Safe Sleep Aids
Safe sleep aids are a major concern for people with insomnia. Often times, people who suffer from bouts of insomnia find that the sleep aids actually cause more problems for them than the original ill effects of a lack of sleep. While over the counter and prescription sleep aids are proven to be safe with the FDA stamp of approval, many people conclude that their definition of safety may differ from that of the drug manufacturers.
"Safe" does not necessarily protect you from addiction and dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and drug "hangovers" commonly associated with safe sleep aids. Altering the chemical balance of your body always opens the door to complications. But because insomnia wrecks havoc on your physical chemical composition, it is often necessary for you to take safe sleep aids that will reset your physical balance. The best kind of safe sleep aids then are those made of natural ingredient and most closely resembling the natural composition of a whole, healthy and balanced body.
There are 3 kinds of safe sleep aids that are considered to be natural and effective: 1) herbs; 2) hormones; and 3) amino acids.
Herbs
There are many herbs that are safe and effective in inducing sleep without causing the body more harm. Kava kava, lemon balm, lavender, passion flower, chamomile and valerian root are all considered to be safe sleep aids. Chamomile tea is a gentle sedative with a pleasant taste. If you drink a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime, you will feel calm and relaxed. This is an excellent way to prepare both mind and body for quality sleep. The only negative possibility with chamomile tea is potential for an allergenic reaction. This is only a concern for people with strong allergies to plants and pollens.
Another safe sleep aid in the herbal category is valerian root. Single dosages will trigger the brain to slow down, get settled and invite sleep. High dosages may result in vivid dreams, but as high dosages nor not necessary to get you to sleep this shouldn't be a concern.
Hormones
Melatonin is the hormone naturally produced by the human brain to tell the body it is time to sleep. When you suffer from insomnia, taking a melatonin supplement will increase the amount of melatonin in the body thereby gently putting you to sleep. It is not a drug, so it does not have any of the side effects of over the counter sleeping pills. Rather, melatonin is a safe sleeping aid that will actually restore the body's natural functions and return it to a natural sleep rhythm.
Amino Acids
Tryptophan is the basic amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin; serotonin is the chemical messenger that tells the body to release melatonin which then sends you off to sleep. If you take a supplement that contains tryptophan, you are, in essence, simply igniting the natural process that causes the body to produce melatonin. This is especially helpful if the body needs that extra boost to do its job.
If you suffer from insomnia and want to find a sleep aid that is both safe and effective, you should look first for natural supplements. Your definition of "safe" may be different from the FDA, but if you choose something natural, you can be confident that you will have safe sleep aids that will provide many nights of quality sleep.