Herbal Sleep Aids and Hormones for Adults and Children

• California poppy: This homeopathic herb is a mild sedative that is commonly added to over-the-counter sleep aids or available in its pure form as a liquid extract. While pregnant women, children and the elderly should avoid it, California poppy doesn't have any serious side effects. Along with promoting better sleep, California poppy also relieves anxiety.
  
  
• Chamomile: In its dried, powdered form, this flower not only works as a gentle sleep aid, but it can also soothe upset stomachs, nausea and general inflammation. Chamomile is effective in herbal sleep medications or in its tea form with no known side effects.
  
  
• Catnip: As a tea, catnip is calming and promotes better sleep. Along with treating sleeping problems, catnip (also known as catmint or catswort) is also a homeopathic for migraines, cramping and indigestion. While catnip increases menstrual bleeding in a non-dangerous way, it can be dangerous for pregnant women, as catnip has been known to have abortive effects.
  
  
• Hops: Used for years by Native Americans, hops are an effective herbal sleep aid, anxiety treatment and mild antibiotic. Because hops belong to the same family as marijuana, they aren't recommended for those suffering from depression. Similarly, pregnant women should also avoid hops because an estrogen-related compound it contains can complicate pregnancy.
  
  
• Jamaica dogwood: Once used as a fish tranquilizer in the Caribbean, Jamaica dogwood's relaxing properties make it a safe, effective sleep aid and painkiller. Commonly, Jamaica dogwood is consumed in tea form. Pregnant women or those suffering from heart problems should avoid this herb.
  
  
• Jasmine: Like chamomile, jasmine (as a tea or medication additive) has calming effects that promote better sleep and treat headache pain. Because it is a milder herbal supplement, jasmine is especially effective for treating children's sleeping disorders.
  
  
• Lavender: While lavender is an herb that can act as a sedative, some forms of lavender, namely Spanish lavender, can actually have stimulating effects, making it an effective treatment for depression. Generally, lavender is taken as a tea. Although it doesn't have any noted side effects, lavender is considered to be one of the less effective herbal treatments.
  
  
• Passion flower: This calming herb is an especially helpful sleep aid for sleep disorders caused by chronic pain, muscle conditions and anxiety. Because the most common side effect of passion flower is drowsiness, don't take it unless you plan to sleep for while.
  
  
• Peppermint: Commonly taken in tea form, peppermint is a relaxing herb that relieves insomnia and indigestion. While peppermint doesn't have any serious side effects, it can prevent your body from absorbing iron. Consequently, avoid peppermint teas if you are taking iron supplements for some other medical condition.
  
  
• Sage: This soothing herb treats sleep disorders, depression and nervous conditions. It is effective whether it spices up a meal, is consumed as a tea or is an additive in other sleep aids. Sage has no known side effects.
  
  
• Siberian ginseng: Also used an herbal treatment for depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, Siberian ginseng is most effective for sleep disorders related to these conditions. Those suffering from high blood pressure or nervous disorders should avoid taking Siberian ginseng.
  
  
• St. John's wort: Along with being effective in depression and anxiety treatment, St. John's wort also works for treating sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. It can be an ingredient in other sleep aid medication or taken alone in a concentrated pill form. The side effects of St. John's wort include increased sensitivity to the sun, causing you to sunburn more easily. Similarly, avoid taking this herbal supplement if you already take MAO inhibitors (medications for depression and/or migraines).
  
  
• Valerian: As the most popular herbal sleep supplement, valerian is also an effective treatment for nerve and muscle disorders. Like chamomile and catnip, valerian is generally consumed as a tea. Side effects, such as loss of muscle function and heart troubles, only arise when too much valerian is consumed.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of Herbs

• Consult your doctor and/or a professional herbalist before taking anything new.
• Reduce doses by a quarter for children.
• Take only the recommended dosage. For most herbal remedies, don't take more than one or two cups as a tea or infusion 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

Herbs that have side effects that you should be particularly careful of include:

• Hops: Those suffering from or with a history of depression should avoid hops.
• St. John's wort: Prolonged use can cause sensitivity to sunlight. Also, those taking MAO inhibitors (such as Parnate or Nardil) as anti-depressant medication should avoid St. John's wort, as it counteracts the effects of the prescription drugs.
• Valerian: Because this remedy can cause excitement, those with ADHD should avoid valerian.

Herbal Sleep Aids for Children

Melatonin and Other Sleep-Inducing Hormones

• depression
• grogginess
• sexual dysfunction.

Children, pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant shouldn't take melatonin. Also, avoid melatonin if you suffer from:

• autoimmune diseases
• certain cancers
• lymphoma
• mental illness (such as depression)
• rheumatoid arthritis
• severe allergies.

With so many herbal remedies for sleep problems, finding the sleep aid that works best for you can be tricky. Consult your physician before starting any new herbal regimens.

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