Sleep Aid

Sleep is a critical biological function. Other than diseases, nothing else but the lack of sleep can cause great degradation of your health. Sleep is necessary for the physical and emotional health of individuals. A person deprived of sleep cannot perform to the best of his abilities. A variety of sleep aids available in the market can improve on an individual’s sleep routine. There are many nighttime sleep aids available like sleepmates, sleep masks, natural sleep aids, herbal sleep aids and a variety of simple sleep aids that you can try out.

Some medical problems like allergies, anxiety, depression, side effects of medications, etc. may be the causes of insomnia. The treatment of insomnia involves changing sleep habits along with some medication, which helps change the pattern and correct your problem of loss of sleep. Change of sleep habits includes using relaxation techniques, routine exercises in the daytime, avoiding tobacco, caffinated products and alcohol and avoiding large meals before bedtime.

Some over the counter (OTC) drugs are advisable as short-term insomnia sleep aids. But in case of chronic insomnia, the physician should be immediately consulted. Over the counter sleep aids should be used for short period till the sleep routine is set. Chronic use may lead to over dependence on them with some side effects. Some OTC sleep aids like Diphenhydramine and doxylamine like Unisom are currently marketed. Trazodone sleep aid is also effectively used as a prescription sleep aid for people with depression and insomnia. Another sedative drug, the Ambien sleep aid with its potential side effects must be used wisely. These sleep aids should not be used for children without consulting the physician. There are some other baby sleep aids like Bassinets or motorized cradles, sleep positioners, sleepmates or snuggle suits which may be used.

Other aids like the Marpac White Noise Machine Sleep Mate sound screen 980 are also gaining popularity. These sound conditioners create a white noise sound that effectively hides the unwanted noises and creates calmness making it easier to sleep.

Other alternative forms of treatment may prove to be helpful in providing you some much needed nighttime sleep. Natural sleep aids or supplements like Valerian, Tryptophan and Melatonin are also useful. Melatonin sleep aids like Melatonex are available as dietary supplements which help regulate the body clock. Drowsiness is one of its common side effects and thus the medication should be avoided when alertness in activities like driving is required. You can also use herbal sleep aids like chamomile, which is most often taken as tea to promote calmness and rest. The herbal sleep aids should be preferably taken in consultation with the physician. Some people also prefer the use of acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal baths etc as soothers for nerves, which may help to get the much needed sleep.

The natural way to get a regular sleep pattern with some easy to follow and simple nighttime sleep aids may be better than medication, unless highly recommended. Some would even vouch for the oldest sleep aid of counting sheep. There is no one best sleep aid, which can suit one and all.