There are many different types of sleep disorder — some of the symptoms of these disorders can be helped with sleep aids of various kinds.
When sleep is elusive, a person becomes desperate for relief. There are many sleep aids on the market to help a person find some rest. Not all of them work for everyone. Some may work for one person, but not the next. Finding one thats works may become a daunting task, but well worth the effort once the desired amount of sleep each night is achieved. There are several different treatment options including pharmaceutical sleep aids, natural remedies, and holistic healing treatments.
The most important thing to consider before buying any type of sleep aid is to have your doctor find out exactly which kind of sleep disorder you suffer from. Many self-help or lifestyle changes, for instance, can help those with sleep apnea, but they may be completely ineffective if you suffer from another type of sleep disorder. Your doctor can order a sleep study to find out exactly what’s causing your insomnia or disrupted sleep.
Common medications for sleep disorders
Pharmaceuticals used as sleep aids include antidepressants, hypnotics and anxiolytics. Each have good points and drawbacks.
- Antidepressants are prescribed to the patient unable to sleep due to depression. These may be needed temporarily after the death of a loved one, for instance.
- Hypnotics and Sedatives are the most effective drugs when used as sleep aids with many types of sleep disorders. These drugs are very powerful and should never be taken with other sedating medications, drugs, or alcohol. The action of both sedating compounds will enhance the others, possibly resulting in coma or death.
- Anxiolytics, drugs used for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, are used if anxiety is preventing sleep.
Natural sleep aids and remedies are becoming more and more popular.
It is easy to be scammed, because someone suffering from a lack of sleep can become quite desperate. Be sure to check out a company’s claims before spending money on any product. Over the counter herbal sleep aids often are not approved or regulated by the FDA, so be careful and make sure the company selling these products are reliable and trusted. Some of the most popular natural sleep aids are melatonin and Valerian. Other natural sleep aids are also available. Be sure to research each one before buying and trying.
Many times behavioral modification and holistic treatments aid in the search for good sleep.
These include aromatherapy, biofeedback, acupuncture and meditation to name a few. Lavender is one of the most popular scents used to promote sleep along with patchouli and chamomile. Biofeedback involves placing electrodes on one’s body, then using the information gathered to consciously train one’s self to slow respirations, control heart rates and lower blood pressure. Acupuncture as a sleep aid is suprisingly effective and should always be administered by a licensed practitioner. To effectively calm the mind before bed, try meditation. Classes are often available in larger towns and cities.
Sleep is a requirement of the human body. It cannot function properly without quality sleep. Sleep deprivation causes and intensifies many signs and symptoms. If a person is suffering from loss of sleep, every effort should be made to find a solution. If western medicine is not appealing, there are many natural and holistic treatments available. Whichever route is chosen, the end result must be better sleep in order to achieve or maintain good health, so before choosing any sleep aids, be sure to talk to your doctor.
, about her personal experiences with sugar addiction.