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June 14, 2008, 7:46 am
Flag as Inappropriate Christie  

I've heard chamomile tea can relax and allow you to go to sleep naturally. Are there any other herbal teas that are good for helping someone get to sleep at night?

Herbal teas are not the only things that are supposed to help you sleep. I found that these five food supplements are supposed to be helpful too. Most can be added to the diet after you buy them from a health food store.

1. Melatonin: Melatonin is the sleep hormone. It is said to induce sleep without any negative side effects. Melatonin is a natural compound produced by the body to convey the message that it is night and the body should go to rest. As such melatonin has a sleep inducing effect on your brain.

2. L-Tryptophan: Tryptophan occurs naturally in the body and is an amino acid. Its main function is to manufacture serotonin, (a neurotransmitter) in the brain which helps promote better sleep. It also enhances the brain's ability to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates your body's natural inner clock.

3. Valerian Root Extract: Valerian is a natural herb derived from the root of the valerian plant. It has been used for centuries to induce relaxation and sleep in a natural fashion.

4. Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is responsible for nervousness that prevents sleep. The lack of magnesium can cause leg cramps during the night. Magnesium also produces a calming effect on the brain and is essential for normal sleep. Magnesium taken 1 hour before bedtime does have a tranquilizing effect.

5. Inositol: Inositol enhances REM sleep and helps with sleep problems, especially the inability to fall back asleep after middle of night awakening.

Wow! Very informative skatts. Thank you very much.Thanks to Christie too for bringing the topic. I've been suffering for insomia since I have a shipting work schedule.

Incidentally, melatonin is produced by sun exposure and L-Tryptophan is produced in the pineal gland when there is no blue light around. IE sunset and onwards.

Artificial indoors light contains blue frequencies and stops it's production. Using yellow lights or goggles can help.

Melanin is produced with sun exposure and is reponsible for skin color. Melatonin is the substance that help you sleep. They are two different substances.

I have found that Fragrant Valerian root is more effective than chamomile for relaxing before sleep. I think you can still get it in tea form, but it is most often placed in capsules.

Awesome info guys I too suffer from insomnia and have wondered if there was a chance that tea would work. Not a huge tea lover but definitely willing to give it a try.

I've been meaning to get to the health food store to get some Valerian Root Extract. My husband has trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep and a friend recommended this for a deep and easy restful sleep.

warning though

many herbal remedies, homeopathic can have conmitant complications. such as taking herbals with any prescription.

My husband suffers from insomnia, not as bad he used to. Biochemical insomnia is different that sleep interruption disorder is different and that using herbals can actually create problems of dependency.

so when you use herbals remember do not use them if you are taking RX because that will cause insmonia..

j

Skatss has mentioned Valerian root extract - I can say that it does work, I have taken it to calm down & relax. You add about 15 drops in a small cup of water and drink it, and very soon you feel much better if you were all upset, worried, or restless. It helps to sleep better, too.