Everyone has an occasional sleepless night, and this is not a problem for most people. Shockingly, as many as 30% of Americans report occasional sleeping problems, and for about 15% of the population it is a chronic problem. In these cases, the lack of restful sleep impairs the person's ability to carry out daily responsibilities because they are too tired or they have trouble concentrating. Chronic sleep conditions can also cause memory problems, irritability and even depression.
Imagine all the times lying in bed at night wondering what it will take for you to fall asleep. Is there a more frustrating feeling? Many people often consider using a prescription sleeping pill to solve their chronic sleep problems.
Is Prescription Drug Lunesta? Right For You?
Eszopiclone is the generic name for the sedative/hypnotic Lunesta?. This prescription medication was introduced earlier this year to the sleep aid market. Lunesta? must be taken immediately before bedtime and you should make sure you have a full eight hours to devote to sleeping before taking it. You may notice that you are not quite as alert, or have increased drowsiness the next day if you do not get enough sleep. Never stop taking it without talking to your doctor and never stop abruptly. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, abnormal dreams, nausea, and upset stomach. Another warning: Avoid alcohol when taking this drug. Combining the two could cause a coma and even death.
And remember, although Lunesta? is not a narcotic, it could become habit forming. Potential side effects include chest pain, drowsiness, headache, unpleasant taste, nervousness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Using strong drugs to fall asleep often means that the body's natural sleep cycle is disturbed and the ability to fall asleep naturally is lost. Keep this in mind when considering any prescription sedative.
Are there Natural Sleep Alternatives Available To You? Absolutely!
The best all natural sleep aid on the market today are:
1) Somnatrol
2) Ambiatol
3) Somnulin
What makes a non prescription sleep aid product so appealing? Is it the all natural and non physically addictive properties? Prescription products as we all know pose the risk for too many potential side effects and drug interactions.
These elite nonprescription products like Somnatrol contain the all natural herb Valerian Root as one of the main ingredients. This produces a two fold effect:
Stage 1: your body experiences a state of powerful relaxation.
Stage 2: your body experiences an improved quality of sleep by inducing longer periods of restfulness.
You might not need to resort to prescription strength drug to get a good night's sleep. These natural supplements can support a sound and restful night's sleep. Unlike prescription sleep aids, these natural alternatives can be used on only nights when you really need it. You can take them before you retire, if you go to bed and discover you can't sleep, or even in the middle of the night. Get some sleep restful tonight. Your body deserves it!
About the Author
Cassandra is a health and nutrition counselor specializing in the study of natural alternative medicine. She is also a published author and an avid health and fitness enthusiast.