While prescription sleep aids are getting popular, they are not good for your overall well-being.
The most popular of these are Ambien and Lunesta (Zolpidem & Eszopiclone).
These prescription sleep aids may help you get to sleep, but they come with a cost.
Side effects range from nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, drowsiness and fatigue the following day and so on.
A more common issue with Ambien is doing things you may not remember later.
People report driving cars, making phone calls, eating, drinking, etc and not remembering it the next day.
There is also research into these drugs causing depression and certain phobias.
So, the natural sleep help alternative is much better way to go.
This includes over the counter supplements and simple lifestyle changes that can have a great impact on your sleep.
Melatonin This naturally occurring compound in the human body helps regulate your sleep and is also a very powerful anti-oxidant.
A common myth is that the more you take, the better it will work.
In fact, the best amount to take is about 0.
5mg.
Melatonin can be taken every day without the risk of dependence or addiction.
It is completely safe.
Eating & Drinking If you eat and drink right before you sleep, this can cause severe sleep problems.
Don't eat or drink anything 3 hours before you plan on sleeping.
If you must, swish water around in your mouth before swallowing to be satisfied rather than gulping down a tall glass.
If you are getting enough fluids during the day, you should not get thirsty at night.
Bathing Taking a hot shower or bath right before your bed simulates an increase then drop in body temperature.
Our bodies are hardwired into the routine that when our body temperature drops, it's time to sleep.
This rings true with the fact that for thousands of years, we went to sleep when the sun goes down (thus a drop in body temperature).