Over the years, I have sought out and used the help of a number of natural sleep aids that help provide natural ways to prevent insomnia. I have found many of them helpful and effective enough during the times that I needed them, that I would never feel the need to resort to a pharmaceutical for helping me avoid insomnia. Some are more potent than others, rendering more of a desired affect.
Milk Peptides
I have recently become interested in trying this product after reading about it in Life Extension’s Collector’s edition of their May 2012 issue. I’m so impressed with the sleep I’ve been able to enduce from using this product. As I understand it, this product works by taking the edge off of your cortisol stress response, a primary cause of insomnia. Stress and anxiety prompt your adrenal glands to produce cortisol and combine together to create an environment for sleep deprivation. Milk peptides, or bioactive peptides, have been shown through research done by Life Extension to generate a sedative effect on the brain. I guess that glass of milk that moms have found so helpful in putting the family to sleep isn’t without credence. I’m very pleased with the positive results I’ve experienced in my own sleep improvement from using this product.
Valerian
I have received many a night of sleep from using this herb. My years in the health food business have taught me that valerian is a great sedative to calm the nervous system, and I can attest to the effectiveness of that action from this herb as well. I’ve often taken valerian during the day just to spawn a calming effect throughout my neurological system during stressful times, and have not been disappointed with the results. I find it very helpful in taking the edge off of my nervousness when I’m experiencing a stress overload, so it follows that it would help me when trying to fall asleep during those times as well.
Tryptophan
My years in the health food retail business taught me a lot about tryptophan by way of a few good nutritionists that I was consistently in contact with, as well as the good results my clients would experience from using tryptophan. This essential amino acid functions as a precursor for something referred to as serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate normal sleep patterns as well as improved mood and a normal appetite. It is successful not only promoting better sleep patterns, but also in improving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Source: Personal Experience
