Alternative sleep aids...

We've all heard, by now, about the bizarre behavior from some people taking prescription sleep aids. We should all be questioning the safety of them. Binging, sleep walking... and driving!... abherant and abnormal behaviours... the incidence of such strange activities is on the rise. Why? Well, there has been an estimated 50% jump in the number of us taking sleep medications since the year 2000.

While we are told that these incidents are "rare" other side effects also cause concern. Daytime sleepiness, that "drugged-feeling"... imagine the result when operating machinery or driving!

If you're having problems sleep there are a number of natural helpers that you can try:

Chamomile tea helps clam the nervous system.

Valerian - Nature's answer to valium.

St John's Wort settles you down and relaxes you.

Kava improves the quality of your sleep.

In addition, a lack of calcium and magnesium can cause problems with sleeping. Melatonin can also break the cycle of sleeplessness and help you to establish a regular sleep pattern. It's considered a way to "reset" your internal clock which puts you to sleep.

If you are having problems sleeping, consult the advise of a healthcare practitioner, but choose a holistic doctor or at least one that believes in alternative methods.

Learn more about herbs and natural remedies and start sleeping better without the consequences or side effects of non-natural preparations.