Thoughts and worries continue to keep our minds active, which keeps us awake or following us into sleep causing restless sleep, nightmares and disorders. Not getting enough sleep can make a person feel out of sorts and unfocused.

It is almost like a person is one step behind the usual self. It can even make a person feel out of sync with situations and people around them. Every person’s sleep requirements are different, most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep at night, while others can function on as little as 5 hours of sleep.

The amount of sleep a person needs decreases with age. A newborn baby might sleep 20 hours a day. By age four, the average is 12 hours a day. By age 10, the average falls to 10 hours a day. Senior citizens can often get by with six or seven hours a day. A study conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center suggests that people not only sleep less than they should, but less than they think they do.

If you are not getting enough sleep, there are a lot of over-the-counter medications are available in the market today, however, it is best to take a natural solution first. Those in tune with nature and the human body will say that humans are born equipped with all of the healing properties we will need in life. What isn’t produced within our bodies can be supplemented through natural, safe means.

Whether or not you agree with this philosophy, there is no doubt about the incredibly beneficial features of the melatonin sleep aid. To better understand why this substance, already produced in the body, is so helpful for eliminating insomnia and other sleep problems, there is no harm to know a little about it and where to get it.

One of the major reasons melatonin is considered an all natural sleep aid is because this substance is produced in the pineal gland located in the brain.
The pineal gland release melatonin when our eyes send messages to the brain that darkness is falling.

It is responsible for regulating our wake and sleep cycles. No one is sure why, but studies suggest that older people may not produce as much melatonin as they did when they were younger and this may be the leading cause of insomnia in older adults. That definitely doesn’t mean that younger people can’t be affected as well. Using a product containing melatonin is a great way to aid natural sleep.

Aside from being a non-addictive and an all natural sleep aid, a melatonin sleep aid may have other healthy benefits as well. Recent studies have suggested that people who used this type of product find beneficial results in an overall feeling of wellness and it is thought that it might strengthen the immune system and reduce the number of free radicals hanging out in the body.

Just recently, a report from the New York Times stated that two popular sleeping aids have been demonstrating extremely odd side effects. The reports said that there were some users of the most widely prescribed drugs in the market today which started complaining online and to their doctors about unusual reactions ranging from fairly benign sleepwalking episodes to hallucinations, violent outbursts, nocturnal binge eating, and the most troubling of all,  driving while asleep.

Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or “amnesia.” When this occurs, a person may not remember what has happened for several hours after taking the medicine. But it is always safe to talk to a doctor if a person is experiencing memory problems because of the sleeping pills.

The recent reports of strange and dangerous sleep aid side effects associated with leading conventional sleep medications have awakened Americans to the risks of prescription and over the counter sleep aids. Drugmakers are now revising the labels on the two popular sleep aids to warn that these sleeping pills might result in unusual and destructive behavior.

If you would like to try more unconventional remedies in place of conventional otc sleep aids or prescription drugs you should really look into acupuncture, reflexology, chiropractic, relaxation, meditation, homeopathic and herbal medicines as possible solutions.  These are just a few to choose from and one can be sure that there are no unusual sleep aid side effects that will happen to them.

Natural sleep aides such as  Tryptophan,  Melatonin,  Kava and Chamomile are just some of the popular choices for those people who want to get some relief from sleeplessness.

However, several studies in adults suggest that another natural sleep aide improves the quality of sleep and reduces the time to fall asleep for up to four to six weeks.  It is called Valerian Root and it is an herb native to Europe and Asia and can be found in most drug stores as a herbal sleeping pill.

The name “Valerian” is believed to come from the Latin word “valere” meaning to be healthy or strong. The root of the plant is believed to contain its active constituents. Use of valerian as a sedative and anti-anxiety treatment has been reported for more than 2,000 years.
During the 2nd Century A.D., the ancient Greek physician Galen recommended valerian as a natural sleep aide for insomnia. It also been used to treat sores and acne. It was also been given for other conditions such as digestive problems, flatulence (gas), congestive heart failure, urinary tract disorders, and angina.

Valerian extracts became popular in the United States and Europe in the mid-1800s, and continued to be used by both physicians and the lay public until it was widely replaced by prescription sedative drugs. Valerian remains popular in North America, Europe, and Japan and is widely used as a natural herbal sleeping pill to treat insomnia. Although the active ingredients in valerian are not known, preparations are often standardized to the content of valerenic acid.
In the United States, the natural sleep aide Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement, and dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Because dietary supplements are not always tested for manufacturing consistency, the composition may vary considerably between manufacturing lots.

Often the key to successful treatments lies in the focusing upon some part or function of the body that is experiencing problems. Hypnotics can be used within the context of such treatments.

These can be selected based on the role they play upon the system in question. The following are, a list of systems and possible remedies.

1. The circulatory system responds well to Motherwort, Lime Blossom and Balm.

2. The respiratory system responds well to all types of hypnotics, if used in the right dosage.

3. The digestive system relaxants to use are Chamomile, Vervain, Balm, Hops and Valerian.

4. Hypnotics are important to use as a muscle relaxant for the urinary system. Pasque Flower and Black Cohosh have a high success rate on the reproductive system. Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian and Black Cohosh are excellent ingredients to relax the muscles and skeletal systems.

5. Chamomile and Cowslip are healing herbs for the skin.

Some of the medications are classified in the following way:

Hypnotics are herbs with a reputation as easing the person into sleep. They are usually strong nervine relaxants. Nervine relaxants ease the tensions that often produce sleeplessness.

Anti-spasmodics address any somatic muscular tightness that may be involved. Nervine tonics are indicated if there is any suspicion that the insomnia is associated with nervous exhaustion.

Adaptogens will help in a similar way to the nerve tonics, but should only be used in the morning to help deal with stress.

The value of hypnotics is to ensure that the body has a good recuperative rest each night.

By selecting herbs that address specific health needs that are compounding the sleep difficulties, better results are obtained than simply going for strong hypnotic.

An example of an herbal prescription for insomnia would be the following:

Insomnia associated with hypertension and headaches:

* Passion Flower
* Valerian
* Linden
* Cramp Bark

7.5ml of tincture 30 minutes before bedtime.

There are many herbs for insomnia suggested in this article that you may want to think about. You may have to try a few before you find the recipe that works best for you.

NOTE! Always consult a qualified Herbalist for guidance about the correct herbs to use