Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Herbal Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment

The natural approach for sleep apnea is likely to work in mild cases, relieving or at least improving the sleep disorder with additional helping techniques and lifestyle changes.

Most herbal, ayurvedic and other natural remedies described in this page can be safely used at home. However, if self-medication proves ineffective, seek professional advice.

List of Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea:

Valerian is an herb that is used for its calming and sedating properties. Studies show that it is useful for insomnia and chronic sleep disorders. It may take a few weeks to get the optimal effect.

In one clinical trial, 44% of those taking valerian reported having perfect sleep, while the rest reported improved sleep.

For patients with sleep problems linked with depression (often common in sleep apnea), valerian has good results in combination with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Some studies have found benefits with valerian when it is combined with hops and/or lemon balm. It is generally well tolerated, and does not cause next-day drowsiness when taken at bedtime. It is not recommended for use in conjunction with prescription sleep aids.

Resource: Encyclopedia of Natural Cures, by Sherry Torkos

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is secreted from the brain?s pineal gland. The gland regulates a person?s biological clock, particularly day and night cycles.

Although melatonin is not yet licensed in some countries (ex: UK), it is generally used as a jet lag remedy. Research suggests that it may be helpful for people flying across five or more time zones, especially if they are flying east.

Melatonin may also help establish sleep patterns for shift workers.

In Japan, Kampo is also named Hange-koboku-to extract (Ban Xia Hou Po Tang in Chinese), and consists of 5 medicinal herbs: Pinellia, Hoelen, Magnolia bark, Perilla and ginger.

This extract was administered 5.0 g/day, at bedtime. Sleep apnea started to improve after 10 days, and after 7 months there were no adverse effects.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, by Laurie Fundukian

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Combined with Valerian, St John's Wort can promote sleep and relaxation in people with depression or nervous exhaustion, which is common in patients with sleep disorders.

St John’s wort has about 30 clinical trials showing positive results in lifting depression, and a remarkably low incidence of side-effects.

It can be taken as an infusion or extract and generally needs to be taken for at least 10 days before its antidepressant activity takes effect.

Vervain is used to relieve anxiety and depression, a remedy for people who are overbearing or overactive mind, and can improve mild sleep apnea symptoms.

Although vervain is used in homeopathy to treat sleep apnea, there is no clinical evidence to support the efficacy of this medicinal plant.


Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflower is another plant commonly used to improve sleep disorders. In Europe it often used as a mild hypnotic and sedative to calm the nervous system and promote sleep.

This herb is often combined with other medicinal plants (scullap, peach leaves, californian poppy and hops) to increase effectiveness. It is also combined with Valerian tea or pills.

Passionflower is not recommended for patients with depression, as it will intensify this symptom. People with severe sleep apnea may also have signs of depression, so they should avoid taking this herb.

Reference: The Complete Guide to Natural Sleep - Buchman, Dian

Chamomile flower is a gentle, relaxing and antispasmodic herb and, along with peppermint tea and lemon balm (melissa), is a frequent table tea especially in France and Spain. It has an apple-smelling aroma, and is also called manzanilla in Spain, or "small apple".

The chamomile tea was used for hundreds of years as aid for children with sleep problems. This herb also calms your body and helps to relieve pain, including those caused by digestive problems.

Reference: The Complete Guide to Natural Sleep - Buchman, Dian

Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia include scalp and soles massage with sesame, brahmi, or jatamamsi oils, a warm bath, or a nutmeg ghee paste applied to the forehead and around the eyes.

Sleep apnea is treated by changing sleep positions, humidifying the air, and nasya (nose drops) with warm brahmi ghee.

The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, by Laurie Fundukian

If you are using natural remedies for sleep apnea or for other conditions, you should always tell your doctor what you're taking, how much, and how often.

This warning is important because some herbal preparations, or other natural remedies for sleep apnea that are safe for yourself, can interact with prescription medications.

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