Important Facts You Need to Know About Natural Insomnia Cures

By Ash Derbe

People that have insomnia sometimes prefer to seek a natural remedy to treat it. Some natural cures include herbal remedies considered harmless to most people including chamomile tea and lemon balm. One must pay close attention that not all natural cures are considered safe. Herbal remedies sometimes contain prescription medicines, and due to their classification, are not always regulated.

Herbal remedies such as valerian root, kava kava, chamomile, lemon balm, St. John's wort and passion flower have been used as insomnia cures for years. Please note the effectiveness and safety of these remedies has not been formally documented nor researched. Existing studies completed on herbal remedies are often hard to interpret. Since they are not based on standardized studies like those done for prescription drugs as prescribed by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.

Melatonin is often used by insomnia sufferers as a sleep aid. The substance melatonin is a hormone manufactured by a gland in the brain called the pineal gland and is derived from an amino acid called tryptophan. Synthetically made melatonin is used for a number of medical situations, such as an insomnia cure. Of the herbal remedies, melatonin is the most studied natural cure for insomnia, however it still remains unregulated in the United States. Proof of its effects as an insomnia cure still remains inconclusive. Existing studies revealed that people do fall asleep faster while taking melatonin, however there is no effect on the duration of sleep time or decreasing sleepiness during daytime hours.

It is important to stress that melatonin is not categorized as a drug, but rather a dietary supplement, and therefore its effectiveness and quality is not controlled in the United States. (Of the developed nations in the world, the U.S. does not regulate melatonin). Melatonin is a strong hormone and it may produce significant side effects, some are still not known, affecting various parts of the body. Since so much is unknown, people taking melatonin as an insomnia cure are experimenting with their own body.

Natural remedies are not regulated by the FDA and therefore their quality is not controlled. Additionally, if body chemistry can be altered by a given compound, then the potential for serious side effects is present. Even if studies show natural remedies have a positive effect, it is important to note that the tested substances are not always the same ones available to the public. Also, herbal remedies were sometimes found to contain standard prescription drugs.

Whether natural or chemical, one should not be compelled to use drugs as insomnia cures. Natural therapies can be used to help provide an insomnia sufferer a good night's sleep without the use of drugs. - 29964

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