Sleeping aids

When to Treat at Home with Herbs:

• Mild and Occasional Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling asleep due to temporary stress or minor disruptions.
• Safe Herbal Options: Herbs like valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), or passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) may promote relaxation.
• Precautions: Ensure herbs do not interact with medications or worsen any conditions. Avoid self-treatment if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic illness.

Key Signs to Consider Professional Advice Over Herbs:

• Worsening symptoms despite at-home treatments.
• Dependency on natural aids for sleep.
• Concerns about safety or effectiveness of herbal remedies.

Christopher Hobbs:

“If one has trouble falling asleep, tension, overwork and mental strain are often the cause. Relaxing herbs are helpful here. Avoid working late and do relaxing exercises like stretching, mediation and breathing exercises. Massage or acupuncture can also be helpful. Insomnia can also mean that one falls asleep easily but then wakes up after a few hours and finds it difficult to go back to sleep. This is often associated with a kidney or heart “yin,” deficiency, or adrenal weakness. Consistent use of adrenal tonic herbs in extract form is essential. Either type of insomnia can be based on, or at least aggravated by, a neurotransmitter imbalance. Herbs and foods that help restore the proper serotonin levels in the brain, such as yogurt and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can be useful.”

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs