http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/node/81 Do you have trouble sleeping? It seems
like sleep problems are on the rise – at least in the people I know.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Studies
suggest that sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans, representing
approximately 20 percent of the population.” I personally think it has to
do with too much overstimulation. We’re trying to do too much, too fast and
all the time and after going, going, going all day long our brains are having
a harder and harder time slowing down at night, and can you blame it? While
we are driving we’re listening to music, talking on the phone (while on a
headset, of course!) with a movie playing in the background for our kids.
Later when we’re making dinner, again we probably have the music (or maybe
an audio book if we want to change it up), television (probably with a
scrolling ticker across the bottom) plus all the measuring and mixing of
whatever dinner requires. I think the teenagers are even worse, they almost
always have an ear phone in while they are texting multiple people and trying
to do their homework. It’s no wonder our brains are fried at the end of the
day! There are multiple prescriptions available to help with one’s trouble
sleeping, however it’s my understanding that they mostly come with numerous
side effects and can be very addictive. According to Webmd.com: “In March
2007, the FDA issued warnings for prescription sleep drugs, alerting patients
that they can cause rare allergic reactions and complex sleep-related
behaviors, including “sleep driving”.” I don’t know about you, but
“sleep driving” sounds really scary to me. So instead of risking some of
the rare reactions that can come with prescription medications, a lot of
people are opting to try some more natural alternatives to deal with their
sleep problems. Over the years there have been several natural options for
trouble sleeping. Sharon Plank, MD, an integrative medicine physician with
the University of Pittsburgh Medical School Center for Integrative Medicine
suggests the following natural supplements for sleep problems: Chamomile tea,
Melatonin [1], Valerian, and Kava. Chamomile has been used around the world
for hundreds of years for various medicinal reasons. According to the
University of Maryland Medical Center “animal studies have found that low
doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.”
While the FDA considers Chamomile tea to be safe with little to no side
effects, there are a few things to remember if considering it as a sleep aid.
Chamomile tea shouldn’t be used by people who have an allergy to ragweed.
Additionally, if you are pregnant is breastfeeding you should not use
chamomile. Melatonin has been used for a long time to aid in overcoming the
effects of insomnia and jet lag. Our circadian cycles are regulated by
Melatonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. When our
circadian cycles are off we can have trouble sleeping. Melatonin is optimal
when used over a short period of time. Melatonin is not recommended for
people who take blood thinners. Also, children with brain disorders can have
an increased risk of seizure when taking Melatonin. Valerian root is another
option when looking for a natural sleep aid. The American Academy of Family
Physicians says: “A potential advantage of valerian over benzodiazepines is
the lack of sleepiness on awakening when used at the recommended dosages.”
Known for its use as an anti-anxiety treatment or a sedative, Valerian is
found most beneficial when taken regularly, since it seems to work better
over time. According to MayoClinic.com, Valerian may “reduce the amount of
time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better.” Kava has been used
for decades to help reduce anxiety. According to webmd.com “The American
Academy of Family Physicians reports that short-term use of kava is
recommended for patients with mild to moderate anxiety” – however there
have been reports that long term use of Kava can been linked to instances of
liver damage, some cases very severe, so I would be careful about using this
if you have trouble sleeping. In addition to supplementation, another way to
improve your sleep may be to make some changes to your lifestyle to reduce
stress and anxiety. People try meditation, yoga, massage or acupuncture to
help elevate anxiety in their life. Other things I’ve read suggest limiting
night time television viewing, exercise and caffeine intake as further ways
to help promote a good night’s sleep. No matter how you choose to do it, we
all need a good night’s sleep, so if you have trouble sleeping find what
works for you and sleep away! [1] http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/sleep-well-supplementhttp://liquidhealth.posterous.com/new-content-from-liquid-health-30812 http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/node/81 Do you have trouble sleeping? It seems like sleep problems are on the rise – at least in the people I know. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Studies suggest that sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans, representing approx ... http://liquidhealth.posterous.com
like sleep problems are on the rise – at least in the people I know.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Studies
suggest that sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans, representing
approximately 20 percent of the population.” I personally think it has to
do with too much overstimulation. We’re trying to do too much, too fast and
all the time and after going, going, going all day long our brains are having
a harder and harder time slowing down at night, and can you blame it? While
we are driving we’re listening to music, talking on the phone (while on a
headset, of course!) with a movie playing in the background for our kids.
Later when we’re making dinner, again we probably have the music (or maybe
an audio book if we want to change it up), television (probably with a
scrolling ticker across the bottom) plus all the measuring and mixing of
whatever dinner requires. I think the teenagers are even worse, they almost
always have an ear phone in while they are texting multiple people and trying
to do their homework. It’s no wonder our brains are fried at the end of the
day! There are multiple prescriptions available to help with one’s trouble
sleeping, however it’s my understanding that they mostly come with numerous
side effects and can be very addictive. According to Webmd.com: “In March
2007, the FDA issued warnings for prescription sleep drugs, alerting patients
that they can cause rare allergic reactions and complex sleep-related
behaviors, including “sleep driving”.” I don’t know about you, but
“sleep driving” sounds really scary to me. So instead of risking some of
the rare reactions that can come with prescription medications, a lot of
people are opting to try some more natural alternatives to deal with their
sleep problems. Over the years there have been several natural options for
trouble sleeping. Sharon Plank, MD, an integrative medicine physician with
the University of Pittsburgh Medical School Center for Integrative Medicine
suggests the following natural supplements for sleep problems: Chamomile tea,
Melatonin [1], Valerian, and Kava. Chamomile has been used around the world
for hundreds of years for various medicinal reasons. According to the
University of Maryland Medical Center “animal studies have found that low
doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep.”
While the FDA considers Chamomile tea to be safe with little to no side
effects, there are a few things to remember if considering it as a sleep aid.
Chamomile tea shouldn’t be used by people who have an allergy to ragweed.
Additionally, if you are pregnant is breastfeeding you should not use
chamomile. Melatonin has been used for a long time to aid in overcoming the
effects of insomnia and jet lag. Our circadian cycles are regulated by
Melatonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. When our
circadian cycles are off we can have trouble sleeping. Melatonin is optimal
when used over a short period of time. Melatonin is not recommended for
people who take blood thinners. Also, children with brain disorders can have
an increased risk of seizure when taking Melatonin. Valerian root is another
option when looking for a natural sleep aid. The American Academy of Family
Physicians says: “A potential advantage of valerian over benzodiazepines is
the lack of sleepiness on awakening when used at the recommended dosages.”
Known for its use as an anti-anxiety treatment or a sedative, Valerian is
found most beneficial when taken regularly, since it seems to work better
over time. According to MayoClinic.com, Valerian may “reduce the amount of
time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better.” Kava has been used
for decades to help reduce anxiety. According to webmd.com “The American
Academy of Family Physicians reports that short-term use of kava is
recommended for patients with mild to moderate anxiety” – however there
have been reports that long term use of Kava can been linked to instances of
liver damage, some cases very severe, so I would be careful about using this
if you have trouble sleeping. In addition to supplementation, another way to
improve your sleep may be to make some changes to your lifestyle to reduce
stress and anxiety. People try meditation, yoga, massage or acupuncture to
help elevate anxiety in their life. Other things I’ve read suggest limiting
night time television viewing, exercise and caffeine intake as further ways
to help promote a good night’s sleep. No matter how you choose to do it, we
all need a good night’s sleep, so if you have trouble sleeping find what
works for you and sleep away! [1] http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/sleep-well-supplementhttp://liquidhealth.posterous.com/new-content-from-liquid-health-30812 http://www.liquidhealthinc.com/node/81 Do you have trouble sleeping? It seems like sleep problems are on the rise – at least in the people I know. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Studies suggest that sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans, representing approx ... http://liquidhealth.posterous.com
No comments:
Post a Comment