Sleeping pills are currently the number one solution used to relieve sleep problems all over the world. People spend millions of dollars on these chemical preparations in the hopes that the pills will help them sleep better at night. The problem with these sleeping pills is that most of them have addictive properties and eventually, they can make it even harder for you to fall asleep without taking them first.

Fortunately, there are healthier substitutes that you can take instead of these addictive sleeping pills, such as herbal supplements. For centuries, herbs have been used by our forefathers to treat many different kinds of health conditions, including sleep deprivation. Admittedly, very few of these herbal supplements have been scientifically proven to work, but with the millions of satisfied users over many years, it’s pretty safe to say that they do work wonderfully well.

Common Herbs Used to Alleviate Sleep Deprivation

• One of the oldest forms of herbal supplements for sleep disorders is valerian. This is one of the few select herbs that have actually been scientifically studied by experts and it has passed all the tests with flying colors. People who took this herb regularly had notably improved sleep patterns. Valerian is available in the form of pills or herbal teas.

• Another popular herb used for getting better sleep is catnip. It can make people feel relaxed and calm, quite opposite to the common reaction that it gets from cats. Like valerian, catnip is available in herbal stores in the form of pills and teas.

• Lemon is not only good for its scent but also for its ability to invoke a feeling of tranquility and calmness. The most popular forms of lemon is tea, pills and an additive to topical applications.

• Lavender is another type of herb that has a very relaxing and soothing effect. Many say that its calming powers are strong enough even to neutralize the effect of caffeine. Lavender is found as an ingredient in many lotions and bath oils, but it can also come in the form of an herbal tea. Despite its strong powers, lavender is actually very mild, making it safe to use even on babies.

• In modern times, the most popular herb for improving sleep quality is probably chamomile. In fact, chamomile tea is now one of the best-selling herbal teas in the market.

• St. Johns Wort is an herb popular as a cure for depression, and not many people realize that it is also a great remedy for sleep disorders. However, this herb is rather potent and you should never use more than the prescribed dose.

Most people today prefer using chemical preparations because they are quite effective and very convenient to use. However, as mentioned, these modern medications can be addictive and may cause serious health complications over time.

Herbal supplements, on the other hand, may take a little longer to take effect, but they are relatively safer and are not at all addictive. Before making your choice, consult with your physician first to ensure that no unwanted side effects will result from taking the drugs.