Natural Sleep Enhancers - Do They Come in All Shapes and Sizes?
Although many people rely on sleeping pills to fall asleep, many others fear the addictive side effects.
For these people there are many alternatives, such as these natural sleep enhancers.
Herbs Chamomile is one of the most popular and well-known sedative herbs.
It can be used in tea or in a bath before bed.
Lavender also has a natural sedative affect.
It is unique because just inhaling the scent of lavender can help those with sleep disorders fall asleep.
It also helps to take a bath with a few drops of lavender in it.
Another method is to use lavender and spritz it on your before bed.
Passion flower, an ingredient in many common sedatives, can also be used to induce sleep.
Music Using music to fall asleep is all about picking the right CD.
It is never good to use something with words, especially if you know them.
You will find yourself singing along in your head rather than falling asleep.
Sometimes even knowing the melody of a song can have this affect, so steer clear of music you are already familiar with.
There are many options available, some with music and some with nature sounds, and some with both.
For example, there is an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon which incorporates sounds of flowing streams and rivers and early morning birdcalls.
So the thing to decide is which would distract you more? Sounds of birds chirping or flowing melodies? Choose something that you can listen to but block out at the same time, allowing your mind to simply let go and relax.
Melatonin Melatonin is a natural hormone that your body produces to indicate that you are tired.
Each person has a circadian, or biological clock.
When light reaches receptors in your brain in the morning, production of melatonin is shut off to wake you up.
When it becomes dark, production increases.
Melatonin supplements can help you feel more tired, making it easier to fall asleep.
They should be taken thirty minutes before bedtime so that they have enough time to take effect.
In a University of Alberta study, 651 people took melatonin supplements for three months without any side effects.
However, no studies have been done beyond this three month period.
Some people believe that melatonin can build up in the body over time, causing health problems, but there has been no proof of this.
Still though, use caution if you choose this as a long term solution to insomnia.
For these people there are many alternatives, such as these natural sleep enhancers.
Herbs Chamomile is one of the most popular and well-known sedative herbs.
It can be used in tea or in a bath before bed.
Lavender also has a natural sedative affect.
It is unique because just inhaling the scent of lavender can help those with sleep disorders fall asleep.
It also helps to take a bath with a few drops of lavender in it.
Another method is to use lavender and spritz it on your before bed.
Passion flower, an ingredient in many common sedatives, can also be used to induce sleep.
Music Using music to fall asleep is all about picking the right CD.
It is never good to use something with words, especially if you know them.
You will find yourself singing along in your head rather than falling asleep.
Sometimes even knowing the melody of a song can have this affect, so steer clear of music you are already familiar with.
There are many options available, some with music and some with nature sounds, and some with both.
For example, there is an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon which incorporates sounds of flowing streams and rivers and early morning birdcalls.
So the thing to decide is which would distract you more? Sounds of birds chirping or flowing melodies? Choose something that you can listen to but block out at the same time, allowing your mind to simply let go and relax.
Melatonin Melatonin is a natural hormone that your body produces to indicate that you are tired.
Each person has a circadian, or biological clock.
When light reaches receptors in your brain in the morning, production of melatonin is shut off to wake you up.
When it becomes dark, production increases.
Melatonin supplements can help you feel more tired, making it easier to fall asleep.
They should be taken thirty minutes before bedtime so that they have enough time to take effect.
In a University of Alberta study, 651 people took melatonin supplements for three months without any side effects.
However, no studies have been done beyond this three month period.
Some people believe that melatonin can build up in the body over time, causing health problems, but there has been no proof of this.
Still though, use caution if you choose this as a long term solution to insomnia.
Source...