Are you up all night tossing and turning? If so, you’re in good company. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, nearly half of all Americans report dealing with sleeplessness some of the time, and more that 20 percent experience it nearly every night.

Ripple Effect

That’s bad news for the people who can’t get a good night’s rest, and it has more wide-ranging effects than you might imagine. For example, it can affect your health, happiness, and vitality. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to perform poorly at work or school. You may even be more accident-prone. Insomnia also has a negative effect on the economy: One study showed that the total cost of insomnia, including lost productivity, health costs, and more, can be as high as $35 billion a year.

So if you suffer from insomnia and want to address it, what should you do? Many options are available, including over-the-counter sleep aids and prescription drugs. Even some cold medicines and pain relievers can help you sleep. But the problem with taking medications is that you can become dependent. Also, sometimes you’ll have to take more and more to achieve the same effect. Those types of sleep aids may also have harmful side effects. If you’re concerned about this, a natural remedy might be a great alternative.

Herbal Sleep Supplements to the Rescue

Herbal folk remedies for sleeplessness have been around for thousands of years. Here’s an overview of just a few of the most common herbal sleep aids:

• Lavender. Known for its pleasant scent and soothing color, lavender is also a legendary sleep aid. Its scent is thought to provide a calming effect that can help conquer insomnia.


• Passionflower. This brightly colored plant is used to make an herbal sleep supplement that produces a gentle sedative effect.


• Valerian root. This plant is reported to help people fall asleep faster and achieve a more restful sleep.


• Lemon balm. The leaves of this easily cultivated plant are said to help people who suffer from a variety of sleep disorders get the rest they need.


• Chamomile. Usually made into a soothing tea, this popular herb can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It is among the most popular folk sleep remedies.

Effectiveness

Do herbal sleep aids work? The effect varies according to the individual, but for many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Some herbal remedies have even been shown to be effective in clinical trials. For example, lavender was found to be as effective as tranquilizers in a study on the sleep habits of the elderly. Also, many clinical trials indicate that valerian reduces the time required to fall asleep.

Unlike their pharmaceutical counterparts, herbal sleep aids generally do not produce harmful side effects or result in dependency. So if you’re dreaming of a good night’s rest, consider an herbal sleep supplement. It is your decision, but it’s definitely one you can sleep on.

—Sherry Ciurczak