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Clinical Professor explores how proper sleeping techniques heal and improve overall quality of life

In The Power of Sleep, Dr. Michele Powell's main focus is to provide a safe and sure way to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Powell's unique type of health management has had a profound impact on her patients, helping them to achieve an enhanced lifestyle. By advising helpful sleep practices, Dr. Powell has treated everything from medical ailments to how to lose weight, and anxiety to pain syndromes. The ideas contained in this book will help anyone suffering from lack of sleep or other health concerns to overcome their ill health and achieve a new balance in life.

The Power of Sleep shows readers not only how to effortlessly fall into deep, meaningful slumber, but also why sleep is so essential for overall fitness. It teaches readers how to connect with their surroundings through sleep in order to boost their physical condition.

This book is intended for teens and adults alike. Whether you suffer from a sleeping problem or whether you are just interested in the connection between the mind, the body, and how sleep affects the overall whole, The Power of Sleep will teach its readers:

• Good habits to promote maximum quality sleep
• How to use sleep to awaken creativity
• How to use sleep as a spiritual experience
• How to empower our mind, body, and the world around us

Michele Powell, family physician in Osteopathic Medicine and clinical professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine, creates a masterful work in this her first book. After successfully running her own family practice for 10 years and counseling patients daily in the importance of healthy sleep practices, Powell provides an easy and clear path to a superior lifestyle for all those who pick up this book.

Source: Ecko House Publishing

Right now, throughout the United States, approximately 70 million people are tossing and turning. And according to the National Institutes of Health, almost one-third of Americans have no idea that they are suffering from one of 85 classified sleep disorders.

Lack of sleep, consequentially, presents huge problems, mentally, emotionally and physically, which is why Americans not getting the recommended 8 hours each night are fueling the $20 billion sleep aid market.

But sleeping pills can be a recipe for danger and the consequences can be dire. The death of actor Heath Ledger earlier this year has prompted a lot of discussion and concern over the use of sleeping pills and the repercussions of mixing them with other medications. In fact, over half of all insomniacs report concerns about becoming dependant on over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills.

These concerns are igniting a new generation of sleep solutions that are all-natural but backed with science to provide a better night's sleep without the nightmare of adverse side effects from sleep drugs.

Dreamerz Foods was one of the first to launch last year, with two dairy-based, all-natural sleep dessert beverages that use natural tryptophan from milk and ingredients such as, Lactium and melatonin to help the brain unwind before bed and regulate sleep. Because of the product's popularity the company is launching two additional sleep solutions this year in the form of pillow chocolate and an herbal fruit flavored drink mix.

Both use the patented low amount of melatonin and PharmaGABA, a protein amino acid that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. The herbal fruit drink mix comes in three varieties: Pomegranate Pillows, Peaches and Dreams and Rock-a-Bye Berry and contain only 30 calories per serving. The Chocolate Pillows are made with premium Guittard chocolate and come in two varieties: milk or dark.

There have been 10 clinical studies conducted on low-dose melatonin, eight clinical studies on Lactium (a milk protein hydrolosate) and five studies on PharmaGABA proving their effectiveness in safely regulating sleep cycles and encouraging relaxation.

Dreamerz sleep products have been proven to help 75 percent of people to fall asleep quicker without feeling groggy in the morning. To learn more, or to order the product online, go to: http://www.dreamerz.com.

Scottsdale's True REST Float Spa, the first in the United States to offer REST pod technology, is building quite a following - in terms of both customers and fans on its Facebook site.

Due to its popularity and consumer demand, the facility is expanding and now offers therapeutic massage, hot stone therapy and Reflexology in addition to its flotation therapy specialty. In Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy), a person floats effortlessly on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of water and 1,200 pounds of salt - in a specially designed pod with minimal light and sound.

Benefits include pain and stress relief and a natural improvement of sleep quality. In a chronic pain study recently conducted, 70% of participants had absolutely no pain during Float sessions and all participants had some relief. The pain decrease lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days and in rare cases even longer. Relief like this can enable pain sufferers to rebuild muscle, use limbs that they were unable to use and have a normal life again.

"While our customers flock to us for Flotation REST, we wanted to offer them an even greater range of services," said owner Nick Janicki. "Reflexology and Hot Stone Massage perfectly complement the relatively modern concept of Flotation REST, which was developed in the '70s."

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that reflexes in the feet, hands and ears correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflex zones, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

A one-hour float costs $79. Massage services are $110 for a 60-minute session or $60 for a 30-minute session. True REST is offering $20 off for first-time Flotation REST clients. Individuals can receive a coupon by signing up for the company's newsletter or joining its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/truerest. Packages are also available, including use of the oxygen bar and more.

The facility is located at 15033 N Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite D101. For more information, visit http://www.truerest.com.

The True REST Float Spa was started by Nick Janicki and his wife, Holly, in 2009. Alex Janicki, Nick's brother, also works at the center and customers are likely to be greeted by one of their smiling faces upon each visit. "Everyone at the Spa is passionate about Flotation REST and we hope the American public can see the exceptional value of such a service," said Nick Janicki.

According to the American Medical Association, stress is a factor in more than 75 percent of illness today. The World Health Organization cites stress as America's No. 1 Health Problem. And the American Psychological Association calls stress a "major health problem." An Arizona entrepreneur, however, is launching a business that he hopes will send stress levels tumbling.

This summer, Nick Janicki will open a True REST Float Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. - the first of its kind in the U.S. In the United Kingdom, more than 300 of these types of centers are in operation, with hundreds more throughout Europe. REST stands for Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy, a name developed in the late 1970s by Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie for a technique that had previously been called Sensory Deprivation (SD) or Sensory Isolation. The use of sensory restriction as an intervention that alters human consciousness actually began in 1951 at the McGill University Perceptual Isolation Laboratory.

Flotation REST involves floating on top of a pool of saltwater - 10 inches of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt - in a specially designed tank with minimal light and sound. Because of the high salt content of the water, which is heated to skin surface temperature, a person is able to float effortlessly. The tanks are completely safe and clients of True REST can customize their experience with music and a multitude of light colors for ambiance.

"True REST is a state of complete relaxation," said Janicki. "It's a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life."

Flotation REST has been associated with the following benefits:

    -- Eliminates jet lag
    -- Improves sleep
    -- Quickens rehabilitation and recovery
    -- Relieves pain
    -- Boosts immunity
    -- Improves circulation
    -- Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
    -- Sharpens mental clarity and alertness

"The float tank is not a hypothetical laboratory phenomenon, but a viable, proven technology," according to Dr. Henry Adams of the National Institute of Mental Health.

Studies have shown REST to be effective in treating various eating disorders, in decreasing heavy drinking, and in treating a variety of other behavioral and mental health disorders. A University of Arizona study examined chamber REST as a relapse prevention technique for substance abusers enrolled in traditional outpatient treatment programs. At the end of four years of follow-up, 43 percent remained continuously sober and drug-free. None of the control group did so for eight months of follow-up.

Treatment in the form of floating in huge tanks of saltwater, so-called "floating," is effective for chronic stress-related pain, according to a study at Karlstad University, Sweden. Patients treated with floating suffered from long-term health problems. Several had been diagnosed with "burnout." After a seven-week treatment period, 22 percent of the participants in the floating group were entirely pain-free, and 56 percent experienced a clear improvement, reported the International Journal of Stress Management.

True REST sessions are priced on either a single session, monthly, twice a month or weekly rates. Group rates are available upon request. Reservations are being accepted now, with pre-opening discounts. For more information, visit http://www.true-rest.com.

SOURCE True REST, LLC

Innovative Custom Products, Inc. (ICP) announced today that ICP has acquired Scent To Sleep - a California company. Scent To Sleep manufactures and distributes a revolutionary All Natural Non-Drowsy Sleep Mist (www.ScentToSleep.com).

According to Sherry Williams, Senior VP, "We love Scent To Sleep products so much, we bought the company. Scent To Sleep is so easy to use and really gets the job done. By simply applying 3 to 5 sprays on your pillow, bed, pajamas, or in the bedroom five minutes before bedtime, you will feel relaxed, and go right to sleep...and the best part is you wake up feeling refreshed and energized."

Scent To Sleep is all natural, safe, environmentally friendly, and one of the most innovative non-prescription sleep aids to hit the market. Its proprietary formulation contains no chemicals or harmful ingredients, has no horrible prescription side effects, and you never have to take a pill.

According to Sherry, consumers love this product too! "With one exposure in Woman's World Magazine, sales increased ten-fold." Scent To Sleep is expected in some retail chains later this year. In the meantime, consumers can purchase Scent To Sleep at www.drmistICP.com, the corporation's ecommerce website. Scent To Sleep is available in Luscious Lavender Scent and Decadent Green Apple with Vanilla, backed by the company's 100% Money-Back Guarantee, and retails for $11.99.

The company is currently offering a 2-for-1 National TV Promotional Special as a way to introduce Scent To Sleep to the public. Simply visit www.drmistICP.com and order Scent To Sleep and a second bottle will be shipped FREE with your order.

SOURCE Innovative Custom Products, Inc.

Founder and CEO of Christine Fee Wellness, LLC, Christine has announced her latest crusade -- educating people about the benefits of a restful night's sleep and teaching individuals how to achieve high-quality sleep through her revolutionary wellness line Good Night, Sleep Right(TM).

At least 70 million Americans have a constant problem with sleep. Millions more feel chronically anxious and zapped, wired and tired at the same time, or just flat-out fatigued and fat -- suffering from their own personal energy crisis that challenges their overall health. Relying on caffeine, quick sugar fixes and sleep aids can only go so far.

For this reason, Christine is excited to debut her Good Night, Sleep Right(TM) wellness line in April of 2009, which features a DVD program with coordinating products, including aromatherapy oil. These items are designed to work together to help anyone get a good night's sleep quickly, easily, and without chemical sleep aids.

What distinguishes her from countless other fitness gurus and lifestyle experts? She's famous for helping people transform themselves from the inside out through better sleep habits.

"All the Pilates, dance, aerobics, weight training or whatever in the world won't make a huge impact without quality sleep. It's not just a lack of exercise and attention to diet that catches up to people. Sleep deprivation is what I find as the most common denominator in those who struggle with looking and feeling their best. You can't get much of anything done without a good night's rest."

"The ultimate consequences of poor sleep habits go largely underestimated and far beyond just a ragged appearance -- they trigger higher anxiety, moodiness, a dampened sex life, and an overall lower quality of life," Christine says. "In fact, people report being happier with more sleep than with more income. That says a lot about how much sleep can boost our wellbeing, even in a down economy."

SOURCE Christine Fee Wellness, LLC

According to new research from Duke University Medical Center, tossing and turning could have big health implications--especially for women. "Women who reported taking a half an hour or more to fall asleep showed a worse risk profile for heart disease than men who had sleep problems," says Edward C. Suarez, MD, lead author of the study. Suarez says gender differences in the function of serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan--brain chemicals involved in both mood and cardiovascular health--could explain the findings.

Already tried getting into bed earlier and turning off the tube and computer well before bedtime? Try one of these sleep tips from acupuncturist Ania Grimone, LAc:

Jujube, also known as red date or Chinese date, is a common ingredient in natural sleep aids. Check your local Asian grocer to find the fruit or a tea made with it.

The Heart-7 acupressure point can help you relax deeply. To find it, hold your hand up, palm facing you. Press just on the crease of your wrist, about a half-inch from where the palm begins on the pinkie-finger side. Pressure should be strong enough to elicit a dull ache. Hold for two or three minutes.

Breathe deeply, making your inhale and exhale even. If it helps, put your hand on your belly to feel it rise and fall as you breathe; count to three as you breathe in and count to three as you breathe out.

By Nora Simmons Courtesy of Natural Solutions

Hypnosis is a willing state of mind and body, a person cannot be hypnotized unless he willingly wishes to be hypnotized. This is a guided form of meditation where the sub conscious mind is open to all the positive suggestion being fed in the mind, and accordingly directing the body and mind.

During this process the mind overcomes all the inhibitions and fears that block it and falls into a state of deep sleep. Since many people find the medication for sleeplessness to be ineffective and having some side effects, hypnosis is an incredible and fast way of treating insomnia as it directly goes to the root cause of the sleep problem.

If you have trouble sleeping and are suffering from sleep problem, hypnosis is of  great help. Imagine gently lying on your bed and drifting quickly to sleep each night, that's what you always wanted.

Pic courtesy Porcelaingirl on www.flickr.com 

 

All of us experience insomnia or lack of sleep in our life at some point of time. It might not be a killer disease, but it does lead to depression, fatigue, frustration, and deaccelerated functioning of mind and body. People spend hours and nights trying to get a good night sleep, but this inturn leaves them stressed out and worried. Those suffering from insomnia are unable to sleep for more than 3-4 hours every night.
There are various reasons for such sleeplessness, as there are causes, there are remedies also such as, Homeopathy, Ayurved, Naturopathy and ofcourse Allopathy. However one remedy for such ailment which is highly effective without any side effects is Yoga and Meditation which gives us not just physical but also mental and internal peace. click here for more information

On the Shut Eye site, I found some helpful relaxation techniques that can be used for winding down before bedtime.

The instructions are accompanied by audio presentations that include a soothing musical selection.

I did find these helped me to relax, and plan to use them again, specially when you are home after a late night,  getting straight into bed does not help sleep. It's better to spend about half an hour unwinding and then attempting to sleep.

Another good muscle and mind relaxation technique is the Yoga posture 'Shavasana' - the Corpse Pose.

Yaron Dagan, M.D., Ph.D., is the director of the Institute for Fatigue and Sleep Medicine at Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel, and has worked with over 600 patients who have sleep/ wake schedule disorders.

Dr Dagan reports that most of these patients have been treated successfully with melatonin.

"We found melatonin to be a very good treatment for these patients. In Israel, [melatonin] is a pharmaceutical substance that needs a physician's prescription and is prepared in pharmacies. The usual dosage...is 5 mg taken daily at a fixed time [usually 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.]. Melatonin treatment is well established in our treatment protocol," he said. "It has to be emphasized, however, that this treatment is only effective for biological rhythm disorders [sleep/wake schedule disturbances and jet lag], but it is not a miracle sleeping pill for psychophysiological insomnia."

Dagan added that he has not confronted any major side effect.

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From Holistic Living Online site.

Relaxation achieved through Yoga, using breathing and visualization techniques, can help to overcome insomnia and improve the quality of sleep.

Yoga exercises for insomnia are organized into a three-part sequence. They are designed to help you unwind mentally and physically and prepare you to sleep.

1. Use breathing techniques to relax for five minutes to unwind from daily activities.
2. Do gentle stretches for ten minutes. When doing the exercises listen to your body and be guided by it. Stretch only as far and as often as is comfortable. Do only those asanas or postures you can achieve comfortably.
3. Use breathing relaxation or yoga nidra for ten minutes.

Yoga Nidra Relaxation

In Sanskrit, nidra means sleep.

1. Breathe deeply and evenly through both nostrils for several seconds. Feel the breath flow right down into your abdomen. As you exhale, let any remaining tension in your body flow out with it.
2. Visualize a relaxing scene. Focus on your feet. Tense and release your toes, then flex your feet hard. As you relax them, feel all the tension drain from your feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen and breathe it out.
3. Focus on your hands. Tense the muscles in your arms and hands by clenching your hands into a tight fist, release and let the tension flow from your fingertips up your arms to your shoulders. Breathe it out.
4. Focus on your shoulders. Tense your shoulder blades and relax them three times.
5. Turn your head to right and left to free any tension in the neck muscles and let your neck relax. Finally tense your facial muscles and as you release them be aware of all the tension draining out of the areas of tension, around your jaw and mouth, the eyes, and away from the forehead.

Standing stretches

Stand with your legs hip width apart, feet parallel, and spine Lifted up with head and neck in a straight Line. Push your heels and toes into the floor. Inhale and exhale deeply a few times.

Whole body stretch

Inhaling deeply, raise your arms above your head with hands clasped, and come up on to your toes. Stretch the whole body upward. Exhale and bring your arms to your side, and lower your heels to the floor. Repeat once more.

Gentle swings

Stand with feet slightly apart and knees slightly bent. Gently swing both arms first to the right, turning your head to the right. Then swing to the Left, turning your head to the Left. Repeat several times in a continuous movement. Relax with your Legs together and arms by your sides.

Norwegian study has found cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) better at treating long-term insomnia than the sleep medication zopiclone, which is very similar to the widely advertised drug Lunesta.

The findings showed that CBT was superior to sleep medications for older individuals suffering from chronic insomnia. In fact, zopiclone did not perform better than placebo pills," said the study's lead author, Dr. Borge Sivertsen, an associate researcher at the Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders.

Additionally, "CBT increased the patients' slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) compared to a significant decrease caused by zopiclone. This finding is especially important, as a lack of slow wave sleep may be responsible for impaired daytime functioning and next-day sleepiness," he said.

Results of the study appear in the June 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), almost six of 10 Americans report having insomnia at least a few nights weekly. As many as 25 percent of people in the United States use medications to help them sleep at least once every year, according to the NSF. The use of prescription sleep medications, such as Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata, has been increasing, and while these drugs are effective for short-term sleeping problems, users can build up a tolerance to them and they lose their effectiveness, according to Susan Zafarlotfi, clinical director for the Institute for Sleep-Wake Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

In the study, eighteen participants received cognitive behavioral therapy, which included six weekly individual treatment sessions in which they were given information on relaxation techniques, how to control their sleeping environment to reduce stimuli, and how to restrict sleeping hours so it's easier to fall asleep at bedtime. Sixteen people were given 7.5 milligrams of zopiclone nightly for six weeks. The remaining 12 volunteers received a placebo.
Study results were measured at six weeks and then again at six months for the medication and cognitive behavioral therapy group.

Those receiving CBT improved their "sleep efficiency" from 81.4 percent to 90.1 percent by the end of the 6-month study, while the zopiclone group decreased from 82.3 percent to 81.9 percent. While total sleep time was similar for all three groups at six months, people who received CBT spent more time in slow-wave sleep and woke up less during the night than people in the other two groups, according to the study.

Sivertsen said if you're having trouble sleeping, don't stay in bed. He said this can inhibit your body's sleep drive. Get up and do something non-stimulating until you feel as if you can sleep. He said it's very important to get up at the same time everyday, including on the weekends and to avoid taking daytime naps.

Other things that can help you sleep are avoiding alcohol, caffeine and nicotine in the hours before bedtime.

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Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland of the brain. It is believed that melatonin helps our brains to know when it is time to sleep. Melatonin supplements in pill form can also be taken and may be made from natural or synthetic melatonin. As natural melatonin is made from animals, it may be contaminated with a virus and should be avoided.

Melatonin can be used to treat insomnia and to prevent jet lag. There is still little scientific evidence to prove its role in preventing disease or promoting health.

Melatonin is sold without a prescription in the United States. However, melatonin products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

It may be better not to take melatonin until we know more about it. If you decide to try it, talk to your doctor first.

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From www.holisticonline.com, here is some excellent material that shows how aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils, can help to alleviate insomnia.

All stress-related conditions, including insomnia, respond well to aromatherapy.

How to use essential oils
For skin application the essential oil must be diluted in a vegetable carrier oil such as cold-pressed sunflower oil or sweet almond oil. Use 7 -10 drops of essential oil to 25 ml (five teaspoons) of carrier oil for adults, 3-5 drops for children under seven and 1-3 drops for children under the age of three. Do not use essential oils on newborn babies.
Any oil can be used in the bath. Add 5-10 drops for adults, 3-5 drops for children over two, and only one drop of a very gentle oil such as chamomile or lavender for younger children.
Inhalation is also effective. Put one or two drops of a relaxing oil onto a handkerchief and tuck it inside your pillow to help you sleep.
A combination of essential oils may be used.

Essential Oils for Sleep:
A relaxing bath with essential oils of Roman camomile and geranium will help a person to unwind before sleep. A glass of camomile tea will complete the process.

A relaxant effect may be provided by oils of camomile, lavender, neroli, rose, and marjoram. Add a few drops to your bathwater or sprinkle a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale.

The following essential oils may be useful for management of sleep.
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin): Benzoin is sedative, warming, and relaxing.
Useful for: Sleeplessness caused by worry, emotional exhaustion, tension, bronchitis, and coughs.
Caution: Some people may be sensitive to this oil.

German and Roman chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemele nobile): Chamomile calms nerves and stomach, induces sleep, and is especially good for children.
Useful for: Insomnia, anxiety.
Caution: Can cause dermatitis in some people.

Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis): Jasmine is relaxing and soothing, antidepressant, sedative, aphrodisiac, and expectorant. It is non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia, depression, apathy, nervous exhaustion, stress, catarrh, breathing difficulties.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis): Lavender is calming, soothing to nerves and digestion, anti-depressant, pain-relieving, and lowers blood pressure. It is non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia, tension, depression, headache, catarrh, stomach cramps, shock, earache.

Melissa (Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis): Melissa is relaxing and uplifting, lowers blood pressure, and helps digestion, menstruation, and nervous system.
Melissa is useful for: Insomnia, nervous tension, depression, high blood pressure, indigestion, coughs, colds, shock, anxiety.
Caution: Use small amounts only as skin irritation is possible.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara): Neroli is very relaxing, non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia caused by anxiety, depression, irritability, panic, shock.

Rose (Rosa damascena): Rose is relaxing and soothing. It is an aphrodisiac, nervous and digestive tonic, and helps menstruation. Rose is non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia, nervous tension, depression, headaches, painful periods, nausea, asthma, Loss of sex drive.

Sandalwood (santalum album): Sandalwood is relaxing, aphrodisiac and antidepressant, expectorant, calms digestion. It is non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia, depression, nervous tension, catarrh, colic.

Sweet marjoram (Origanum marjarana): Sweet marjoram is warming and comforting. It is sedative, aids digestion and nervous functions and is non-toxic and non-irritant.
Useful for: Insomnia, anxiety, colds, catarrh, intestinal spasms, muscular and joint pain, headaches.

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata genuine): Ylang ylang is relaxing, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, tones the nervous system, and lowers blood pressure. It is non-toxic, and non-irritant.
Useful for:  Insomnia, depression, stress, nervous tension, excitability.

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Feng Shui is ancient Chinese design philosophy. Feng Shui principles for the bedroom aim to create harmony in relationships, as well as better sleep.

Some Feng Shui design directives for improving sleep are:

• No mirrors facing the bed.
• If you have a metal bed, place cork mats under the metal that touches the floor.
• If your bed is under an exposed beam, you need to cover the beam.
• Never sleep with your head or feet facing a door.

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Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and symptoms such as fatigue, joint stiffness and sleep disturbance. No cure is known and until now, available treatments were only partially effective.

A recent study conducted by Mayo Clinic has found that acupuncture reduces the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal side effects.

"The results of the study convince me there is something more than the placebo effect to acupuncture," says David Martin, M.D., Ph.D.  "It affirms a lot of clinical impressions that this complementary medical technique is helpful for patients."

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Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America. It has a distinctive odor that many find unpleasant. Other names include setwall (English), Valerianae radix (Latin), Baldrianwurzel (German), and phu (Greek).

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its therapeutic uses and in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed it  for insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. In the mid-19th century, Valerian was considered a stimulant and not regarded highly as a medicinal herb. During World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids.

In addition to sleep disorders, Valerian has been used for gastrointestinal spasms and distress, epileptic seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, scientific evidence is not sufficient to support the use of Valerian for these conditions.
Here are the key points that emerge from the “Office of Dietary Supplements” information website on Valerian.

• Valerian is an herb sold as a dietary supplement in the United States.
• Valerian is a common ingredient in products promoted as mild sedatives and sleep aids for nervous tension and insomnia.
• Evidence from clinical studies of the efficacy of Valerian in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia is inconclusive.
• Constituents of Valerian have been shown to have sedative effects in animals, but there is no scientific agreement on Valerian's mechanisms of action.
• Although few adverse events have been reported, long-term safety data are not available.

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Rejuvenighted is your right to a restful night.