Not being able to fall asleep can be frustrating, exhausting and in some cases debilitating.
Millions of American’s suffer from insomnia and reach for sleep aids in order to get their much-needed rest. The FDA approves these medications, so most of us assume they are safe. But are they really?
There are 5 types of prescription sleeping pills:
Diphenhydramine – (Benadryl) Which acts on histamine receptors in the brain to cause drowsiness. The side effects include: Daytime sleepiness, confusion and in older patients difficulty in urination.
Selective GABA Medicines (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata) – These bind to a specific type of GABA receptor in the brain.
The side effects include: Memory disturbances, hallucinations, and possible behavioral changes.
Sleep-Wake Cycle Modifiers (Rozerem) Stimulates melatonin receptors in the brain area that controls the sleep-wake cycle.
The side effects include: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of sex drive, loss of menstruation and problems getting pregnant.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Halcion, Klonopin, Lorazepam, Restorial )
Bind to general GABA receptors in the brain.
The side effects include: Sedation, loss of muscle coordination, dizziness, and addiction.
Tricylic Antidepressants (Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Pamelor, Sinequan, Trazodone)
Binds to multiple brain receptors including acetylcholine; sedating.
The side effects include: insomnia (seeing some irony here?), dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, cardiac issues, and with trazodone long painful erections.
In many cases, the side effects can be worse than the original issue.
What if there was a safer, gentler, more natural way to get the sleep you need?
There are many natural alternatives to try.
Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone naturally occurring in the body and made by the pineal gland. It helps control your sleep cycles. It can be taken in supplement form.
Hops – also used to brew beer have a mild sedative effect and are helpful as a sleep inducer. It is also anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant.
Passion Flower – Promotes sleep by elevating the GABA levels in the brain.
Scullcap – Has been shown to promote relaxation.
Catnip – Not just for felines! Catnip is used for trouble sleeping (insomnia); anxiety; a migraine and other headaches; cold and other upper respiratory infections; flu; swine flu; fever; hives; worms; and gastrointestinal (GI) upset, including indigestion, colic, cramping, and gas (flatulence). It is also used as a tonic, for increasing urination, and for starting menstrual periods in girls with delayed onset of menstruation.
Peppermint – Peppermint is a potent muscle relaxant.
Rosemary – Helps maintain a normal blood pressure and promotes relaxation.
Mullein – Helps with breathing issues and sleep disorders.
Valerian – This beautiful pink flower helps with relaxation and sleep cycle regulation with no drowsiness.
If you are having trouble sleeping chiropractic combined with nutrition and a specialized supplement regimen could be the key to falling asleep and staying asleep naturally.
Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL, and Naples, FL
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers and Naples, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.