Which Insomnia Remedy Is Right for You?

Depending on your lifestyle, personality type and medical considerations there is an insomnia remedy out there that is right for you. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another.

For instance if you already are on medication you should stay away from all herbs and medications that might complicate or conflict with what you currently take and instead try –

Drinking a glass of warm milk at night

Taking a hot bath before you go to bed

Turning of the television and making sure all lights are off

Sunning yourself under a full spectrum light for fifteen minutes a day so that you will produce more sleep-inducing hormones at sun down

Consider getting regular massages to help relax your muscles so you can get to sleep

If you can tolerate herbs and mineral supplements then you might want to try a natural insomnia remedy such as:

Valerian, which is a herb derived from catnip that is sold in liquid or capsule form. It relieves anxiety and is also a muscle relaxant.

Lemon balm is a plant that can be taken as a tea or as a supplement. It reduces nervous tension and calms you to put you in the mood for sleep.

Melatonin, which is a hormone that is secreted while you sleep, can help reset your inner clock so you have a better and deeper sleep; keep in mind that melatonin can cause nightmares.

Chamomile drunk as a tea has been known to put people to sleep, however do not take this if you have ragweed allergies

Magnesium is a mineral that may calm you and is found to be very useful if you suffer from a disorder like “restless legs” syndrome. You can get magnesium as a drink or in supplement form.

If you decide to go the medical route then you can expect to prescribed –

Effexor – This is an anti-depressant known to temporarily relieve the symptoms of insomnia

Ambien – This is a non-benxodiazepine hypnotic that you should only take if you want to be put out for eight or more hours

Sonata – This is a short acting hypnotic that prevents you from waking up during the night.

Dalmane – This is a long acting benzodiazepine that relaxes you so you can sleep.

Halcion – This is an anti-psychotic drug with many severe side effects.

Ramelteon – This is a newer sedative hypnotic that is not habit forming and targets GABA receptors in the brain to help you sleep.

The bottom line is that almost all drugs prescribed as an insomnia remedy have the risk of creating a dependency. They can produce severe allergic reactions, repertory symptoms, anxiety, depression, memory loss, seizures, headache, fatigue, dizziness, weight gain and diarrhea.

If you are unsure about a medication, herb or any other type of insomnia remedy then it is best for you to consult your doctor to see what your best course of action is. In fact, you should consult a medical professional before you take any sort of insomnia remedy.