Sleep Aids and Some Guidelines in Using Them
There are different types of sleep aids but natural and herbal remedies are more popular these days. While other types of sleep aids can cause side effects and can interfere with prescribed medication, herbal and natural sleep aids are generally harmless.
Herbal Sleep Aids – These include chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm, lavender, etc. Chamomile tea, for example, has gentle sedative properties but it can cause allergic reactions in those with plant or pollen allergies.
Melatonin Sleep Aid – Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone whose levels peak at night. It is triggered by dark and levels remain elevated throughout the night until light decreases it. Positive results of melatonin sleep aids have been shown in helping jet lag and night shift workers but simple exposure to light at the right time might be just as effective.
Change of Sleep Environment and Sleep Behavior – Changing the sleeping environment and bed time behavior is another effective way to combat insomnia. Experts recommend changes in lifestyle and bedtime behavior as a long term remedy to sleeplessness. Behavioural and environmental changes have a more positive impact on sleep without the risk of side effects or dependence.
Psychotherapy – Frustrating negative thoughts and worries also prevent one from sleeping at night. Others treat this problem with a psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT modifies dysfunctional thoughts, emotions and patterns of behavior. It is a relatively simple treatment that can improve sleep by changing the patient’s behavior before bedtime as well as changing the ways of thinking that keep him from falling asleep.
So then if you decide to try one of these sleep aids,keep in mind the following:
- Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking including non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, allergy medicines and herbal supplements. Combining incompatible medications can be very dangerous.
- The specific instructions for decreasing and/or terminating use. There are cases that stopping medication abruptly can cause side effects and even rebound insomnia.
- Tell your doctor about other medical conditions that you have. Some drugs can have serious side effects for people with medical problems such as high blood pressure, liver problems, depression, and breathing difficulties.
- Only take a sleeping aid when you will have enough time to get a full night of sleep. Otherwise, you may feel very drowsy the next day.
- Read the package insert that comes with your medication. Pay careful attention to the potential side effects.
- Never drink alcohol near the time when you take a sleep aid. The alcohol will only disrupt your sleep even more and can interact dangerously with the sleeping pill.
- Follow directions closely, starting with a very small dose and increasing gradually, according to the doctor’s schedule. Verify whether you should take your medication with or without food, as well as food to avoid while under the medication.
Right choice of sleep aid and following instructions and guidelines are important in order to achieve the main objective of taking medication – that is eliminating insomnia and getting a better night’s sleep. You can always seek for more information online about melatonin sleep aid and the advantages of choosing it.
