How to get to Sleep
Written By: University of Penn
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Published - Jul 11, 2011
If there are any prescription medications that have seen a spike in sales in recent decades, it would probably have to be antidepressants and sleep aids. With the increasing threats of impending financial meltdowns and utter world collapse, it's probably no wonder we are having problems getting restful sleep, which keeps us sane. How to get to Sleep?
Antidepressants and sleeping aids come with the most side effects. Some of them, like sleep-driving, are completely frightening! Luckily, there are a handful of herbs that play miraculous roles in natural remedies for sleep, without the side effects or the chemical dependence.
Valerian root, hops, chamomile, passion flower and kava kava. These are only a few of the herbs that come in various herbal concoctions made to promote sleep. Valerian and hops are often combined together to naturally promote relaxation and help you fall asleep more quickly. Avoid taking a whiff of valerian root's stinky smell by consuming it via an herbal supplement.
Chamomile is probably the most well-known herb and is found in many relaxing tea blends people drink for sleeplessness. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study from the University of Pennsylvania found that the extract significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to placebo.
Passionflower. This exotic flower is the same one that grows on the passion fruit tree. For hundreds of years it has been used by the Aztecs and Native Americans as a remedy for such ailments as insomnia, nervous tension and anxiety.
Kava kava, or just kava, for short, has been used for decades in the South Pacific as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety and depression. Although Hawaiians use it as a celebratory drink similar to alcohol, kava doesn't have the same drawbacks, like a hangover. In Europe, kava was actually being prescribed more often than Prozac, until drug companies decided to try to capitalize on the plant and began using unsuitable plant parts. So, make sure you find a trustworthy manufacturer.
Sources:
http://www.med.upenn.edu/dru/studies.html
http://dreamstudies.org/2010/07/13/5-most-effective-herbs-for-sleep-and-relaxation/
http://www.kava.com/