Natural Sleep Aids

When sleep is elusive and synthetic western medicines are not appealing, natural sleep aids may be worth considering. Natural sleep aids employ compounds natively occurring in the body or nature. Some people choose them because natural sleep aids are thought to be better for the body and less harmful. other people try them because they are readily available over the counter without a prescription. Irregardless of the reason, caution should always be taken when using a non-FDA regulated supplement or herb.

Chamomile tea has long been used for it's calming effects. It is by far the most used tea for sleep. It is effective in calming the body and brain and can also be used to quiet an upset stomach. It can be found prepackaged in bag form or bought looseleaf. It's aroma is also thought to have a sleep inducing effect.

Melatonin is a hormone that occurs in the human body that has been scientifically linked to sleep cycles. It is naturally found in certain foods, therefore the FDA considers it a supplement and does not need regulated by an agency of the government. Since it is not FDA regulated, safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed and differences in purity and dosage between brands occur. Melatonin should only be taken about a half hour before bed and is not recommended for use in children.

Valerian is an herbal root prepared as a tea and drank in order to aid sleep. It has a nasty stinky sock smell to it, but is supposedly very effective at inducing sleep. It is more helpful if used long term. Studies have shown promising results with minimal side effects. The majority of reported side effects such as nausea, dizzy spells and headaches were reported after very high doses were administered. This remedy is also not FDA regulated or approved.

Noise is not usually thought of as a natural sleep aid, but it is. Many people utilize soothing sounds or white noise to help better their sleep quality. The sounds of rain falling, ocean waves and other white noise all have equalized frequencies which help drown out sleep distracting and disrupting sounds such as dogs barking or vehicular traffic. The continuous droning of certain sounds help the mind stay calm and assists the body in gently drifting off to sleep.

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophy that focuses on enhancing energy flow within the sleep area. It teaches proper placement of furniture and mirrors in order to properly direct energy in a positive direction. This is thought to aid in drifting off to sleep and staying asleep. The colors of the bedroom or sleep area should be soft pastels. All electronics need to be removed, they interfere with the natural energy flow. Bedrooms should be used only for sleep and sex. Anything pertaining to water, wall art or fountains, do not belong in the bedroom. They are associated with allergies and asthma which are related to breathing problems.

Natural sleep aids play an important part in our quest for nocturnal peace. If used with caution, they should be safe alternatives for those who do not want to or cannot take prescription medications. Natural sleep aids aren't just pills or teas. They include Chinese harmonic living principles, mind and body control, and relaxation techniques. Good sleep can be had if a person takes the time to find what works for them.

Managing Sleep Apnea with Alternative Treatments

Not everyone likes traditional medicine. They feel a more natural solution is better for the body. Some people with sleep apnea seek alternative treatments as opposed to CPAP or surgery. Homeopathic medicine, yoga, and acupuncture are just a few alternative treatments available.

As with any treatment for a medical condition, caution should be taken when participating and always get a second opinion if something doesn't seen right.

Homeopathic medications are all natural, not synthetic chemicals. These are thought to be healthier than laboratory created medicine. Even with natural remedies, certain medications are well suited for some people, but not others. Homeopaths are trained to assess the whole person and treat accordingly with the proper remedy.

Yoga techniques target the whole body, striving for balance. It involves the mind, spirit, and body and creates a healthier you with peace and harmony. Many of the yoga breathing techniques can improve night time breathing problems.

The science of breathing, Pranayama, stresses the importance of proper breathing in our everyday lives. It also claims that what we consciously learn during the day will be remembered while sleeping. We can effectively train ourselves to breathe better in sleep.

Acupuncture - Between January 2002 and August 2004 at the Sleep Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil, a study was held to assess the benefits of acupuncture in sleep apnea patients. Surprisingly, it was found that acupuncture significantly decreased apneic events in the test group and not the control group.

These findings were against what traditional scientists and doctors assumed they would be. Based on the results of this study, acupuncture seems to be a safe sleep apnea alternative treatment.

Patients with sleep apnea want alternative treatments for many different reasons. Some want a more natural treatment plan, others are searching for a cure out of desperation.

One thing that should be kept in mind while searching for an alternative remedy is that sleep apnea can be deadly. No alternative treatment can make you start breathing again if death occurs. The best course of action would be to try alternative medicine while complying with the CPAP and then slowly attempt to wean off of the positive pressure machine.

Several sleep apnea alternative treatments are acceptable, some are questionable, and many depend on the person. Not all treatments work for everyone. When looking for natural remedies, remember to ensure ongoing health during your search.

Always consult your doctor before beginning any treatment plan. Even if attempts at natural healing do not improve your sleep apnea, most alternative treatments will improve your mental well being.

Important: The information presented on this page and other pages on this site is based upon the opinions of the author and on the author's interpretation of published reports and articles. It is not intended to replace your relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice.

The author encourages you to make your own health care decisions in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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