Guest Post: Best Supplements for Sleep Deprived Parents

Did you know that it is recommended that the average adult is to get anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of sleep every single night? In today’s society, how many of us can actually say that we are getting this kind of sleep? A night’s rest consisting of 8 hours almost seems too good to be true. So why are we not sleeping? 

Sleep is our body’s natural way of revitalizing and rejuvenating our immune, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems; so, needless to say, it is an essential aspect of our lives. Believe it or not, going extended periods of time without sleep, or very little sleep, can be extraordinarily dangerous, or even deadly. With sleep being such an essential and important part of our lives, it is imperative that we make sure to get the appropriate amount of sleep each and every day. Unfortunately, many of us cannot help this. Studies have shown that anxiety and sleep deprivation are on the rise all across the country. More and more stressors in our lives are having a tremendous impact on not only how much sleep we are getting every night, but the quality of the sleep as well. Kids, work, school, and the same daily routine can really have a huge impact on the way we sleep.

Thankfully, there are a variety of methods and supplements that can really help those suffering from sleep deprivation. Some are natural remedies, some are prescription medications, and others just include a change in lifestyle. However, many of us cannot afford to make lifestyle changes just like that as factors such as money or time make this difficult. So let’s discuss some possible options you have in terms of supplements and medications.

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is an herbal dietary supplement used to help induce sleep. The herb acts as a natural sedative, and can be even more effective when taken with a beer or drink containing hops. It works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain, an acid known for regulating neuron excitability in the brain. Studies have compared this remedy to Xanax, a prescription medication, without many of the side-effects that Xanax may cause someone to exhibit.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in our bodies that helps to regulate our sleep cycles. Though it is a naturally produced hormone, it can be taken as a supplement as well. It has been known to not only benefit those suffering from a wide variety of sleeping disorders, but many memory and learning disorders as well. Few side-effects have been noted with those who take large doses of melatonin nightly.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a really great herbal substance that can be used to treat anxiety and sleep deprivation. It can be taken be taken in a variety of easy and healthful forms, including tea and tincture and forms. The purpose of this supplement is not necessarily to knock you out, but to calm you down by relieving stress and allowing sleep to come easier and quicker.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is a plant grown in the western Pacific that is known for its sedative and anesthetic properties, but it is not considered a drug as one many think. The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink that is capable of reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation. However, kava kava has been linked to liver conditions when taken with alcoholic beverages, so it is imperative that you consult a physician before taking this natural remedy.

Before taking any medication or supplement, no matter how safe it may be, it is always best to contact your physician before taking any kind of new and foreign medicine. If taken appropriately and intelligently, these supplements may be what you need to get a full night’s sleep and end sleep deprivation for good. Good luck and sweet dreams!

Author Bio

Ron Thompson writes for Del-Immune V®, a company that offers the best vitamins for your immune system and a unique probiotic supplement made from the lactobacillus rhamnosus which is a natural immune system booster.