8 Natural Remedies That May Help You Sleep

[Guest guest]

Before you rush to the drugstore to buy an over-the-counter sleep

medication, try one of the following natural sleep remedies. They are

safer and have fewer side effects. Many of these can not only help you

fall asleep and stay asleep, but they can also promote muscle relaxation.

 

Magnesium and calcium

 

Magnesium and calcium are both sleep boosters, and when taken together

they become even more effective. Plus, by taking magnesium you cancel

out any potential heart problems that might arise from taking calcium

alone. Take 200 milligrams of magnesium (you can lower the dose if it

causes diarrhea) and 600 milligrams of calcium each night.

 

Wild lettuce

 

If you've suffered anxiety, headaches, or muscle or joint pain, you

might already be familiar with wild lettuce. It's also effective at

calming restlessness and reducing anxiety, and may even quell restless

legs syndrome. When using a wild-lettuce supplement, take 30 to 120

milligrams before bed.

 

Hops

 

Beer fans are already familiar with the calming effect of hops, the

female flowers used in beer making. For sleep purposes, this extract

has been widely used as a mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia. Take

30 to 120 milligrams before climbing under the covers.

 

Aromatherapy

 

Lavender is the trick here, as studies have proven that it aids in

sleep. It's also an inexpensive, nontoxic way to slip into a peaceful

slumber. Find a spray with real lavender and spritz it on your pillow

before bedtime, or buy a lavender-filled pillow.

 

Melatonin

 

Melatonin is the hormone that controls sleep, so it's no wonder that

it naturally induces sleep. Studies show that lower doses are more

effective -- plus, there's concern that too-high doses could cause

toxicity as well as raise the risk of depression or infertility.

 

Sheena Judd

[Guest guest]

Good info there. Glad you addressed melatonin. It seems l-tryptophan is on the

market again and advertised on tv.. not sure which form, but hopefully they have

ironed out the problems.a contaminated batch poisoned people years ago.......but

you can eat a turkey before bed =)evie

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi - I am new to this group and glad to be here! I've got a question

about wild lettuce. What is the botanical name of this supplement? And

how terrified should I be at the " OMG IT'S A POISONOUS PLANT! "

warnings? Oops, that's two questions.

 

I looked it up and found supplements from Lactuca elongata, Lactuca

canadensis, and Lactuca virosa (Linn) as well as just Lactuca spp. I

understand (from sites from which I buy herbs for my incense and

subsequent Googling) that you have to be careful with Lactuca species

because they may contain a substance which may or may not be

poisonous or mildly toxic. Reports seem to vary widely and some,

frankly, just sound hysterical.

 

Thank you! I'd like an alternative to melatonin because it seems to

make me wake up groggy, even at the tiniest dose.

 

Bewildered in AZ,

Rachel