Sleeping aids for insomnia and jet lag
There are two types of over the counter or non prescription sleeping aids. First, there are the “traditional” sleeping pills such as Sominex, Unisom and Tylenol PM. The second type of sleeping aids are the herbal or natural treatments. Valerian root is the most popular of the natural remedies. Chamomile, melatonin and passionflower are other herbal formulas for insomnia.
Since medical science has no researched the natural sleep aids as much as the traditional ones, how the natural treatments work is a complete mystery. If you have a sleeping disorder or expect to be flying into another time zone that can get you jet lag, you may want to experiment with them before you need them. Any aid that does not work for you or may even give you an adverse reaction will not do you any good if you are on a business trip to the Orient. Most of the natural aids can be bought in a pill or tablet form. Most of them have historically been brewed as a tea. YOU may also want to try both delivery systems to see if one works better for you than the other.
The active ingredient for the traditional sleeping pills are either doxylamine succinate or diphenhydramine. These are antihistamines that depress or slow down your central nervous system. If you think you have seen the term antihistamine before, you are correct. They are also used to treat allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, hives or even rashes such as poison ivy or poison sumac. This is why people using antihistamines such for these conditions are advised not to drive or operate heavy equipment or even power tools. They are in danger of nodding off and hurting themselves as well as people near them.
It is a great idea to test the traditional sleeping aids before you actually need them, the same as if they were herbal treatments. Since drug makers know more about their medicines and the possible side effects, read the literature that comes with the pills. This way you will find the best sleeping aid for you.
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