Natural Good Sleep: Tips on Melatonin, Valerian, and More

A few natural remedies may help when you can't sleep.
By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by David Kiefer, MD

We've all been there -- you're too wired to drift to sleep. Or you wake up in the middle of the night. Insomnia can be debilitating.

What's your ploy for getting a decent night's sleep? Doctors say it's important to look at your lifestyle -- whether too much caffeine, too little exercise, or too much late-night work or TV is the problem. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications can help. Supplements may also have a place in providing a peaceful night's sleep.

For advice on sleep supplements, WebMD turned to Sharon Plank, MD, an integrative medicine physician with the University of Pittsburgh Medical School Center for Integrative Medicine. We also spoke with Alon Avidan, MD, a sleep researcher and professor of neurology at UCLA School of Medicine.
Supplements for Natural Good Sleep

First, they note that most over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamine -- and should only be taken short-term because they are not helpful for long-term sleep problems.

(More here.)