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.
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Jonni Good | All Rights Reserved
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Disclaimer:
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 based upon knowledge
of the issues of nutrition and health, and in partnership with
a qualified health care professional.
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