Herbal Sleep Aids

There are many sleep-deprived people these days.  And among the most deprived are the college students.  In fact, it has been reported from a certain study that only 11 percent of the college students have good sleep quality, and the 73 percent of them have occasional sleep dilemmas.  This is perhaps due to the irregularity of their sleeping habits.

A good sleep is very necessary for a good health.  And one should know that this fact is the main reason that many herbal sleep aids and over-the-counter prescriptions are formulated.  However, many people rather prefer herbal sleep aids than those pharmaceuticals mainly for their safety.  Many believed that herbal sleep aids are much safe and effective due to their being natural.  Nevertheless, one should understand that not all herbal sleep aids labeled as “natural” are safe and effective.  Some of those can interact with the other prescriptions and medications. 

Speaking of herbal sleep aids, it is interesting to learn that these products generally come in different forms.  Some of the herbal sleep aids come in the form of fresh or dried herb, while the others are in the form of pills, tinctures, and powders.  As it is mentioned above, although herbal sleep aids are considered as natural alternatives to certain drugs and for some portions have a good safety record, they also contain active chemicals that are powerful and even toxic.  So, one should consider talking to an herbal expert before taking any form of herbal sleep aids. 

Among the most well-known herbal sleep aids is chamomile.  Numerous clinical trials have shown that chamomile have a mild sedative effect.  Aside from that, it has also been applied for the purpose of soothing the stomach in cases if indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, flatulence, and gastrointestinal tract inflammation.  And greatly, the Food and Drug Administration suggested that this form of herbal sleep aids is safe for both the pregnant and nursing women.

A common ingredient in beer known as hops is also considered as one of the best herbal sleep aids ever formulated.  In fact, sleeping on a pillow distended with dried hops is a traditional treatment for sleeplessness as well as for nervous conditions.  This herb can also be taken as a bitter tea or even as a freeze dried extract in a capsule form. 

Finally, another herb that is widely considered as one of the herbal sleep aids sold in the market today is lavender.  Most of the aroma therapists love lavender for its great healing quality.  As one of the herbal sleep aids, the lavender oil can be sprinkled on the pillow or in a warm bath with some lemon balm for a comforting aroma that will lead you to feel sleepy.  However, one should watch out for the Spanish lavender since such herb can be stimulating.