There are several vitamins, minerals and amino acids that have been found to be helpful in improving sleep.  Minerals include calcium, magnesium & chromium.  Vitamins B6, B12, and E have also been shown to help restore sleep.  Amino acids such as tryptophan, 5-HTP, and phosphatidly-serine have proven useful to improve sleep.  Another helpful item is melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, that can be taken orally.  It has been called “Nature’s Sleeping Pill.”

Botanical /herbal remedies that have sedative properties include passion flower, valerian, chamomile, brahmi, hops, and kava-kava.  Homeopathic remedies include Aconite, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Camomilla, Coffea, Ignatia, Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica and Pulsatilla.     

It is important to note that these vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies are best taken with professional guidance.  For example, herbs, when taken together, can have synergistic effects and interactions that can be undesirable.  Also, there may be contraindications with certain medicines.  Another factor is that there is no single, all-inclusive treatment protocol for everyone.  Treatments are individual.  Therefore it is best to consult with a competent practitioner (e.g., Naturopathic physician; Doctor of Integrative Medicine; Certified Nutritional Consultant; Homeopath; Nutritionist; Clinical Psychologist)