Many people who needed to take sleep drugs now sleep naturally using herbs, supplements and CBD Oil. We know that sleep aids (Benzodiazepines and Ambien for example) knock people out. They not only don’t cure, they are harmful and addictive to boot. Without a doubt, patients respond far better to natural substances than they do to drugs. The question is always, which ones are right for you. It’s also important to get your hormones checked in case there is an issue there. Read more on that here.
Chinese Herbs
While Chinese herb formulas are far safer than drugs, they are not harmless. Chinese Medicine has identified forty types of insomnia. Each one has a formula unique to its particular symptoms. Take the wrong one and your symptoms could get worse. For this reason I suggest that people with sleep problems go to a licensed acupuncturist/herbalist for help.
That having been said, here are several Western herbs that you may sleep naturally and without medication.
Western Herbs/Supplements
Chamomile is a gentle, sedative herb that is safe for children and adults alike. In tea form, it’s often used for insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. Chamomile oil can be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe nerves, diluted to two percent to make an excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant. (S) Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.
Lavender is a wonderful sleep-positive herb. Add a few drops of this gentle nervous system tonic to a bath before bedtime. The oil may also be used as a compress, massage oil, or inhaled. You can also place a few drops under your pillowcase at night.  Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily;Â
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The main job of melatonin is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Some people who are sleep-challenged have low levels of melatonin, and it may help to add melatonin in supplement form.  A percentage of melatonin users experience nervousness and vivid dreaming.
CBD Oil is also widely recognized as having anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. This makes CBD helpful for a wide range of conditions, from autoimmune diseases to chronic pain and depression. I prescribe specific types of CBD, and specific dosages, to help patients diminish anxiety levels, lower pain and thus sleep better.