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Sleep Aids
Difficulty sleeping is one of the most common medical complaints. There are numerous causes listed in medical lexicon, but chief among them are depression and anxiety. Bad sleep habits are also high on the list, and these can be corrected. Drugs prescribed for sleep are called "hypnotics" and unfortunately, they all produce abnormal sleep. By that, I mean that the brain waves that occur during drug-induced sleep are never the same as normal refreshing sleep. These drugs are also habit-forming, even addicting, and are not meant for longterm use. Those 40 and over can try melatonin, which is the body's natural sleep-inducing hormone. It's best to start with a low dose, such as one milligram or less. Sedative herbs, such as valerian, kava, passion flower, and hops, have an ancient history and are generally well tolerated and found to be effective. These herbs have less tendency to interfere with the normal sleep architecture than do hypnotic drugs. GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is an excellent alternative because it relaxes the mind and body without interfering with the normal sleep process. 5HTP works on two bases: it is a natural antidepressant which raises serotonin levels in the brain, and like other antidepressants, it will often relieve insomnia over time, PLUS it has a mild sedating effect that is quite immediate. It's best to take 100 mg. right before bed on an empty stomach. In Europe, 5htp is sold by prescription only, and it is commonly offered to improve sleep. Those with severe sleep difficulties should work with a doctor, however, I am convinced that where sleep aids are concerned, alternative medicine has more attractive options than exist in Medicine.
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