Sleep Aids - Are They for You?

If you can't sleep, there's a good chance you're like most Americans. Estimates are that over a third of Americans suffer from mild to moderate cases of insomnia, at least on some nights.

Knowing America as we do, it was inevitable that numerous companies would begin marketing pills and products designed, intended, or claiming to enhance sleep. These include sleeping pills, herbal supplements, vitamin packs, special mattresses, pillows, teas, even bracelets and rings.

While pill-marketers like to claim that the newest sleeping aids are the best yet, and are far superior both in safety as well as in effectiveness as their precursors, it's important to investigate each and every pill you consider taking for sleeplessness, before you take it. Different pills target different parts of the brain differently to affect the center of sleep in the brain. Some are better for putting you to sleep, but may not do very well once you are asleep, allowing you to wake up randomly and inconveniently. Some pills combine both these aspects into 'time release' pills, that are intended to work better than either individual alternative.

Ambien CR usually works within half an hour, and can be taken for longer and more frequently than the original Ambien pill.

Lunesta stays in your system all night--this means, however, that there is more potential for death if there is an overdose, as compared to other sleep-aids that do not stay in your system all night.

Melatonin is what I would recommend to most people looking to better their sleeping; it's a naturally occurring hormone that is most abundant while sleeping or in a drowsy state. It can be found in almost any health store, without a prescription, and is regarded by some as being highly effective. Also, some people tote its use in inducing lucid dreams--but that's a different story.

Valerian root is an herbal remedy that's been known for thousands of years. It's been reported to aid in sleeping, and in concetrated doses, can knock one out very effectively. Scientific evidence does not support the use of valerian root as a sleep aid, however, except in a handful of cases.

Before you take any pills, though, be sure and consider whether or not there are any underlying issues with your restlessness, aside from biological or neurochemical reasons. If you are stressed out, exercising or talking to a counselor may help more than any pill could.