Natural Remedies for Chronic Insomnia Treatment: Can Herbal Supplements Help?

Chronic insomnia is a highly widespread illness that millions of individuals take experience in terms of sleepless nights and subsequent fatigue and failing to concentrate during the daytime. Although a range of treatments can be thought of and applied, most people want to get natural methods of treatment to alleviate their symptoms of insomnia. Herbal supplements are exemplified among all these because they have become quite popular in terms of calming and inducing sound sleep. But are herbal supplements effective in the case of chronic insomnia? Now, let us have a look at some of the most widespread herbs to sleep and how they could promote the quality of your sleep.

What is Chronic Insomnia?

Before taking the plunge into herbal remedies, we should know what constitutes chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia refers to long-term trouble falling or staying asleep that happens on at least three occasions a week, three months or more. Stress, anxiety, depression, and lifestyle behavior, and other underlying medical conditions can activate the condition and it may cause serious physical and mental health effects.

Although insomnia has conventional methods of treatment, which include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy, not all people are willing to go to drug treatment options immediately; some people would want to have tried natural means of solving the challenge of sleep loss. It could be herbal supplements among other options.

1. Valerian Root: The sleeping or sleep inducing herb

One of the most common herbal supplements against insomnia is the Valerian root. It has been utilized over the centuries in order to induce relaxation, and the quality of sleep. Valerian is believed to affect the brain by boosting the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a calming type of neurotransmitter. This will also ensure that anxiety is reduced so that one feels more at peace and can sleep.

How It Helps:

• Shortens the sleeping time.

• Enhances sleep.

• Can minimize night awakenings.

  
  

  Recommended Dosage: Valerian root should be taken in form of capsules or tea and should be taken in doses of 300-600 mg before going to bed. Before taking valerian it is advisable to ask a medical practitioner especially when you are already on other medication.

Chamomile: A Gentle, Calming Herb

A chamomile is an herbal remedy that has a soft sedative effect. It is usually taken as a tea and mostly when it is about to go to sleep to relax the mind and body. One of the antioxidants in chamomile is apigenin, which connects to the receptors in the brain triggering sleepiness as well as inhibiting anxiety.

How It Helps:

• Gives a calming yet drowsey effect.

• Calms the mind of anxiety and stress that are major causes of sleeping disorders.

• Enhances general sleeping.

  
  

Recommended Dosage: One can take the chamomile tea 30 minutes to one hour before bed. Its common dose is 1-2 spoons of dried chamomile flowers with the infusion of hot water. Other people opt out to use the chamomile capsules or extract, which is more concentrated than the intake.

Lavender: The Aromatic Sleep Aid

Lavender can be applied in aroma therapy to bring relaxation as well as enhance sleep. Lavender scent has been proven to alleviate the nervous system by calming it down, inhibit anxious feeling and induce calm slumber. The lavender oil can be taken through a diffuser or you just add some few drops on your pillow or duvets before bedtime.

How It Helps:

• Decreases manifestations of anxiety and starkness.

• Primarily helps to bring relaxation and a calming rate to sleep.

• Keeps you asleep.

Recommended Dosage: You can blend the lavender essential oil in a diffuser, or you can use a diluted amount of lavender oil on your skin (you can use it on your wrists or temples) before you go to sleep. When taking lavender in the form of tea, taking 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in hot water gives a relaxing night beverage.

Melatonin: The Hormone of Sleep

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body and it assists in the sleep wake regulating cycle. Although melatonin is not a herb, it is usually referred to as a natural supplement of people who face the problem of insomnia. Patients of insomnia also may produce melatonin which will be interrupted thus not falling asleep. Melatonin supplementation could also be of use to bring the body back to normal rhythm and to improve its sleep.

How It Helps:

• Faciliates the sleep-wake rhythm, it is easier to sleep.

• These may be beneficial especially when you have jet lag or insomnia caused by the work shift.

• Speeds up the process to sleeping.

Recommended Dosage: They can take melatonin supplements in doses of 0.5-3 mg, about 30-60 minutes at bedtime. One should take a minimal dose and vary the dose considering the needs.

Passionflower: A Natural Sedative

Another herb which has been used over many years to help in sleeping and relaxing is passion flower. The mechanism of action is believed to be identical to that of valerian root (increase of GABA levels in brain) treating the same but less aggressively. Passionflower can also be used to decrease anxiety so that it is easy to relax, and become ready to fall asleep.

The benefits of how it assists are as follows:

Lifts anxiety and stress which are the most prevalent causes of chronic insomnia.

Enhances a feeling of calmness and relaxation.

Enhances general sleeping.

Recommended Dosage: Passionflower is sold either in the form of tea or tincture or in capsules. The usual dosage refers to 250-500 mg of the dried herb packed in capsules, or 1 teaspoon of the tincture to be consumed at bedtime.

Other Herbal Supplements to Consider

• Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is a calming herb, which can be used to decrease anxiety and sleep well.

• Ashwagandha: It is an adaptogenic herb, which can be used to support stress and better sleep through cortisol balancing.

• Hops: Hops have been used in combination with valerian root because the latter has some sedative effects, which may promote sleep and relaxation.

Conclusion: Can Herbal Supplements Help?

Herbal supplements applied in the complex of treatment with other lifestyle changes such as better sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and diet may result in a successful treatment of chronic insomnia. It should be mentioned though, that though such herbs and supplements as valerian, chamomile, lavender, melatonin, passionflower have potential to help somebody fell asleep better, they are not effective in all people.

In case you feel like ingesting herbal supplements in case of chronic insomnia, it is always advisable to seek medical advice first before ingesting such substances which may not be safe in case of any complications in particular when such are taking medications or have other ailments associated with the body.

We at Solshine Wellness will assist you in achieving a better health and well-being and make it natural. We have a selection of wellness products comprising some of the best herbal supplements that will help you find sleep, and bring overall health. Be it natural sleeping aid, stress-relief, holistic health advice, we are here to make you feel your best in a day.

Claim your own sleep and health independently through Solshine Wellness- where your health gets brighter.