Natural Sleep Aids

Many suffer from sleep disorders caused by a myriad of things, and Herbal-Powers.com is glad we can offer natural sleep aids. Read through the important information below and place an order today to get back to normal sleep patterns.

 

Sleep

The "correct" amount of sleep varies with individuals. On average, most people need between seven and nine hours of good quality sleep each night in order to feel alert the next day. But some function perfectly well with only four or five hours a night. The key to healthy sleeping seems to be a consistent pattern, rather than the number of hours one sleeps. Sleep is not a simple process. Many different parts of the brain control and influence sleep at different stages. As darkness fall, the cell in the retina sends a signal to the nerve cell in our brain. These nerve cells in turn send a message to the pineal gland in the brain to produce the hormone melatonin which causes a drop in body temperature and sleepiness. Melatonin controls the body's circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays an important role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up.

 

What Are Sleep Disorders?

An estimated 40 million Americans experience some type of sleep disorder, but 95 percent of them go undiagnosed and untreated, simply because they do not realize they have a problem or because they think that nothing can be done for them. Common Sleep Disorder include insomnia, sleep apnea, Restless leg syndrome, Parasomnias, etc.

 

What Is Insomnia?

Studies estimate that about one-third of the adult population in the world experiences some insomnia. Experts estimate that only about 5 percent of people with insomnia seek medical help, and 69 percent never even mention the problem to their doctor. More than 35 million Americans suffer from long-lasting insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences poor sleep or has trouble sleeping. Insomnia can involve difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep (that is, waking up many times during the night), waking up too early in the morning, not feeling refreshed after a night's sleep. Poor sleep for any length of time can lead to mood disturbances, lack of motivation, decreased attention span, trouble with concentration, low levels of energy, and increased fatigue. Healthy sleep is vital to the human body and important for the optimal functioning of the brain and other organs. If your insomnia lasts longer than a few weeks and is affecting your mood, relationships, and ability to function well, it is a good idea to see a doctor, therapist, or sleep specialist.

 

What Causes Insomnia?

I. Psychological Cause:

In many people, insomnia can be the result of Anxiety, Stress, and Depression. At least 70 percent of people with depression also experience insomnia. As many as 25 percent of people with anxiety disorders also experience insomnia. In one study, 40 percent of people with insomnia also had a psychiatric disorder.

II. Physical Causes:

(a) Hormonal changes in women. These include premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
(b) Decreased melatonin. The levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps control sleep, decrease as a person ages. By age 60, the body produces very little melatonin. 
(c) Medical conditions. These include allergies, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson's disease.
(d) Pain. Pain and discomfort from a medical illness or injury often interfere with sleep.  
(e) Substance abuse - especially alcohol, cocaine, and sedatives - plays a role in an estimated 10 to 15 percent of cases of chronic insomnia.

 

 

Techniques for Relaxation