If you’re struggling to fall asleep there’s no reason to be alone about one-third of British adults get less than 7 hours of sleep every night — many of whom have utilized any kind of sleep aid in the last year.
Natural sleep supplements can be a great alternative to the conventional sleep pills since they’re not habit-forming, and don’t require prescriptions. However, most natural sleep supplements are sold as dietary supplements, which aren’t regulated in a strict way by the FDA and also there’s a dearth of studies of high-quality on their effectiveness and safety.
There are a lot of questions for people who suffer from sleeping issues. That’s why it is crucial to know the possible risks and benefits of taking supplements to sleep. Be smart. Make sure you talk to your physician before using any supplements.
Melatonin
The most well-known sleep aid, melatonin is a hormone the human brain produces to regulate the circadian rhythm.
Pros:
Can be beneficial for people with a disability or who can’t produce sufficient amounts of melatonin on their own.
May be helpful for people who suffer from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) — or just those who want to get to bed sooner than the internal clock will allow.
Helps to combat jet Jetlag.
It is generally safe to use for short-term usage (usually three months or less, although certain doctors suggest stopping treatment if the quality of sleep doesn’t improve within a week).
Cons:
This can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea and the following day drowsiness.
Can interact with a variety of medicines, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs contraceptives, as well as diabetes medications.
Can be risky for people who are pregnant or nursing or have an autoimmune disorder, a depression or seizure disorder.
There is not much research on the safety of using long-term.
Valerian Root
Valerian is a tall, flowering plant that’s extracts from its root are commonly used as a herbal sleep remedy. A lot of herbal “sleepytime” teas have it, though it’s also sold as a capsule and liquid extract.
Pros:
One review of herbal medicines found that valerian is the most promising for sleep and insomnia.
It is believed to be relatively secure and generally accepted.
Cons:
Uncertain about which dose is most effective and safe, and how long you should take the dose you’re taking.
Some of the side effects include nausea, dizziness and headaches. problems, or sleeplessness.
Not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant, or have liver disease.
It can enhance the sedative effects of depressants as well as other sleep aids.
L-Theanine
A amino acid that is found in tea leaves, as well as a few mushrooms, l-theanine is said to ease anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Pros:
It increases levels of GABA and other neurotransmitters that help to relax, such as dopamine and serotonin, that help with sleeping.
L-theanine’s combination effects along with GABA enhances sleep in non-REM, according to one study .
Improves the overall level of rest, instead of merely acting as a sedative.
In general, it is well-tolerated by healthy adults.
Cons:
At present, there is no dosage-safe recommendation for l-theanine.
Might lower blood pressure therefore it is risky for those with lower blood pressure.
It is possible to have interactions with blood pressure medications and stimulant drugs.
Still Unsure About Natural Sleep Supplements?
Natural sleep aids aren’t the only treatment option to improve sleep. In reality, it’s recommended to work on improving sleeping habits before relying on supplements or pills. You can, for instance, refrain from using your mobile device or computer for at least an hour prior to bedtime or work on going to bed at the same time each night. You might also want to improve your sleep environment by purchasing a more comfortable mattress, turning down the temperature or making use of a white noise machine.
However, if you’ve had problems with sleep or insomnia for longer than 30 days, you may want to consult your doctor. The longer you let insomnia (or other sleep issues) go unchecked, the harder it is to treat — but a medical professional can provide guidelines for lifestyle adjustments and sleep therapies, and even natural remedies for sleep should you decide that they’re right for you.