Since the creation of man, sleep has been essential for life and for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Its potent healing properties and critical role in facilitating rebuilding and regeneration throughout your body have made a good night's sleep one of the world's most sought after goals.
However, because restful sleep can be disturbed by the everyday stresses and anxieties of life, you may need to find some form of sleep help.
There are a wide variety of solutions available simply because the problem is so widespread.
If you are in need of some sleep help, how do you choose the best remedy? Basically, you have three broad choices to make.
You can see your doctor and get a prescription for sleeping pills, you can try several natural sleep remedies, or you can make changes to your sleeping environment and daily habits.
As with everything in life, the best solution for you may not be one single action, but a combination of things.
Your first thought might be getting a prescription for sleeping pills.
It would be a real challenge to watch one night of television without seeing a commercial for the latest pharmaceutical sleep aid.
In a few rare cases, sleeping medications from the drugstore might be what you need.
But for most people, pills are not the best solution.
They are expensive and they will become less effective the more you take them.
There's always a risk that you will become dependent on them.
The main issue is that they don't really provide a cure--they only treat the symptoms.
If you need help getting drowsy, there are several natural sleep aids that could help.
One of the strongest natural supplements is valerian root.
It has been clinically researched and was found to be as strong as some prescription medications.
But its natural origins make it much safer.
Surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be a problem with dependency with this herbal solution.
There are other herbal remedies available as well.
Some of the most effective sleep help doesn't involve taking anything at all.
By making your bedroom darker, quieter and cooler, you can promote much more restful sleep.
Avoiding naps during the day can also help you be more ready to fall asleep in the evening.
Don't eat a big meal late, but DO eat a small, high-carbohydrate snack before bedtime.
Your best bet is to try these solutions in reverse order: change your sleep environment and habits first, try some natural remedies second, and use sleeping pills only as a last resort.