Trouble Sleeping? Reach for a Natural Remedy
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To follow-up HerWriter Vonnie Kennedy’s recent July article (posted July 2011), Top 12 Don’ts Before Bedtime, I wanted to share a powerful herbal supplement that aids in deep, restful sleep.
If you’re like 63 percent of Americans, you are not getting your sleep needs met throughout the week, according to a study done by the National Sleep Foundation.
Although the preventative aspects of getting good sleep are top priorities (as laid out in the12 Don’ts), desperate times call for herbal supplements . . . or something like that.
Allow me to introduce valerian. Valerian is a perennial plant whose roots are used as an herbal supplement in teas, tinctures or capsules (which are the most commonly used and convenient forms). Valerian has been used for centuries, and it has been shown to assist individuals in getting a more restful sleep, as well as decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.
In addition to aiding in sleep and sleep disorders, valerian has also been historically used for anxiety, gastrointestinal spasms, ADD and other health issues, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). However, much less scientific evidence has been found to support these uses.
Although the NIH discussed many studies in which valerian seemed clearly successful, each study’s conclusion states, for some reason or another, it cannot be counted as clinically significant.
After seeing significant sleep improvements from participants in the studies and experiencing my own success with the herb, it is very curious to me that this natural herb (which is much less expensive and safe than any synthetic, man-made, doctor-prescribed drug) can be so easily discounted. However, can all make our own conclusions.
While on the topic of natural sleep remedies, I’d like to discuss another natural supplement called melatonin, also used to aid in poor sleep.
Melatonin may sound familiar to many because it is already a hormone our bodies produce and is associated with our circadian rhythm (our internal 24 hour clock).
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment3 Comments
Have you used valerian before? Does it work? If so, where can I get it?
August 5, 2011 - 6:01amThis Comment
Hi! Yes, I have indeed and I found it to be very effective! I believe you'll be able to find it at your local health food store or a supplement store like GNC with the vitamins and herbs!
August 9, 2011 - 5:46amThank you for all the information! I often have trouble sleeping through the night, and sometimes wake up 4-5 times, so your article really caught my eye. It was a great article and very, very informative! Thanks again.
August 9, 2011 - 9:04pm