By Ryan Pham

There may be a lot of factors to having sleeping difficulties like insomnia, anxiety, stress, and so on. When these things start to rear its ugly head on you, the search for remedies comes to mind. There are so many options like sleeping pills, alcohol, narcotics, and so on, but these are unhealthy and potentially dangerous. What you may need at times like these are herbal sleep aids, which are healthier and causes no adverse side effects.

With so many herbal sleep aids that are claimed to be effective, there is only a handful that found actual practical use. While it is still better to consult a physician when it comes to these things, these herbal cures can help relieve the initial symptoms of sleeping difficulties quite effectively.

Here are some of the best options available:

Chamomile

This plant has been hailed as one of the most effective yet gentle herbal sleep aids of all. Most commonly in the form of tea, it has a mild and pleasant flavor that makes it an ideal first option for the sleep-deprived. It also is good for stomach irritation and other ailments. Due to its reputed mildness, it can be consumed daily for extended periods of time. There are no adverse side effects to worry about other than the fact that people who are allergic to daisies may want to avoid chamomile.

Valerian

Valerian has long been used by insomnia patients who seek alternative forms of treatment. It has a stinky smell coming from its component, isovaleric acid. Its chemical properties promote sleep in both short and long term. Its benefits does not entail negative effects on concentration and alertness like most prescription medication, making it a good choice for patients. The only downsides are its less-than-desirable taste and its side effects like nausea, headaches, and dizziness when taken in very high doses.

Melatonin

Known as the sleep hormone, Melatonin is produced by the body during sleep. It is this very hormone that causes that familiar sleepy feeling. Melatonin is excellent as a short-term supplement, as well as a substitute for sleeping pills.

SAMe

An amino acid derivative, SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) naturally occurs in the body and is typically manufactured artificially for use as an anti-depressant. It can also be taken for chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia. Daily dosage for several weeks is recommended to promote healthy sleep. However, possible side effects in high dosages include nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Tryptophan

Another amino acid, Tryptophan is a precursor to seratonin, which is responsible for most chemical processes in the brain that involves emotions and sensations. Low seratonin levels lead to irritability, anxiety, and sleeplessness, so taking tryptophan may help in bringing those levels back to normal and promote healthy sleep. There are foods that naturally contain tryptophan, which includes turkey, cottage cheese, peanuts, soy, brown rice, milk, and so on. Tryptophan supplements are also available in some drug stores.

By using these herbal sleep aids, one can sustain a good sleeping habit without too much of a hassle. As long as a patient stays with it for several weeks, the positive effects will take their course and promote sleep in each and every night.