herbal sleep remedies??

[snowqueen67]

Hi, don't usually have trouble sleeping - except when I am away from home - and we're going away this weekend! Was about to get my usual presciption, then I thought I might try something herbal (BE is changing my life!!).

Was thinking of adding hops to my routine anyway...any other ideas anyone?

rebecca

[Wenonae]

Valerian root. Chamomille Tea before going to bed.
Fawn also mentions melatonin, all the time. Also try to reduce the amount of starch consummed right before bedtime.

BE also changed my life in my perspective about herbs and natural treatments

Wen'

[louig]

Hola,

I too have been looking into sleep remedies. I do find camomile tea before bed can work but have also been looking into Melatonin. It's is the bodies natural hormone, that depletes with age, that regulates sleeping patterns and the healing/rejuvination process in the body during sleep. Take it 1/2 hr before you want to go to sleep, also make sure you are sleeping in complete darkness, some hormones that kick in during sleep can only work fully in the dark, don't ask me why but I've read quite a few things that agree with this, and if you don't you won't feel fully refreshed in the morning.

L x

[snowqueen67]

I don't usually have a prob sleeping - so I guess Melatonin wouldn't help? It just seems when I'm out of my comfort zone, away from home, I can't sleep. It ruins every trip away.

thanks

rebecca

[louig]

I'm no expert but that sounds like a mild form of anxiety, in which case the valerian and camomile tea should help, also maybe a drop of lavender on your pillow case. Saying that, I met a girl who takes her own pillow with her whenever she goes away, how bigs your suitcase?!

Have a look at www.melatonin.com, I don't see why it wouldn't work as it induces the bodies natural sleep hormone, and is recommended for travellers and jet lag. I don't think it's something that has to be taken constantly, just as and when needed.

[fawnmarie]

Melatonin should help you sleep, even if it's just situational. Try 1 mg a half hour every night before bed for the duration of the trip. (If 1 mg doesn't work you can take 2 or 3) And yes, turn your lights off right after you take it.

Also, I have found that it "wears off" - for some reason if you don't fall asleep after an hour or so, you might have to take another one.

Valerian and chamomile are great, but god help you if you burp after taking valerian! The stuff stinks and tastes bad. It works, and is very relaxing, but ugh - the smell.

Passion flower and kava kava are good too, but for falling asleep fast, I recommend melatonin. I had a life-long insomnia (from the age of 7) and melatonin is the only thing that straightened me out, sleep-wise.

Fawn

[hulagirl]

My mom and my husband both swear by melatonin. Valerian root does nothing for my husband plus fawn is right the smell is horrible.

[kami]

Melatonin is fabulous. And to avoid the problem of it wearing off (Fawn's right, that does happen), my nutritionist suggested using 2 different kinds. Take the normal melatonin 1/2 hour before sleep. Then, right as you're getting into bed, take an extended release melatonin. But that depends on if you figure its worth buying 2 bottles. I sometimes wake up when it wears off, but not everyone does.

Valerian and Kava-Kava both work like a charm for my sister and mother, but they don't do a darn thing for me.

And, it's not herbal, but a fairly surefire way of sleeping is Benadryl. Though if you get prescription sleep aids, then I guess Benadryl probably doesn't work for you?

Good luck and have fun this weekend!

Kami

[snowqueen67]

where do you guys buy melatonin (I'm convinced!!) I see I can get it online - but I need it this weekend. Is it more of a health shop or pharmacy thing?

thanks for all the help.

rebecca

[Wenonae]

Health food stores anywhere should have it. Some pharmacies might too if they have an 'herbal' section.

Wen'

[shakira8]

What about valeriana tea?I have trouble sleeping too and I was thinking of trying it.Anyone tried it already?

[snowqueen67]

Hi all,

Melatonin worked great...thanks to all who responded. Funny thing...its actually not allowed to be sold here (Australia) for some reason. But luckily some health stores "have it out the back" LOL.

rebecca

[mayefaire]

All of the above suggestions were great, but I just thought I'd chime in...

A really easy option (and for me, works every time, lol) is Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea.
It contains camomile, spearmint, lemon grass, tilia flowers, blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, hawthorn berries, and rose buds.
Tastes fairly minty, but you can taste the camomile too. I love it with honey.

You may be looking for a different kind of remedy, but it's worth a shot...I'm usually yawning half way through a cup! lol

Maye Faire

P.S. Valerian IS seriously stinky, lol. I had a friend who was sprinkling valerian root around her house to get rid of mice....worked, but smelled so bad after a couple days she had to clean it all up. If you can avoid it, I would, lol.

[fawnmarie]

Sleepytime Tea is great - even if all it does is taste good! Yum

Here in the states, you can buy melatonin at Walmart! I understand you can't get pregnenolone without a script there either.

Fawn

[buffy]

Valerian works well for sleep if you are tense or anxious. It might smell like feet, but it is nothing compared to fenugreek!!