sleep

Has insomnia tortured you to the point where you are looking into sleep aids? If so you are definitely not alone, it is estimated that more than 35 million Americans suffer from long term insomnia and require a sleep aids to get the sleep they need to function. Unfortunately in many cases sleep aids actually impair function, and leave the user worse off than before he or she began to use them. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, as well as non-benzodiazepine sleep aids like Ambien carry with them life-disrupting side effects. Before resorting to prescription sleep aids there are lifestyle changes you can try; cut down on coffee and cigarettes, especially before bedtime. Flipping your mattress, adjusting room temperature and trying to drown out noise can all be used in place of sleep aids. If those don't work the next step should be herbal sleep aids which provide relief without side effects, addiction or overdose. Herbal sleep aids are more effective that a lot of people give them credit for. Only after you have tried all of these or determined that the insomnia is caused by a serious physical problem should you consider prescription sleep aids.

What can be done if you can't sleep? It depends of course on why you can't sleep. Most cases of insomnia are either environmental (room is too hot, too much noise) or emotional (stress anxiety). Some people can fall asleep anywhere, and others need just the right temperature and light levels or else they can't sleep. If the second category is you, unfortunately there is little that can be done except try to get your bedroom as close to the perfect sleep environment as possible. If you can't sleep because of anxiety herbal supplements can be a great help. Although many are skeptical, herbal supplements have real science behind them, and if you can't sleep they should be used much before you consider a prescription drug. These supplements are available without prescription in pharmacies, health food stores and online. They have no side effects or addictive qualities. If you can't sleep trust the healing powers of nature.

Zolpidem is a more hazardous drug than you may realize, and should never be taken in doses which exceed 10mg per day. Allergic reaction is common to users of Zolpidem, showing itself as rash, hives and sore throat. What's more frightening are reports of hallucinations, memory loss, mood swings, personality changes and general confusion among users of Zolpidem. Generally marketed under the name Ambien, Zolpidem is becoming more and more commonly used in the treatment of insomnia. Though it is quite similar to benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax it actually does not belong to this family of drugs. Zolpidem can be quite damaging to the liver and kidneys, and is also not recommended for any person with a lung disease. All of this should be discussed with your doctor before taking Zolpidem, but alternatives to Zolpidem for sleep disorders should be considered first.

Sleepwell

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