Herbal Sleep Supplements: Get Deep Sleep Without Side Effects By Andrew Stratton At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Many individuals are turning to natural herbal supplements to help them fall asleep without the prevailing side affects of prescribed, pharmaceutical medications.

Whether it is aches, anxiety, stress or a busy lifestyle, getting the proper amount of sleep can be a challenge. Sleeping is essential to a healthy lifestyle whether it is maintaining the appropriate weight, alleviating depressed feelings, or being mentally alert.

By not getting enough hours in the night, individuals are at risk for diseases and disorders like hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, obesity, emotional disorders, and even substance abuse. However, falling asleep is not always easy.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produce in your hypothalamus of the brain and is partly responsible for your circadian cycle (which tells your body when it is time to get up and when it is time to go to bed).

People who suffer from jet lag have their melatonin levels thrown off causing problems sleeping. This is also true of people living in areas with extended daylight hours. Still, other people may just not be producing enough melatonin at the right time to cause the drowsiness and slumbering effects. Taking a natural melatonin supplement can enhance a person's ability to sleep.

Another naturally occurring supplement to aid in sleeping is tryptophan, which is an amino acid (essential building block, or protein, found in food). Most individuals have experienced tryptophan's effects after large turkey dinners, which are loaded with it.

A form of tryptophan (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP) is available over the counter as supplement. This herb is a precursor to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter (sends messages) in your brain, which regulates sleep. Having an imbalance of serotonin will not only produce slumber disturbances, but can also lead to anxiety and agitation.

A more mild type of herbal supplement that is easy on the stomach and the body is chamomile. It has been used for millennia around the world. It is so mild, in fact, that it can be used regularly, daily even. It is often prepared as a tea but comes in a pill form too. This calming herb not only relaxes the body, but it can sooth stomach aches. It contains natural oils that repairs tissues and reduces inflammation.

Lavender is another natural supplement that has been used for millennia dating back to the Egyptians and Arabians. It has been cultivated throughout the centuries and has been carried by many pilgrims to new lands. The natural oils in the plant have a calming, even a depressing, effect on your central nervous system. The effect is drowsiness and sleep.

These are just a few examples of natural supplements that can be used to aid sleep. It is important to keep in mind that these, and other herbs, have real affects upon our bodies much like pharmaceutical drugs (often without as many side effects). Please note that taking these herbs can interact with medications you are already taking. For further information on any type of supplement, it is important to consult your health advisor.

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