Your Guide to Sleep Supplements

If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, then we don’t need to tell you how much of a difference it can make in how you feel when you get a full, eight-hours of sleep. Sleep apnea treatment, like CPAP or BIPAP therapy, can make a big difference in your ability to get to sleep at night and, most importantly, stay asleep. However, some sufferers are looking for a little extra help when they have trouble sleeping, and many turn to sleeping pills and supplements for answers.

Is it safe to take sleeping pills or supplements if you have sleep apnea?

Before you begin taking anything, whether it be an-over-the-counter sleeping aid or a natural sleeping supplement you found at your local health food store, it’s always smart to discuss it with your physician, especially if you have sleep apnea. In most cases, doctors will recommend that you abstain from using sleeping pills when you have sleep apnea, but your doctor may be okay with a sleep supplement. But again, don’t take one without consulting your doctor, as it could react negatively or interfere with other medication or treatments you are using.

The production of sleep supplements, like the production of all other natural supplements, is not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that there’s no standard as to how potent the supplements have to be, how safe they are or any claims made about effectiveness. That being said, many people do find sleep supplements to be effective.

Which sleep supplement is right for you?

There are many sleep supplements available to you, and a little research can help you determine which option is best for your needs. Here are a few of the most popular sleep supplements available on the market today:

Melatonin - Melatonin is actually a natural hormone that helps to regulate your sleep/wake cycle by alerting your body when the sun goes down and it’s time to go to sleep. It is best used as an occasional sleep aid, and research has shown that it can be effective for jet lag.

Valerian Root - Valerian is actually a flowering plant that people have been using since ancient times to help them get to sleep. Valerian root has sedative properties that help to reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep.

Chamomile - Like valerian root, chamomile has been used to treat sleep troubles for thousands of years, and it is typically consumed as an extract or a tea. In addition to combatting insomnia, chamomile has also been used to reduce muscle pain, calm digestive upsets and reduce anxiety. There have been animal studies conducted on chamomile, but no human studies as of yet.

There are many sleep supplements available to you, and the right one may help you sleep better at night. But please make sure to talk to your doctor before taking one, and know that a sleep supplement is not a replacement for CPAP or BIPAP therapy. In fact, making a few adjustments to your treatment, like purchasing a quieter machine or the right mask, could help you sleep better than taking a supplement ever could.

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