Sleep Aids

How many of us have resorted to using sleep aids now and then? Probably most of us. However the problem with sleep disorders is the fact that there’s so many products - things can get confusing. Which sleep aids to choose can become as difficult as knowing what's actually causing your sleep problem - never mind trying to work out how to combat it.

Sleep Aids

When it comes to sleep aids, many individuals prefer to steer clear of anything that comes in a prescribed tablet form. However, if that’s the case, at least a medical professional steers you towards what works best - for you - at the time you need it the most.

Natural sleep aids, on the other hand, are something else entirely. And what do you class as a ‘natural’ sleep aid anyway? Herbal remedies? Natural methods? You'd be surprised at the amount of sleep aids that are closer to home, in your cupboard and all are easy to implement.

Or at least they're worth a try.

Sleep Remedies

Sleep aids can be classed as one of two things: something you can physically take to help you fall asleep or something that you can do, change - alter, in order to aid sleep. Although you may be unaware, there are many things you can try or put into practice that won't cost you much time or effort.

You can adjust your diet, to include foods that contain higher tryptophan levels. Tryptophan converts to seratonin - and seratonin is a sleep hormone. A lack of seratonin is detrimental with regard to your ability to fall asleep and/ or stay asleep. The link at the bottom of this article takes you to a more detailed explanation regarding foods that are tryptophan rich.

Alternatively, you could consider some of the readily available over-the-counter sleep aids that are currently on the market. That said - it's not a bad idea to at least attempt to right your sleep cycle before you resort to medication. Just because it's readily available doesn't mean that it's the choice.

And so, here's a list of sleep aids that come under the 'easy to implement' umbrella.

• creating and maintaining a sleep habit

• warm drinks and foods rich in tryptophan

• the right mattress

• a relaxing, stress busting bath

• having the right temperature setting

• no ticking clock

• a calm sleeping environment

Sleeping Tablets

And so to natural over-the-counter sleep aids. Just how natural are they? The way a lot of them work goes sommething like this: they contain an antihistamine, chiefly Diphenhydramine. In short they cause of drowsiness because they’re the opposite of histamine – a chemical found in our brain that encourages alertness. Pretty straightfoward and not all that complicated.

Think allergy tablets. The ones you buy when you're struck with an allergic reaction to hayfever or a rash you've developed becasue you've changed your washing powder. Some people experience side effects – falling asleep or being sleepy during the day for example.

The falling asleep bit's great, providing you're home in bed - and not at work in the office. Other side affects are a dry mouth and/or throat. And anti-histamines are hardly natural.

Sleep aids that contain antihistamines:

• Nytol

• Sleepinal

• Twilite

• Simply Sleep

• Sominex

Do You Need To Rely On Sleep Aids?

Sleep aids can and do work for many people. However, do you really need them? Are you aware that you can, with time, learn how to relax, wind down, alter your surroundings and lifestyle, in order to achieve a healthy sleep cycle? Not that you should rule out the choice to make use of over-the-counter sleep remedies - only that you may not have factored in that your lifestyle may be the problem.

That said, it goes back to trial and error - what suits one etc etc. And of course I’d ask for advice prior to buying an over the counter sleep remedy. Having said that, talking about anti-histamines reminds me of the time when I was struck with a terrible allergic reaction a few years ago. I was precribed allergy tablets by the bucket load. And I was badly in need of them.

I remember (now) feeling incredibly drowsy, morning noon and night. Now I know why. I was actually on holiday and I spent most of it dropping asleep at the slightest opportunity. Maybe there is something in over the counter sleep aids after all ...