Getting sleep is important for good health. Without it, a people may vulnerable to a variety of dangerous health issues.
The Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports obesity, depression and diabetes are among the chronic diseases that can be caused by long-term sleep problems. However, sleep aids, natural or not, might not be the best choice. They are often sedatives and leave people drowsy throughout the day. Some sleep aids and supplements can cause dependency.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports several side effects of over the counter or prescription sleep aids. Complex Sleep-related Behaviors refers to doing things you don't remember while in a daze brought on by the sedative effects of sleep medication. Allergic reactions, which could interfere with a person's ability to breathe, are rare but a potential complication of some prescription sleep aids. The problems caused the FDA to increase warnings on labels.
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Over the counter sleep aids are recommended only for limited times.
The FDA reports, "If you continue to have sleeping problems beyond two weeks, you should see a doctor," says Marina Chang, R.Ph., pharmacist and team leader in FDA's Division of Nonprescription Regulation Development."
Natural sleep supplements may seem safer, but don't have much scientifically proven success. Sleep Medicine Reviews published research that took a comprehensive look at natural sleep supplements. It found that the herbal medicines really made no difference in how well people slept.
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Researchers did not find enough evidence to promote any herbal medicines for curing insomnia.
The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reported most studies on the products have relatively small numbers of participants and are often poorly designed. Some of the natural sleep supplements, like kava and Jamaican dogwood, have shown can have significant health risks.
Other options to help sleep are environmental and behavioral changes. Doctors and other experts recommend avoidance of caffeine and alcohol, sleeping in a dark, cool room and developing bedtime routines in order to improve sleep.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines insomnia as "trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both." This problem can lead to a number of health and lifestyle challenges, especially if it is chronic.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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