Sleep is perhaps one of the greatest blessings of God upon mankind. If we recount the basic needs of the human body and mind, sleep would certainly take one of the top spots. It is impossible to live without it. You can only get so far on coffee and cigarettes before your brain gives up and you hit the pavement; either dead or asleep.
To some ambitious folks, the concept of sleep is particularly irksome. Why must we whirl away half of our life in such a practically useless state, when instead we could be using that time for more conducive tasks. While the other end of the spectrum considers it beautiful bliss; an abyss free from stress and anxiety.
Regardless of your perception, sleep is necessary and a lack of it can cause a lot of issues in your daily life. As we get older, the emotional and psychological repercussions of said issues can add a lot of heft to our overwhelmed psyche.
This worry and stress often manifests itself in the form of sleep deprivation and in some extreme cases, results in insomnia. For older individuals, this can be a harrowing dilemma as the lack of sleep further elevates the problem to intolerable levels.
This is where sleep supplements come into play. When all else has failed, people often resort to pill popping. But do sleep supplements fall within that same category?
Let us consider some of the most popular sleep supplements currently in circulation and stack up the benefits against possible health risks they may pose.
L-Theanine is an enantiomer of the amino acid Theanine. An enantiomer is simply a different molecular form of the same substance. It has been studied extensively and research has found that it lowers the anxiety level of individuals by making them feel more calm and relaxed. This can help them sleep easier and better.
Green tea is a natural source of L-Theanine and if consumed on a regular basis can vastly improve the quality of your sleep.
In supplement form, it is also quite safe, especially when ingested. However, it is advised not to use this supplement in combination with other medicines as it may interact with them and cause unexpected consequences. Pregnant women are also advised against heavy doses of Theanine, even though there have been no conclusive side effects.
One of the more popular choices on this list, 5-HTP is the abbreviated form of the chemical 5-Hydroxytryptophan. It acts on the central nervous system and thereby increases the synthesis of the neurotransmitter Serotonin inside the body which can aid against anxiety disorders, depression, migraines and sleep disorders; particularly insomnia. There is a reason Serotonin is lumped into the “Happy Hormones” category, even though it is technically…
