Six Doctor-Recommended Sleep Aids

Trouble sleeping? Check out this list of sleep aids and find the one that’s right for you. Always try milder treatments before taking stronger sleep medication.
Aromatherapy
If you feel sleepy at night but can’t relax, try aromatherapy. Aromatherapy can be fun because you can try out various different scents to try to find the one that works best for you. Lavender or lemon balm are a good place to start.
Valerian tea

Try it if you regularly get a full-night’s sleep but still feel tired in the morning. Studies have shown that valerian tea can improve the quality of sleep you get. Make sure to use it a few nights in a row, as it might not take effect the first time you use it.
GABA
If you’re feeling anxious and worried before bed, try throwing back a shot of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA has been shown to quiet the mind and relax you when taken orally. Also, if you’re not interested in taking straight GABA, brown rice, bananas, and mackerel contain GABA, and eating them during the day can help you sleep at night.
Melatonin Supplement

If you find yourself wide awake at 3 AM, a melatonin supplement might be right up your alley. Take a single three-milligram tablet 15-20 minutes before bed. Melatonin is what your brain uses to indicate to your body that it’s time to sleep, and there are various factors why you may be low on it (including being exposed to too much light in the evening. Make sure to check with your doctor before taking melatonin supplements, as they can have adverse effects on pregnancy and adolescent boys.
Over-The-Counter Sleeping Pill

Use over-the-counter sleeping pills for short-term solutions to short-term problems, like if you’re having a stressful week at work. Be careful to only use these drugs when absolutely necessary, as they can cause dependency.
Prescription Sleep Medication

For those of you who suffer from insomnia, prescription meditation can help. If you have tried everything and still find yourself pacing the hallways during the wee-hours of the morning, it may be time to consult with your doctor about prescription medication.
Sweet Dreams!
[Image via AP Images.]