Insomnia is perhaps the most frustrating condition you would like to find yourself into. To keep awake while the world around falls asleep is rather a painful truth of life, for all victims of insomnia. Though there are several reasons for being an insomniac, the common causes are psychiatric and mental conditions. Researchers generally say that insomnia is a neurological condition where the subject cannot help being awake. There is actually a problem with the sleeping cycle of the brain.

Medical Causes of Insomnia
There are many medical conditions that can cause insomnia. In some cases, a direct medical condition itself causes insomnia, while in other cases, additional symptoms of the condition cause discomfort for a person to sleep.

Examples of medical conditions that can directly lead to insomnia are:

• Nasal or sinus allergies
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hormonal problems like hyperthyroidism
• Arthritis
• Asthma problems
• Neurological conditions

  Some medications that are taken for the nasal allergies and the common cold, heart disease, high blood pressure, birth control, thyroid, depression, and asthma can also have side effects, thus resulting in insomnia.

Natural Sleep Aids
People suffering from insomnia often consult sleep experts to get cured of their sleeplessness. Natural Sleep aids are one of the best sleep aids, and they contain dietary supplements like:

• Valerian- This is a dietary supplement that has been used since ancient times to cure insomnia and nervous problems. Many people thus use Valerian as a sleeping aid, but it is strictly suggested not to combine Valerian with any other supplements or medicines recommended for insomnia.
• Chamomile- Chamomile is an herbal supplement consumed to reduce insomnia. Chamomile is available in the market in various forms like tea, ointment, and an extracted form.
• Melatonin- this is a hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It plays a vital role in regulating the sleep in humans. A dietary supplement known as synthetic melatonin is available as an antioxidant as well, regarded as one of the best sleep aids. It is believed to cure sleeping disorders and enable an individual to sleep for long hours.

Though scientific research work shows cynicism on the effectiveness of these natural sleeping aids, yet many successful instances have also been evidenced to hold on to the positive results of these supplements.
However, despite the fact that FDA regulates the dietary supplements, these natural supplements are often sold without authorization from the FDA. Well, this is not the right way to deal with these supplements. Melatonin should not be consumed by children as they can cause a hormonal imbalance within the body.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- This is yet another natural best sleep aids program that has the following techniques:

• Sleep hygiene – It helps the patients improve their daily sleep habits by suggesting them to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. The councilors also suggest the victims avoid caffeine before sleep time, to monitor and control their food intake during the nights, to relax mentally before going to bed. Following these simple rules can definitely prove to be one of the best sleep aids, without any medicine intake.
• Stimulus control – It is a technique that calms down the patient and helps him maintain that calmness. Victims are counseled to remove TV sets and computers from the bedroom to a different place. The bedroom is suggested to be a place of relaxation and sleep.
• Sleep restriction – This technique is one that limits the number of hours spent in bed. Thus, it helps in improving the sleep efficiency.
• Cognitive therapy – This helps the patients counter any sort of negative thoughts that might keep them awake for more than the usual hours.
• Relaxation technique – This technique helps people relax with meditation, breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation.Sleep aids: over the counter medicines

Over-the-counter medication
Over-the-counter sleep aids are also considered to be easy and best sleep aids but are effective over a temporary period. Most over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamines. These are prone to saturation with prolonged usage thus, the longer you take them, the less likely they will maintain their effectiveness to induce sleep.
Side effects of these medicines are highly possible as much remains unknown about the safety and effectiveness of these over-the-counter sleeping aids.
Some of the best sleep aids are available in the list of over-the-counter medications. But before buying one, you must decide which category are you comfortable with, among melatonin, anti-histamines and herbal remedies.

The basic thumb rule to understand the difference is as below:

Anti-histamines – They have the strongest sedative effect.
Melatonin – They help in regulating disrupted sleep
Herbal pills – They are usually less powerful and less effective but natural.
So make a wise choice among the best sleep aids discussed above to have a sound sleep without trouble.