Melatonin

Melatonin may improve sleep. Scientific findings show that melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep, increases feelings of "sleepiness," and may increase the duration of sleep.

Melatonin has been used successfully as a natural sleep aid in healthy individuals, as well as to reduce feelings of jet lag during global travels. This natural hormone is also being tested as a sleep aid with the elderly and other populations. In addition, studies are focusing on whether or not melatonin can help improve sleep patterns in individuals with depression.

Melatonin, like all natural over the counter dietary supplements, is unregulated and untested for long-term use in humans. Some people find that melatonin causes grogginess and depression. Others report falling asleep quickly with melatonin only to awaken in the middle of the night. Still, studies show that melatonin is safe with short-term (< 3 months) use.

Dosage: studies show that as little as 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams may be enough for most people.

Effectiveness
Safety

Phenibut

Phenibut is natural derivative of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA. Sold as a dietary supplement in the US while in Russia sold as a neuropsychotropic drug that is capable of passing the blood-brain barrier. Phenibut is cited as a nootropic for its ability to improve neurological functions. It was discovered in Russia in the 1960's, and has since been used there to treat a wide range of ailments including anxiety and insomnia. Phenibut should be used with caution as it can have withdrawal symptoms.

Effectiveness
Safety

EZDOZE active ingredients are Melatonin and Phenibut. EZDOZE is a minty strip that you place on your tongue. It dissolves on your tongue, delivering ingredients that have been proven to be effective natural sleep aids.

Valerian

Valerian is one of the leading natural supplements for managing anxiety and insomnia. Some limited findings show that valerian may reduce the time needed to fall asleep and may improve sleep quality. Unlike the benzodiazepines, most people feel no morning grogginess after taking valerian. Other findings were not as promising. They showed that when compared to a placebo, valerian didn't relieve anxiety or insomnia any better than the placebo.

Valerian is usually well-tolerated for up to a month to six weeks. Sometimes there may be headache or a "hangover" feeling after using valerian. A few studies indicate valerian impairs thinking for a period of time after it is used.

Effectiveness
Safety

Chamomile

Chamomile is a popular herbal sleep remedy that's been used for centuries. This herb also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

German chamomile is best taken as a tea. Roman chamomile has a bitter taste and may be taken as a tincture. Both types cause a calming effect in the body for many people, which may help people feel relaxed and more prepared for sleep.

Effectiveness
Safety

Kava

Kava, also known as kava kava, is an herbal remedy that's used for stress and anxiety relief and insomnia. Kava acts by way of a different mechanism. It induces relaxation without hindering memory or motor function.

While kava has some sedative properties, it is now considered unsafe. Reports in Europe of more than 20 cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver failure suggest the possibility of liver toxicity associated with its use.

Effectiveness
Safety

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a precursor in the synthesis of serotonin in the brain. That means it's a biochemical substance that is necessary for the formation of the more stable serotonin.

Because tryptophan is present in milk and warm milk helps some people feel drowsy, tryptophan became a much sought-after item for the treatment of insomnia at natural food stores. Yet some people who took tryptophan as a natural supplement developed a syndrome with features of a disease called scleroderma. Those features included skin tightening, pain in the joints, muscle aches, and weakness. These people also developed anxiety, depression, and difficulty learning. Some people died. Scientists later believed the deaths were the result of taking the amino acid tryptophan. Not everyone who took tryptophan, however, experienced these side effects. In addition, not everyone who took tryptophan received help for insomnia.

Effectiveness
Safety

Studies:

MIT study confirms melatonin's value as sleep aid: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/melatonin.html

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