Sleep Aids

Sleep aids can be items such as supplements and techniques used to deliberately induce sleep and to prevent or reduce insomnia.

These methods are intended to help you fall asleep and extend the amount of time you stay asleep, making sleep time more effective.

It is estimated that over one third of all American adults have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Over fifty percent of all adults have used sedatives or other sleeping prescriptions and that 20 percent use them on a regular basis.

There are many natural sleep remedies that can aid you in getting to sleep and gaining the rest you need.

Natural Remedies for Sleep Aids

Sleep aids can include something as simple as making sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool. Other natural remedies for sleep include taking a hot bath, having sex, or drinking a glass of warm milk to help you fall asleep.

When you start to get tired your body will trigger the yearning for sleep by making you yawn. There are non-prescription and natural supplements to help you sleep, as well as techniques like guided imagery.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a type of relaxation technique that will help you fall asleep and can be quite helpful for a number of situations: anxiety, cold, flu, etc. In a dark and quiet room you lie in bed and close your eyes and listen to a recorded "guide" who will help you relax, rest, and fall asleep.

Often these guides will suggest you relax specific parts of your body, one at a time, or that you imagine floating on clouds, or that you are breathing in warm light and expelling dark and negative thoughts.

Find a voice and imagery that works for you and soon this guided sleep aid will help you go to sleep and stay asleep.

Melatonin Supplements

Melatonin is naturally produced in the pineal gland located in the center of your brain. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and its production peaks right before bed time.

Melatonin supplements have been found to shorten the length of time in takes to fall asleep, to increase the duration of sleep, and to allow the person taking the supplement to wake refreshed.

Melatonin can work well for those who don’t have regular sleep patterns. Many people find this supplement to be very effective, while others have had found it to be of no help at all.

Passion Flower

The Passion Flower supplement helps to relieve pain and muscle spasms that might be keeping you awake for a number of reasons. Passion Flower is also an effective calming agent that can help induce sleep.

This sleep aid is beneficial for those who can’t sleep due to insomnia, anxiety and nervousness. Passion Flower is also used for asthma, those struggling with symptoms of menopause, ADHD, fibromyalgia and those looking for pain relief.