Sleeping Pills – Must Know Facts About Sleeping Medication

Sleeping pills are normally recommended for people who find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep for various reasons ranging from stress, disturbances and chronic health problems. While there is no such thing as the best sleeping pill, your doctor can make an evaluation of your sleep problem and prescribe sleeping tablets to help you sleep.

OTC sleep medications like Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine that come in different brand names can be used for short-term relief. However, a high dosage of sleeping pills is required for the medication to work. For example, Ambien, the brand name of Zolpidem tartrate that is a hypnotic sedative used in the short-term inducement of sleep, works on those chemicals in the brain that influence sleep. The US FDA warns that buying Ambien over the Internet can contain harmful ingredients like Haloperidol, which is a strong antispsychotic drug that carries dangerous side effects. Research shows that the use of Ambien can cause a sleep-related eating disorder as a unique side effect where the user consumes thousands of calories in their sleep, with no memory of it when they wake up.

Not surprisingly, today, the leaning is more towards herbs and alternative supplements rather than prescription and OTC sleeping pills. Some of the most popular sleeping medications are:

Valerian Root

A herbal remedy, Valerian root, a very common sleep medication, calms the nerves and promotes sleep.  Studies have proved that long term use of valerian has many benefits in the form of better sleep. It is to be used long term for real effect.  However, it can also trigger depression, vivid dreams and heart arrhythmia. High doses can cause a hang over similar to Valium. Studies have also showed that valerian can make some people more energetic, keeping them from sleeping.  For such people, it is recommended during the day to combat anxiety.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid in tea plants. It can lower stress, increase relaxation and anxiety while promoting sleep. Daytime use can increase focus and calm while nighttime use helps sleep. Many natural supplements contain this ingredient.

5 HTP or hydroxytryptophan

A derivative of tryptophan, the amino acid, 5 HTP boosts serotonin in our body. Studies show that it can cure symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia, while controlling pain and appetite.

Melatonin

This hormone is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and it controls the body’s sleep-wake cycle. The highest levels of melatonin in our body is just before we go to sleep. Scientific studies reveal that melatonin speeds up sleep. Studies are still on to see its effects on older individuals and also whether it can help with depression. Lower doses have been found to be more effective since high doses could be toxic.

Passion Flower

This is an herb whose calming effect has been proved by clinical studies.  It has been used to treat muscle spasms, dysentery, diarrhea, anxiety, etc. It is used in pain management in fibromyalgia.  As a sleep remedy, passion flower is a good sedative. Studies show that its effect is similar to benzodiazepine.

Exercise

By far, exercise is one of the most effective methods to promote sleep since lack of exercise can prevent one from sleeping well. The reason for this is the build up of stress and tension in the muscles. Yoga and meditation also help cure insomnia gradually without the help of sleeping pills.

Sleep medications, especially natural remedies are not classified as drugs, therefore it is best to consult with a health practitioner before you use them. Today, there are excellent 100% natural nutritional supplements like Mellodyn that include all the necessary ingredients you need to improve sleep, relaxation, reduce anxiety and depression, in addition to other health benefits.

For more information on sleeping pills and Mellodyn visit www.Mellodyn.com.

For more information on natural remedies for anxiety visit us at www.Seredyn.com.
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