Natural Remedies for Insomnia

It was such a frustrating cycle, the doctor visits were expensive and intrusive and I was really concerned about the side effects and whether or not I'd become dependent on the prescription drugs. Finally, my doctor said that I should try some natural remedies that would be gentler and would be less likely to have side effects and almost no risk of dependence.

The doctor had some good advice on what to look for, what he himself had used on occasion, but he said that I should do my research online and find what sounded promising. I was overwhelmed at first by all of the information, but I went to the local health food store and asked the workers there what they'd actually seen work for their customers. We talked for a while and they gave me advice on stress reduction before bedtime, not watching television for an hour before trying to sleep and giving myself time to "wind-down" before bedtime, all of which was something my doctor had told me to do with moderate success.

I mean, it did help me fall asleep but I wouldn't stay asleep. So, after this talk they sent me home with a bagful of various teas, pills and aromatherapy aids that I intended to try. The first night I tried a chamomile-mint tea that was intended to be relaxing. I can't tell if it was the herbal element, or just the fact that I drank a nice, warm mug of tea before bed that helped me to relax, but I was asleep in no time and only woke up twice during the night. Although it was helpful, I wanted to try the other things I'd bought so the following night I tried a valerian capsule, which took a long commitment because it was supposed to be taken for several weeks before becoming effective.

Although it was discouraging at first, I was rewarded after only a few days with a fairly good nights sleep, without the groggy feeling the next morning. But the results seemed to be sporadic; I'd have really good luck for three or four nights in a row and then have a restless night again. It was disheartening, to say the least. One of the remedies I'd bought was one my doctor had recommended, which was melatonin. I'd heard good things about melatonin in the media and from my mom and friends who'd tried it. It's a naturally occurring hormone in the body, responsible for sleep. I took it a half hour before bedtime for three days and each night I could feel a significant change in my sleep and wakefulness. I'd fall asleep more easily, relax completely and not wake up as often, and by the end of the three days I wasn't waking up at all during the night. I have found my natural remedy for my insomnia, and it has been a life saver!

For more Information on melatonin supplements.
Melatonin supplements