How to Use Natural Sleep Aids

You are too old to count sheep and too wise to take over-the counter sleeping aids that knock you out. Long before doctors and scientists were in the labs concocting chemical potions to lull you to sleep, people took natural aids to end all that tossing and turning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Valerian in tincture form
• Passionflower herb in tincture form
• Melatonin

1. Brew your favorite tea and add 10 to 20 droplets of a Valerian tincture. Consume the entire amount.

2. Consider Melatonin, proven in numerous studies to aid you in your quest for sleep. It is a hormone produced naturally in your body, but you can get a tablet form of it at your local healthfood store. Take at night according to directions.

3. One of the underlying reasons why you may have trouble sleeping is the cumulative effect that stress is having on you. Counteract it by exercising after work to release the stress and increase your feel-good hormones and endorphins. This can bring about relief that is conducive to a good night's sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• If Valerian or Melatonin leave you groggy the next morning, try adding equal parts of the herb passionflower to your regimen to offset the effect.
• Experiment with what works best for you on an evening when you don't have to work the next day. That way if you do have any unpleasant side effects, you won't be suffering at work.
• Some people may feel groggy the day after taking Valerian. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive, and consult a doctor before beginning any natural regimen.