A relatively high percentage of Americans with insomnia are turning to alternative and complementary medicine to treat their symptoms. Insomnia -- the most commonly reported sleep disorder in the United States -- impacts about 30 percent of adults. Among them, 5.9 percent have used the herbal supplement valerian and 5.2 percent used melatonin to treat symptoms of insomnia.This use comes despite a review of common non-prescription treatments for insomnia (conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's clinical practice review committee) that found the supplements did not have a beneficial effect.Insomnia, which can involve trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, can truly wreak havoc on your health. Over time, not getting enough quality sleep can lead to:
While herbal supplements and melatonin may provide temporary relief of some insomnia symptoms, I am not a fan of either of these approaches. While far less problematic than prescription sleep-aids, ultimately even these natural supplements are just symptomatic band-aids.If you’re suffering from insomnia, you are far better off seeking truly natural, side-effect-free options to help you sleep, and I’ve detailed 33 of them in my Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep.
SLEEP July 1, 2007, Volume 30/Issue 7
Science Daily July 9, 2007