Aids For Sleeping

Sleep disorders have become common in the developed countries. There are an ever increasing number of people who are facing sleeping disorders. This is because of the ever increasing pressure in the workplace and environment that it becomes difficult for the brain to relax. Sleeping disease may be an indication of some other disease but whatever it is it should be treated immediately. Sleep disorders may include insomnia, complex sleep behavior, and excessive sleepiness during day time. Other important factor which is contributing towards sleep disorder is the dietary habit which has moved from healthy to junk and the sedentary lifestyle.

Sleep aids can help in overcoming the sleep disorders by relaxing the brain. There are different types of sleep aids present including the natural sleep aids and over the counter sleep aids. Over the counter sleep aids can help with sleep problems for short durations. These include Valerian, melatonin, doxylamine and diphenhydramine. Valerian has minimal side effect; melatonin can work effectively for long durations; doxylamine is an antihistamine and affect the central nervous system b slowing it down thus inducing sleep; diphenhydramine is also an antihistamine which is helpful in inducing sleep. These are the most effective over the counter sleep aides available.

There is also prescription sleep aid which should be taken only after consultation with the doctor. They have been approved by the FDA and are legal. These include ambien which is an effective treatment for insomnia however it may cause day time dizziness in patients. Halcion, restoril and lunesta are narcotic sleeping aid and hence require extra care while intake of these drugs.

Other sleep aids include estazolam not for long term, desyrel which is also used to treat anxiety and depression, amitriptyline a non-narcotic aid and Ativan which could be addictive and overdose of it can cause epilepsy. There are certain precautions which should be taken before taking these aids. Alcohol should never be taken while taking these aids as it could turn fatal. Common side effects of these aids are headaches, loss of memory, vomiting, heart palpitations, weakness and nausea. Reduced alertness is also a common side effect which is caused by all classes of sleeping aids.

Selection of proper sleeping aid is also important to treat the sleep disorders. The cause of sleeping problems helps in deciding the sleep aid, simple problems relating to sleep may not need the medicines or the sleeping pills and simple meditation can be effective for it. During pregnancy any type of sleep aid which is not natural can cause problems for the child. Precaution is also necessary while giving sleep aids to children. There are a lot of other natural and herbal sleep aids present which can be used as effectively as prescription and over the counter sleeping aids. Some foods may also act as sleeping aid like herbal tea can help in relaxing the mind thus inducing sleep. Exercise can also act as an effective sleeping aid. These natural methods and products should be tried first before taking any medication for treating sleep disorders.

Sleeping Pills Over the Counter

Sleep disorders, a common disease of modern day world can be prevented if proper lifestyle is followed. It can be treated with natural and herbal method effectively and without any side effect. In some cases these natural method may not work then people seek medications for it. There are many over the counter medicines and sleeping pills available which can provide quick relief. It is recommended that any sleep disorder needs medical attention and consultation with doctor is necessary before taking sleeping pills. Overdose of sleeping pills can cause life threatening situations.

There are lots of non prescription sleep pills present which are effective in relieving a person from the sleep disorders. They have been approved by the FDA and are legal. FDA approves the use of nonprescription drug for over two weeks and if there is no relief in this duration it advices people to seek medical help immediately. These are non-addictive and do not causes adverse side effects but the fact that it is present over the counter does not free it from having any side effects. Minor side effect like nausea, headache is common. The effect of these drugs may last longer than 8 hours and thus causing drowsiness even after 8 hours of using it.

Nonprescription sleep pillswhich are present are mainly antihistamines containing diphenhydraminehydrochloride or doxylamine. Diphenhydramine is the most common ingredient of the over the counter drugs which acts by blocking the histamines produced by the body. It is used in treating a common sleep disorder that is insomnia. It is also used in treating allergies. Doxylamine is also an antihistamine which is used for short term to treat insomnia. It is also used to treat common cold and flu. For sleep disorders developed because of pain can be treated with pain relievers. Melatonin is another over the counterdrugs used to treat sleep disorders which arise due to disturbances caused when body’s sleep and wake cycle.

Over the counter medicines for sleep disorders may be present as pills or sprays. Nonprescription sleep pills as the name suggest do not need a doctors’ prescription but are potentially able to cause side effects. These side effects include drowsiness, loss of memory, coordination problem, constipation, dry mouth, breathing problem and nausea. There are dosage indication given with these drugs by the manufacturers and implies that it should be taken as indicated in the instructions. Overdose of these drugs can also cause problems with the person having sleep disorders.

Over the counter medicines are used by people to get a quick relief but it is necessary that people are aware about when to use and when not to. It is advised by the doctors that women who are pregnant should avoid the use of any kind of sleeping pills as it cause serious birth defects in the child. It should be taken with alcohol and should not be taken by people who are suffering from any severe liver and kidney disease or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Natural Sleep Aids- Better Way to Treat Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders arises in people because of excessive stress on mind and body. it is very common in adults and now even children are being victim of this disorder. Sleep disorders can be treated effectively through sleep aids. There are many non-prescription and prescription drugs present which can provide quick relief from the sleeping disorders. People usually prefer it because of its quick action but all these drugs can cause side effects some of it may not be harmful but some side effects may be fatal. Action of these drugs depends and varies with person but everybody who uses these drugs develops one or two side effects.

Besides sleeping pills and medications there are natural sleep aids present which are as effective as them and can be used without any negative side effects. Valerian extracted from an herb has been used as effective remedy for insomnia for a long time. It is not addictive but it is not necessary that it works on all people suffering from insomnia. After it reaches the body it takes time to bring out its effect and hence is recommended to be taken well before going to bed. Melatonin is other natural method which helps in sleep disorders. It is used for people who develop disorders due to their night work shift. Our body produces melatonin which helps the body to sleep.

Kava is an herb and its root is used which is an effective natural sleep aid and is used for insomnia and anxiety. It is however banned in some country as a sleep aid because of incidence of liver failure in some patients taking it but there is no medical support for this. Relaxation techniques can be very effective and is without any side effect and work on all without exception. It involves meditation and yoga for relaxing the muscles of the body and mind. Certain foods can also act as natural sleep aidslike taking warm milk before sleeping can help in getting sleep, yoghurt can help, bananas also help as it contains melatonin, a good snack of oatmeal rich in carbohydrate can help in getting a sound sleep. Magnesium rich diet also help in getting sleep therefore almonds also help in sleeping.

Besides food and medication an environment which helps in getting sleep also is a natural sleep aid. Creating a peaceful environment will help you in getting sleep.in case of children making a routine for them from their young age will act beneficially for them. Soothing music, aromatherapy can also work wonder as a natural sleep aid. These methods can be used by anybody without having to fear about the side effects. It can be used by pregnant women also. Lifestyle changes are much better option than taking medication. However if these natural methods are not helpful in curing sleep disorders consultation with doctor becomes necessary. They will then try the drugs to sort the sleep disorders. We can take steps to prevent the workplace stress so that occurrence of these diseases can be prevented.