natural sleep remedy
and use it consistently for two weeks before making
any other changes this gives your body time
to incorporate and respond to the sleep enhancing
benefits of the remedy you have chosen.
Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders
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About the Author
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health
related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep
Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach",
"Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art
of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing
and Relaxation Techniques"
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