Insomnia patients know how frustrating and exhausting lack of sleep has on the body and mind. The body repairs itself and regenerates during sleep, so insomnia is not only frustrating, but it also causes mood disorders, health issues, and weakness during the day. Sleep aid remedies for insomnia are found through medication, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Three herbal supplements are available for insomnia patients looking for a natural sleep aid – kava root, valerian root, and melatonin.
Valerian Root Sleep Aid
Valerian root has several uses including insomnia sleep aid treatment. The herb is a mild sedative and reduces migraine pains. Valerian root is often used as a natural replacement for benzodiazepines like Xanax, which are addictive and cause withdrawals after cessation. Valerian root’s sedative action is a sleep aid used for insomnia in patients who have problems sleeping from anxiety. The sleep aid is available in pill form or in tea. The amount of valerian root recommended is about 2-10 grams per day.
Melatonin and Insomnia
Melatonin is the neurotransmitter in the brain that induces sleep and sedation. Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in the brain. The chemical balances and regulates the circadian rhythm, which is a necessary biological clock that determines sleep habits. Melatonin is triggered by the environment such as darkness and time. Insomnia sleep aid remedies that contain melatonin help increase the neurotransmitter and help the patient relax. Melatonin has more advantages other than insomnia sleep aid production. It also helps fight aging, reduce osteoporosis chances, and it improves mood disorders like depression.
Kava Root as a Natural Sleep Aid Remedy
Kava root is a plant found in the Pacific Islands. The herb has been used on the Islands of Hawaii and Fiji as a sedative and mood enhancer. The effects of Kava last for up to eight hours, so it should be used in the beginning of the day and before the patient goes to bed. Kava is the most potent of the insomnia sleep aid treatments mentioned, but it has some side effects. First, it produces vivid dreams and night terrors in some patients. Kava also causes liver damage. Kava should not be used more than three times a week due to its effects on the liver.
Some patients use several insomnia sleep aid treatments throughout the week to eliminate tolerance from more potent herbs like Kava. When using these sleep aid remedies, ensure that a doctor who treats insomnia is aware of the supplement uses. Even though the herbs are natural, they may interfere with prescribed drugs, so always speak to a doctor before mixing natural herb sleep aid remedies with prescription drugs.
References:
US Office of Dietary Supplements
University of Maryland Medical Center
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