Natural Remedies for Sleep

Natural Drugs for Insomnia

The best natural remedies for sleep so you can skip over the counter sleep aids that can harm your body. Try these all natural, free of side effects sleeping remedies if you have insomnia symptoms.

Sleeplessness and insomnia are chronic problems that many people across the world face today. Most people get several hours less per night of rest than their body needs to decompress and slow down. How much sleep do we need? Well, most doctors recommend between 7 and 9 hours depending on your age.

Many people who have trouble falling or staying asleep often go for over-the-counter drugs to help. Unfortunately, these often come with extreme side effects and can be chemically harmful to your body. The cost can also be high for OTC sleep aids.

Natural remedies for sleep are usually very safe, have little to no side effects, and generally are inexpensive. These may be just what you need to help you get through the night without chemicals or uncomfortable feelings.

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Hops

While a beer or two may put you to sleep at night, we don't recommend that method. Alcohol and insomnia are directly linked and won't help you. Hop flowers however, are well known for their light sedative effects used to treat those who have anxiety or insomnia. Take 20 to 140 milligrams before bedtime.

Melatonin

I have taken a melatonin supplement on many a restless night, and I am always asleep within fifteen minutes. Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain that controls sleep. Taking the supplement directly tells your brain to shut down the body for the night by using the chemical it is most familiar with. It is a very inexpensive supplement you can find in almost any grocery or drugstore.

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Numerous studies have shown that valerian is effective as a natural remedy for sleep. It is derived from a plant and helps the body fall into deep, quality sleep. Unlike melatonin which is for short term use, Valerian is best used long term.

Lavender

True lavender is a wonderful calming agent that can promote sleep quickly and without side effects. Many studies back up its claim to effectiveness, and at the cheapest cost of all sleep remedies, it is one worth trying. Take a few moments before bed to inhale the scent, or spray a little over your pillow for some nice zZZz's.

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L-theanine comes from green tea, and is well known for being very effective as a sleep aid. The unfortunate part is that you won't get enough of the amino acid from green tea alone, you will need to take it as a supplement.

Many supplements out there contain other ingredients that counteract its effects, making it difficult to fall asleep. Try the brand Suntheanine, a supplement that is pure L-theanine without added ingredients.

These natural remedies for sleep are the best alternatives to over the counter sleep medications. They usually have low to no side effects and work quickly.

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