Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. An estimated 30-50% of the general population is affected by insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. Many physicians have prescribed sleep medications, only to find out that they were associated with significant side effects. These drugs may cause morning drowsiness or sleep that lacks natural rejuvenating properties. So what is one to do?

Insomnia is defined as prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep. It is actually a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than an actual disease. Many times underlying conditions influence a person’s ability to achieve and maintain restful slumber. Painful conditions such as arthritis and neuralgia can interfere with sleep. Any injury that makes it uncomfortable to lie down, especially those injuries to the back or neck, can make sleeping difficult. Additionally, other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, sleep paralysis and night terrors or nightmares can contribute to insomnia.

The effects of insomnia can be devastating to the insomniac. Obviously, insomnia is directly related to sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can impact an individual’s memory, as well as their ability to concentrate. Irritability and depression are also common effects of insomnia and the associated sleep deprivation. In addition, recent research has revealed that a link has been established between insomnia and many gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly irritable bowel syndrome.

What help is available to those suffering from insomnia? Relief from the inability to achieve and maintain sleep is available. The use of sleep aids to restore natural sleep patterns has been successful at helping those suffering from insomnia to end their sleep deprivation and get their lives back on track. Prescription medications and all natural sleep aids are currently available to treat insomnia.

Prescription Drug Ambien®

Ambien® (generic name zolpidem) is a sedative available only by doctor’s prescription. It must be taken regularly for a few days before any benefit is noticed. Use of Ambien® should never be discontinued without first consulting your physician. Individuals who use Ambien® should avoid alcohol when taking this drug, as the combination may cause coma and even death. Although Ambien® is not a narcotic, it could become habit forming. 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, contrary to what you are trying to achieve. This should be kept in mind when considering any prescription sedative to treat insomnia.

Non Prescription All Natural Sleep Products

There are many elite non-prescription products currently marketed as sleep aids. These products are so appealing due to their all natural formulations, the fact that they are not physically addictive and their low incidence of side effects and drug interactions. One of the main ingredients in these all natural products is Valerian Root. Valerian Root works to induce and maintain sleep through a two step mechanism:

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.

To achieve a full and restful night’s sleep you may not need to resort to prescription strength drugs. All natural supplements can support a sound and restful night's sleep. They provide an excellent alternative to prescription strength sleeping drugs. These products have limited side effects, less drug interactions, and in addition, are less expensive than most prescription sedatives currently available. Also, unlike prescription sleep aids, all natural sleep aids can be used only on the nights when you really need it. They can be taken prior to going to bed, or even in the middle of the night, if you go to bed and discover you are unable to sleep.

Rank		Product	Improve Sleep Pattern	Support and Maintain Natural Sleep Patterns	Promote Relaxation and Sleep	Increase Quality of Sleep	Total Score	Learn More
1		Somulin™	5 of 5	5 of 5	4 of 5	5 of 5	96/100
2		Restaid™	4 of 5	4 of 5	4 of 5	5 of 5	94/100
3		Melatrol™	4 of 5	5 of 5	5 of 5	4 of 5	94/100
4		Sleeping Easy™	5 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	93/100
5		Ambiatol™	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	91/100
6		Alteril™	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	91/100
7		Dormanex SR™	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	91/100
8		Sleep Quick Strips™	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	91/100
9		Sleep MD™	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	91/100
10		Somnapril™	4 of 5	3 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5	88/100

• Superiority of nutrient levels- this is based on the percentage of actual ingredients contained in the product. (Quality of Ingredients)
• Expected overall effectiveness of the formulation.
• Safety-are there any safety concerns for the product, or the recommended dosage.
• Value compared to other products.

A total score was derived, and products ranked.

A word about overall effectiveness. Based on the available literature, we rank ordered nutrients based on expected efficacy. This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.