Sleep Aids

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.

Pharmaceuticals include antidepressants, hypnotics and anxiolytics. Each have good points and drawbacks. Antidepressants are prescribed to the patient unable to sleep due to depression or sadness. These are often used after the death of a loved one. Hypnotics are the most effective drugs. They are used to obtain and maintain sleep periods. 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 are used if anxiety is preventing sleep. Sleep enhancing medications should only be used short term for a period not exceeding 4 weeks.

Natural sleep aids and remedies are becoming more and more popular. It is easy to be scammed, so be sure to check out a company's claims before spending money on a product. Over the counter medications often are not approved or regulated by the FDA, so be careful and make sure the company selling these products are reliable and trusted. Melatonin is one being marketed heavily right now as is Valerian. Other natural sleep products 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.

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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