Sleep Aids
Sleep aids are commonly prescribed for a disorder known as insomnia. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder that is characterized by the inability to sleep at various periods throughout the normal sleeping pattern.
With multiple types of insomnia, it can be difficult to find a sleep aid that is successful in the treatment of the disorder.
Natural sleep aids include lavender and chamomile and can help to induce relaxation and promote sleep for those who are unable to sleep. These natural sleep aids are available in the form of supplements, aromatherapy and other herbal treatments.
Pharmaceutical sleep aids such as sleeping tablets and sedatives are available through prescription from a health care professional. These sleeping pills are designated into two categories; benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines may lead to dependence with prolonged use and can lead the body to tolerate the pills differently, when exposed to the pills for an extended period of time.
Non-benzodiazepines can cause both physical and psychological dependencies. They are referred to as sedative-hypnotics and have been known to cause confusion in the morning, after waking and disturbances in the mind. As an alternative to benzodiazepines, these drugs often have fewer side effects.
Melatonin is a natural substance that has mild side effects, and little effect to the ability to wake in the morning. Although melatonin is effective, it should not be taken in combination with any other sleep aids. Melatonin can help to regulate the sleeping/waking cycle, and has proven effective in the treatment of many sleep disorders.
