Herb Sleep

Some people who use herbal remedies to help them sleep often get teased by people for "herb sleep" habits. The people who tease them are the same people who probably run to the pharmacy for some over the counter type of medication or pill to put them to sleep when really the best way to induce sleep is with natural methods. Here are the herbs that are known for being helping hands when you are trying to sleep. These herbs and herbal mixtures are guaranteed to help you get some really good "herb sleep."

Peppermint

Peppermint is usually taken in the form of peppermint tea. The warmth of the beverage is relaxing in and of itself, but peppermint itself is a very useful herb. In addition to helping the body relax for sleep, it also helps with digestion and gas. Avoid this herb if you are taking iron supplements.

Passion Flower

This is an herb that is known as an anti-anxiety herb and will help you sleep if anxiety is keeping you awake. This is an herb that is also known for causing sleepiness so avoid ingesting it during the day and you shouldn't drive for a few hours after using it.

Sage

The regular sage that you grow in your cooking herbs garden is known for helping with sleep. Simply sprinkle some in with the seasoning of your dinner or even try some sage tea. Sage is also good for depression.

Thyme

Thyme is also an herb that is often used in cooking. Thyme is a fantastic herb for nervous disorders and problems in the respitory system. Use it as seasoning with your dinner and you should have a much easier time falling asleep.

Valerian

Valerian is the most famous of all of the herbs to help with sleep problems. Valerian can ease mental and muscle tension and is known for helping people to deal with stress. Valerian tea is a well known natural sedative but don't take too much. Too much valerian can be very harmful to your health if used in any way beyond the description written on the packages.

Catnip

Nope, we are not kidding. While it might cause your cat to act insane, catnip can be used by humans as a relaxant. It is also good for the digestive system. It is not an uncommon ingredient in teas made to cure insomnia or to promote sleep.

Jasmine

Jasmine is known as an essential oil. A few drops of jasmine in your bath water will help you relax. It can also be found in tea where it is used as a mild sedative for nerves.

Lavender

Lavender is also an essential oil and can be used both in a bath and in tea. When a few drops of lavender oil are put in the bath water can help you to relax. If added to tea it can help relieve any anxiety you might be feeling.

There are many more herbs to be used for "herb sleep" a simple internet search will reveal them!

Difficulty Sleeping Tip #1

Caffeine is only your friend during the morning hours. Even though you might not think that caffeine affects you very much, it does play a big part in your body's ability to settle down and rest at the end of the day. If you must have coffee, switch to decaf after lunch. Caffeine can affect your body for up to eight hours. The longer it has to leave your system the less likely it is to affect your sleeping habits.

Difficulty Sleeping Tip #2

Exercise will not wear you out; it will actually pump you up. Exercise actually gives people energy. While you might feel tired immediately after a workout, your body will not sleep well if you try to do your workout right before bed. It is also bad for your body as a rule to go from lots of motion to staying still. This is why there are warm ups and cool downs before and after exercise workouts.

Difficulty Sleeping Tip #3

While many of us may fall asleep while watching television, if you are having sleeping problems, you want to give yourself at least an hour before going to bed that is television free. Television is a stimulant for your brain (even if the material is not particularly scholarly in content). Watching it right before bed keeps you awake and it takes a while for your brain to wind down after you turn the television off.