Natural Sleep Aids

Various natural sleep aids have been advertised as effective treatments for insomnia, yet little is known about their safety or effectiveness. While dietary supplements and herbal remedies may sound harmless, they can have significant side effects or drug interactions. Moreover, they are not clinically tested and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), as are standard medicines. Before trying one of these natural sleep aids, talk with your physician.

Types of natural sleep aids

Melatonin
Melatonin is the main hormone in the body that contributes to the control of our normal sleep–wake cycle. Synthetic melatonin is produced in factories not regulated by the FDA because it is classified as a dietary supplement and not a drug. Although melatonin is widely sold as a sleep aid, it remains controversial in medical circles. Because of its non-drug classification, it has not undergone the rigorous clinical testing that medicines do. And with insufficient data to support its claims, many experts question melatonin's true effectiveness and safety.

Herbal sleep aids
Herbal remedies for sleep problems include chamomile, valerian root, hops, lavender, and passionflower. Like melatonin, these herbal remedies have not undergone extensive testing, so their benefits are unproven. Herbal remedies are generally perceived by the public to be safe; however, there are some that can be harmful under certain circumstances. (For example: You should not use chamomile if you are pregnant or if you are taking blood thinners.)

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