Sleep is a vital part of a healthy body. Without sleep, stress runs rampant, our immune systems work inefficiently, and we have difficulty concentrating. Sleep is the body\’s way to recharge our batteries so that we can function at peak capacity. The world is filled with people who do not get enough sleep. It almost seems like everyone one the planet has so much on his or her plate that a solid eight hours of sleep is impossible. One of the most often heard complaints that doctors hear from their patients is the inability to sleep. There is a ton of medication both over the counter and prescription designed to help us with this problem however, many people are turning to home remedies for help.

Natural Is Safer

While insomnia is a major problem, the medications that we take also have risks associated with them. Before you take any over the counter or prescribed drug, look into some of these home remedies for natural help that is less risky and have few side effects. Anyone who has ever taken a sleeping pill at night and then found themselves falling asleep during the next morning’s drive to work, might appreciate these home grown sleep aids:

– Warm Milk
– Magnesium
– Sleepy time Snacks
– Brewed Tea.

A Note On Melatonin

Sleep supplements that claim the use of melatonin should be avoided, as this hormone has not been regulated by the FDA. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep. It is supposed to help slow the functions of the body down and make you drowsy, however, it is a very dangerous drug to take if you have any kind of heart problems. See your doctor before you consider taking anything with melatonin.

Mom\’s Remedy

Warm milk has calcium, which helps the body produce melatonin naturally. While you may have many nice memories of your mother giving you warm milk when you were a child and could not sleep, it is more of a placebo than anything else because of the amount of warm milk you would have to drink in order to achieve any level of success. However, warm milk does have a subconscious effect on you if it worked as a child. It is the relaxing thought that counts here.

Eat To Sleep

Indulging in a light snack before bedtime is another old trick that mothers used to use to entice children to go to bed and sleep. The idea behind it is that children look forward to a snack and are willing to go to bed for it. As it turns out, the carbohydrates in some foods actually do help make you drowsy. Look for snacks with plenty of carbs like banana or whole-wheat crackers with cheese or peanut butter. Avoid sweets, as the sugar will keep you awake. Always allow an hour or so for the desired effects, which could be used to relax with a good book.

Your Every Day Remedy

Green leafy vegetables, almonds, and wheat germ are great sources of magnesium, which the body needs to regulate sleep, and not having enough magnesium in your diet can prevent you from being able to fall asleep easily and naturally. It will not work as a snack but eating these types of food, as part of your every day diet, should help those who have trouble nodding off at night.

It Just Feels Good

Decaffeinated hot tea falls into the comfort beverage category in that it may not make you drowsy but it is certainly a relaxing feeling to sip a nice hot cup of chamomile tea before turning off the light at night. The only drawback is the potential for heartburn. If you suffer from heartburn regularly, you may want to try the hot milk instead.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Training website.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: magnesium,almonds,Green leafy vegetables,banana,snacks,Warm milk ,Melatonin