Why Sleep Pills Aren’t the Answer and Which Natural Remedies You Can Use
Sleep is an essential part of a healthy and productive life. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Health Index, more than four in 10 Americans reported a significant impact in their daily lives due to insufficient sleep at least once in the past seven days. To combat this epidemic, the National Sleep Foundation instituted the National Sleep Awareness Week to help bring awareness to this nationwide problem. This year’s awareness week encourages the public to prioritize sleep and improve their overall health and well-being. But instead of taking a sleeping pill, why not use a natural remedy to help sleep and feel better?
What You Need to Know About Sleeping Pills or Sleep Aids
While it can be tempting to reach for a bottle of sleeping pills or sleep aids after a long night of being awake, that may not be the answer. Although pills offer an almost instant solution, they can also cause harm. Sleeping pills can actually make sleep issues worse as they can become an addictive crutch. Both prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills don’t come without risks and side effects such as: drowsiness the day after, headache, muscle aches, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, unsteadiness, rebound insomnia, and trouble concentrating. Some people also build a tolerance to the medications, dependence, and can experience withdrawal if stopped abruptly. Sleeping pills can be useful when they are taken temporarily. But if you are experiencing chronic insomnia, try a different approach with natural sleep remedies and aids or by consulting your Doctor at Shakthi Health & Wellness Center.
Sleeping Naturally
Eating foods that are high in tryptophan, the amino acid that is like serotonin and melatonin, can help the body and brain feel relaxed. Eating carbohydrates like 100 percent whole grain oats, honey, turkey, tart cherry juice, nuts, seeds, brown rice, corn, quinoa can help induce feelings of sleepiness. For centuries, chamomile has been known to help people sleep. There are two different kinds of chamomile: German and Roman. German chamomile is better for tea while Roman chamomile is better taken as a tonic or pill. Both herbs have a calming effect and can help relax before bed. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the center of your brain and regulates the body’s circadian rhythms, which is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin can also induce sleep as it decreases the time it takes your body to naturally fall asleep and increases the feeling of sleepiness. It can also increase the duration of sleep and has been used to help improve sleep patterns.
These are natural ways help to sleep. If you are suffering from insomnia or another sleeping disorder, reach for a natural remedy instead of a sleeping pill. Then call Shakthi Health & Wellness Center for a comprehensive look at why you aren’t sleeping at night.