Tags » ‘aids’
November 15th, 2010 by
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) June 9, 2008
Marketdata Enterprises, Inc. (www.marketdataenterprises.com), a leading independent market research publisher, has released a groundbreaking new 145-page market study entitled: ”The U.S. Sleep Market.” This is a complete analysis of all segments of the United States sleep aids business.
“Of a total population of 305 million Americans, 58% are estimated to experience insomnia symptoms or sleep disorders. Companies across America are trying to sell us a perfect night’s sleep with sleeping pills, premium mattresses, high tech pillows, white noise machines, sleep masks, aromatherapy, and more. Sleep disorder diagnosis and sleep hygiene has fast become a $ 23.7 billion a year industry,” according to Research Director, John LaRosa.
Major Findings:
Marketdata estimates that the U.S. sleep market was worth $ 23.7 billion in 2007. However, growth this year will be less than 1%, due to the recession, more home testing, and more generic sales of sleeping pills. To 2012, we forecast 8.8% annual growth.
The major anti-insomnia drug producers spent $ 619 million last year advertising Ambien CR, Lunesta and Rozerem, producing $ 2.7 billion in sales. However, this was down 18% as Ambien came off patent and sales of generics rose. New drugs are in the pipeline.
Sleep Labs, which perform studies to diagnose sleep disorders, are estimated to number 3,300+. The typical lab has revenues of $ 1.33 million and conducts 1,250 studies per year. Labs are located in hospitals, MD practices, universities, or are independent. This segment will be worth $ 4.47 billion in 2008.
A March 2008 ruling by the Center for Medicare Services will have a major impact on the field of sleep medicine. Portable devices may now be used for home testing, resulting in short-term uncertainties for sleep labs but boosting the market for CPAP devices – a $ 2.4 billion market that’s growing 18% a year to 2012 and that’s dominated by ResMed and Respironics.
The huge $ 13.7 billion retail mattress market and $ 900 million pillows market are being hurt by the recession. Retail sales are forecast to grow just 1% this year, but to rebound in 2009. Premium non-innerspring (air, memory foam) models are selling well.
According to Research Director, John LaRosa: “As obesity rates climb and Americans age, more people are developing sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and other sleep disorders. Plus, stressors from the economy, terrorism, longer workdays, and women entering menopause are resulting in more sleepless nights. Some claim that ‘sleep is the new sex — we need more of it and can’t get enough of it.’ First launched in 1977, there are now about 3,300 ‘sleep labs’ in the United States.”
Competitor Profiles provided for: ResMed, Respironics, SleepMed, Sleep Solutions, Sleep Holdings, Avastra Sleep Centres, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Serta, Select Comfort, Simmons, Apollo Health, and Marpac.
Note: Marketdata also operates a leading consumer healthcare website covering a wide variety of sleep disorder topics, named: www.sleepweb.com .
About the Report & Marketdata
Marketdata Enterprises is a leading independent market research publisher and consulting firm with a specialty tracking service sectors since 1979.
The ”U.S. Sleep Market,” published in June 2008, is a complete analysis of the sleep aids market. It contains 25 tables and is 145 pages long. The study costs $ 1,895, but is sold by individual chapters at lower cost. It is available in digital or print format. This new Marketdata study examines all major market segments: anti-insomnia drugs (OTC & prescription), sleep labs, mattresses and pillows, CPAPs (continuous positive airway pressure devices) for sleep apnea, and retail sleep aids (earplugs, sleep lamps, sound machines, eye masks, books on sleep).
Marketdata performed a custom mail survey of 900+ sleep labs in March-May, deriving key operating ratios, average revenues, patient demographics, and more.
The study includes market size estimates for 1987-2007, with 2008 and 2012 forecasts, client demographics, in-depth competitor profiles and rankings in each market segment, discussions of market nature & structure, history and evolution, in view of recent Medicare rulings regarding home testing. Advertising strategies, R&D, sleep disorder publicity and other demand factors analyzed.
Contact Information:
John LaRosa, Research Director
Marketdata Enterprises, Inc.,
Phone: 813-931-3900. Fax: 813-931-3802
www.marketdataenterprises.com
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More Sleep Aids Press Releases
November 12th, 2010 by
Donate a Herbal Natural Sleep Aid to the Internet’s First “Natural Sleep Aids E-book” Written by People Just Like You
Best Naturaland Herbal Sleep Aids
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) December 6, 2009
Internet Sleep Disorders information and Treatment site http://www.sleeping-with-a-sleeping-disorder.com is asking people who have overcome sleep problems with herbal or natural sleep aids from around the world to donate their best insomnia remedies for a good cause. The submissions will be compiled into an E-book titled The Natural Sleep Aids Ebook, by YOU, to be sold from the website in early January 2010. The site will donate 80% of the proceeds from sales of the E-book to three major charitable organizations: Save the Children, The American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army.
According to website founder Madusha Emeka, “This is a great opportunity for people to help others in need of a natural working remedy to insomnia and other sleep problems. Save the Children, The American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army have been of great help to people all over the world in times of need, this venture is one way to support them”
Anyone with a viable herbal or natural sleep aid is invited to participate, from Moms to MD’s to Teachers to Nurses and even kids. Donated remedies Will be screened and tested before they are accepted, and must be available for publication with the permission of the copyright holder (if any).
“Natural or Herbal Sleep Aids is the best way to treat insomnia. If you have a remedy that helps you or a loved sleep better? Share it today!. I’m hoping people from around the globe will contribute a little bit of themselves to this unique sleep book, and help three great causes at the same time.”
Anyone who submits one or more remedies will receive ongoing updates on the project’s status, will be featured in the E-book, and will receive a complimentary copy once it’s published.
To submit a herbal or natural sleep aid, visit:
http://www.sleeping-with-a-sleeping-disorder.com/herbal-sleep-aids-ebook.html
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Related Sleep Aids Press Releases
November 2nd, 2010 by
Whether you’re the occasional victim of insomnia or a chronic insomniac, the effects of this annoying condition can affect your health and happiness. Insomnia involves much more than just not being able to sleep properly.
If left unchecked, insomnia can wreak havoc in many areas of your life such as job productivity, academic performance, driving, and both personal and business relationships. People who frequently suffer from sleep deprivation due to insomnia have a difficult time dealing with and adjusting to the challenges of everyday life.
Definition of Insomnia
Doctors often separate insomnia patients into two different categories, temporary and chronic insomnia.
Temporary insomnia is short-term and can sometimes flare up or recur when stressful events happen. Patients with temporary insomnia may be able to remedy the problem without the use of sleep aids or a great deal of physician intervention.
Chronic insomnia is a more serious and debilitating problem. Patients with chronic insomnia are those who have had the condition on an ongoing basis for six months or longer.
Treating and Diagnosing Insomnia
Although insomnia is often a normal, natural response to a stressful event or a short-term reaction to illness or pain, patients who have ongoing difficulty obtaining a restful nights sleep should seek a physician’s assistance. Ignoring the problem or trying to treat insomnia on your own can often aggravate or prolong it.
Self-prescribed over the counter sleep aids are a popular method for treating insomnia. Many adults rely on caffeine or other stimulants to keep them awake and alert after an all night bout with insomnia. Instead of dealing with the actual problem and trying to determine the cause, they become victim to a vicious cycle of stimulants and sleep aids.
The First Step Towards Better Sleep
While sleep aids can be beneficial when properly prescribed, the first step in treating insomnia is to determine a cause for the condition. Today’s insomnia sufferers are frequently referred to a sleep clinic where the degree and nature of the sleep condition can be determined.
Patients’ sleep patterns are carefully monitored and doctors can often pinpoint whether the condition is due to stress or a breathing disorder, which is common in both sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Tips for Insomnia Sufferers
After assessing a patient’s individual sleep pattern, a doctor may recommend a number of self-help suggestions and/or the use of sleep aids. The following tips can be beneficial to patients experiencing temporary or long-term insomnia.
1. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants for at least three hours before bedtime.
2. Try to set a regular sleep schedule. Altering your sleep pattern by just an hour or two a night is enough to throw some people’s sleep cycle off balance.
3. Exercise on a regular basis to alleviate stress and tire your body.
4. Keep an ongoing journal of your sleep schedule. If you have more difficulty sleeping on some days than others, make a note of the foods you consumed and any stressful events that may have contributed to the insomnia.
5. If you’re a light sleeper, purchase a “white noise machine” to drown out annoying background noise and disruption. Simple ear plugs can also work wonders, once you get used to wearing them.
6. Keep bedroom lighting to a minimum and don’t leave the television on while trying to fall asleep. Better yet, remove the TV set from your bedroom and listen to music or read for relaxation instead.
Traditional Sleep Aids
For decades, doctors have been prescribing sleep aids to treat insomnia. Although sleep aids are beneficial in some instances, it is important not to overlook the harmful side effects that can sometimes occur.
One of the most common disadvantages of traditional sleep aids is they can become habit forming and addictive. Once a patient becomes reliant on the drug, his body actually becomes dependent upon it to sleep.
Other common annoying side effects are daytime drowsiness, memory problems, and a general state of confusion. While the patient may be sleeping well at night, his or her body may experience trouble adjusting to the effects of the medication during the day.
Headaches, irregular or loss of menstrual periods and lack of sex drive can also occur. Some patients may find the side effects of sleep aids to be nearly as troubling as the insomnia itself.
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October 30th, 2010 by
To treat insomnia there are high potency natural and synthetic remedies. Prescription medications like Ambien are an example of a non-natural remedy for insomnia. However, prescriptions can be a risky choice as they sometimes cause side effects such as irritability, sleepwalking and dizziness. Before trying pharmaceuticals you should know there are several high potency natural sleep aids that are low on side effects and affordable.
High potency natural sleep aids include Valerian, melatonin and aromatherapy. You may have heard of the high potency sleep aid Valerian. This is an herb primarily used in Germany, Belgium and in Europe. Valerian is not well understood, but it is thought that it contributes to higher levels of GABA in our body. GABA is a neurotransmitter, which has a calming effect on our mind and body. Valerian can be taken in capsule form or in a tea or extract.
Another high potency natural sleep aid you may have come across is melatonin. Melatonin is a more popular natural sleep aid than Valerian. Melatonin is a hormone that exists naturally in our body. Serotonin, the hormone responsible for happiness is released by the brain and in turn is converted to melatonin at night, as a person sleeps. As with Valerian, melatonin should be take thirty minutes to one hour before bed for a high potency sleep aid effect.
Next on our high potency sleep aid list is the very pleasant science of aromatherapy. We’ve all experienced the powerful effects of smell if we’ve ever walked into a house where cookies are baking. Pleasant smells can lift our mood, calm us and even make us drowsy. Aromas have a direct effect on our brain, which in turn influences our moods and behaviors – such as drowsiness or wakefulness. It comes as no surprise that a high potency natural sleep aid comes in the form of essentail oils like lavender and chamomile.
Scientific research confirms the sedative effect of lavender oil. The sleep aid’s high potency is evidenced in its ability to prolong sleep time, improve depth of sleep and lead to overall daily energy.
Part of the high potency sleep aid’s success is its ability to work fast. The aromas are aborbed quickly and the effects are almost instant. The calming sedative effects begin right away. Aromatherapy is a good choice when we need fast insomnia relief before a big day.
Most health and beauty shops stock essential oils and will be able to provide basic advice about them. Ask for lavender, chamomile, rose or any other scents you find relaxing.
To increase the potency of natural sleep aids, combining them in a synergistic blend will have an enhanced effect. The correct combinations actually increase the effectiveness of these ingredients without affecting their safety. However these must be blended properly by a trained herbal health professional.
Sleep is one of our body’s natural processes. When the body feels disrupted and unable to wind down, it seems likely that a natural remedy should be the first choice. Being gentle with the body and using a high potency natural sleep aid will ensure your safety and a good night’s sleep.
Natural healthy sleep is what we’re all aiming for and how better to achive it than by using effective sleep aids straight from nature? Sleeping pills are not a cure for insomnia and may even make it worse. Reclaim your natural sleep pattern and your wellbeing at High Potency Natural Sleep Aids Wendy Owen (HH Dip) is a holistic health therapist and sleep researcher with an extensive knowledge in homeopathic and herbal remedies
October 27th, 2010 by
Have you ever wondered if what you know about natural and otc sleep aids is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on natural and otc sleep aids.
Most of this information comes straight from the natural and otc sleep aids pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know. After you read this article, you will know more about sleep aids than 99% of the world, so read on.
Over the counter sleep aids are not an uncommon thing these days. According to emedicinehealth there is an estimated 30-50% of the general population suffering from insomnia. With sleep being a crucial part of normal bodily function it’s no wonder why there are so many sleep aid pills on the market. Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. With so many over-the-counter sleep aids claiming to help you get your ZZZ’s what should you look for? Here are 5 Supplement Solutions that have been used to bring relief to sleepless nights.
You can use them in combination or alone to produce the effects that you are looking for and as always, consult a physician before adding any nutritional supplement to your dietary regime.
1) Melatonin is one of the most popular sleep aids on the market today. It is naturally produced in the body by your pineal gland, which makes serotonin that is eventually converted into Melatonin. It is usually given in dosages of 1-3mg. There have been many studies that have also linked melatonin to reduced jet lag effects as well, so this supplement may serve double purpose for you in your travels.
2) Valerian is a very popular herb in natural sleep pills. It widely accepted in some countries in Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy) as a remedy for insomnia.
3) Lavender has been used in just about every way as a sleep aid. This shrubby flowering bush has been used to help with sleep through aromatherapy, drinking tea, oils, pills, etc…
4) Chamomile has been used as a sleep aid throughout much of history. Like Lavender it has been converted to aromatherapy, tea, oils, pills, etc..
5) 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid. It’s made by tryptophan (a key ingredient in turkey, no wonder we take a nap at thanksgiving). It is one of the 20 essential amino acids made by the human body. 5-HTP and Tryptophan raise serotonin, which has been suggested to help you sleep among several other positive affects.
Hopefully these tips will lead you to a long happy night’s sleep. If you chose to use an over-the-counter sleep aid please be sure to consult your doctor for possible side effects.
It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on natural and otc sleep aids. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of natural and otc sleep aids.
October 24th, 2010 by
During the winter the days are shorter, the light is bleak, and it seems that darkness engulfs us day after day. Despite all the negatives points that come along with the winter, one of the great things its good for is catching up on sleep. Since there is no more sunlight forcing you to awaken pre maturely, you should be able to catch up on all of that sleep that you lost during the holidays.
However, what if for some reason you just can’t sleep. It would seem that all of that extra darkness would just go to waste. If you have been having trouble sleeping from stress and other factors you can take refuge in different sleep aids that will help you to remedy your restlessness. There are many different sleep aids currently on the market promising you the sleep that you need and deserve. Everyone is different, therefore everyone is going to require different sleep aids to truly allow them to get the night’s sleep that each person needs and deserves.
Different Sleep Aids for Different People
Some people sleep with their mouth open, on their side, and with one leg in and one leg out of the covers. Other people sleep on their back with their legs spread and their hands under their head. Since people sleep in very different positions the sleep aids that they want to incorporate into their nightly regime is going to vary differently and immensely.
There are obviously going to be many choices in the sleep aid market, such as deciding whether you want to use a pill or a sleep aide-breathing device. Some sleep aids may make you drowsy in the morning while others can be hard to sleep with. Such products like 7 hour slumber enhancement and Force sleep can get you a good night’s sleep no matter where you may be. Other devices promise a more long term solution as they are figuring out what causing you this regular sleeplessness and deals more with different breathing tactics.
A good night’s sleep means a better tomorrow
The fact of the matter is that no one deserves not to have good night’s sleep night after night. Sure, you might find that the night before your wedding might prove to be troublesome but besides that you should be able to get a full night’s sleep. If you aren’t getting full night’s sleep there are products and mechanisms out there that take your sleeplessness problems into their hands and figure out a way to get you back in bed and snoozing again.
There is nothing worse than tossing and turning during the night just knowing that you will be exhausted the next day. That feeling and knowing and wondering if you will be able to make it through a full day of work, kids, and activities is going around and around in your mind. Take refuge in sleep aid products that can help you to achieve that full night’s rest that you both need and deserve.
For More Information on Sleep Aid Reviews visit to ProductReviewsOnline.com
October 21st, 2010 by
If you are not getting enough good quality sleep, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, at least seventy million people in the United States suffer from sleep troubles. The National Commission for Sleep Disorders has reported even larger numbers. In its report to the U.S. Congress, the commission claimed that one hundred million people have occasional sleep problems, with over thirty million people having some form of chronic insomnia.
Many people turn to prescription medications to solve their sleep problems. They may work well, but often come with undesirable side effects, ranging from morning grogginess and all-day sluggishness to more serious problems, such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, vomiting, and even seizures. They can also cause serious drug dependence.
Over-the-counter medications are less potent, but not totally safe either. In fact, one of the most popular sleep aids contains an active ingredient responsible for well over thousand liver failures every year, as well as thousands of visits to the emergency room due to overdose issues.
It is no wonder that the use of natural sleep aids is growing. But, many people who have tried them, have not found them effective. This is because most natural sleep products contain only one or a few active ingredients. If you buy melatonin, you will get melatonin only! If you buy valerian, you get valerian only.
The problem is that each one of these one-ingredient products addresses only one aspect of the sleep process. For example, chamomile increases the activity of a certain amino acid that calms the overstimulation of the central nervous system. Melatonin, on the other hand, helps you fall asleep, but does very little to keep you asleep. Passion flower extract is a natural mild sedative that helps you relax your muscles and puts you in a comfortable state. And, indium sulphate works with the hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal complex of the brain where it can modulate hormones that can inhibit or interfere with sleep, such as epinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol.
In other words, taking a natural sleep aid that has only one or a couple of active ingredients, is like rolling a dice. The ingredients you choose may not address your specific sleep problem. And, when one natural sleep aid does not work, it is easy to come to a conclusion that none of the natural sleep aids work.
If you would like to try solving your sleep problem with an all-natural solution, you basically have two options. You can either experiment with one-ingredient products until you find a combination that works for you, or you can buy a supplement that already includes all of the most powerful ingredients, therefore ensuring that your individual problem is definitely addressed.
There are numerous natural sleep aids in the market. When shopping for them, please pay attention to the ingredient list. Ideally, you may want it to have as many active ingredient as possible.
Some of the next generation products contain indium sulphate (described above) and eggplant extract.
Eggplant extract provides some very interesting potential health benefits. Its alkaloids bind to the acetylcholine agonist receptors, and by doing so, activate adult stem cells in your body that may then seek out injured tissue and replace the damaged cells. In the past ten years, several major studies have revealed the power of adult stem cells being able to transform themselves into any type of body tissues. Stem cells are typically drawn from your own bone marrow, from where they can then travel to the area in your body that needs repair. Incorporating eggplant extract in a natural sleep aid is a good fit, because the body regenerates, rejuvenates and heals itself during sleep, and stem cell recruiting provide that process with an extra kick.
For more information on Somniac PM, a natural sleep aid with both eggplant extract and indium sulphate — ten sleep aids in one product, visit http://www.SomniacPM.com/ or http://www.thenaturalsleepaid.com/.
And, finally… sometimes good a night’s sleep goes hand in hand with a good day’s awake. If you are not feeling energetic during day, consider using daytime energy boosters. This way you have a 24-hour solution for your 24-hour life! Learn more about Staminac AM, an all-natural mental energy booster designed to enhance both physical and mental function for more energy and less fatigue, at http://www.StaminacAM.comPlease note that no statements in this article have been reviewed or evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned in thie article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is not medical advise. You should always consult your physician before using any medications or dietary supplements.
Jukka Tolonen is the president of Aikon Wellness, Inc., a Houston, Texas-based nutraceutical company.?
October 15th, 2010 by
Over The Counter Sleep Aids For Children
Its an obvious conclusion that natural sleep aids are the best choice when you clearly consider the issue of the side effects of sleep drugs as opposed to the safety of sleep herbs. Over The Counter Sleep Aids For Children
Natural sleep aids are found to be an effective remedy for insomnia with none of the risky side effects associated with prescriptive and over-the-counter sleep drugs. One caveat is that the ingredients of any natural sleep aid must be guaranteed to contain active ingredients. Such a sleep herb would be referred to as a pharmaceutical grade herb.
Natural sleep aids like valerian root, passion flower, jujube seed, l-theanine, melatonin, hops, l-tryptophan and 5-HTP are effective alternatives to prescriptive sleep medications. Sleep remedies that combine a number of these natural products and that use quality ingredients are particularly effective.
The value of natural sleep aids becomes even more apparent when considering the side effects of sleep drugs.
Why take natural sleep remedies instead of drugs? Natural insomnia remedies “are less likely to have the drawbacks of conventional drugs”.1 Previously unreported side effects of prescriptive sleep medications are now coming to light. Side effects among prescriptive drugs vary depending on the drug. Side effects of benzodiazepines include anterograde amnesia [memory loss] and daytime drowsiness.2 Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines include urinary retention, dry mouth, constipation, cardiac toxicity, orthostatic hypotension [low blood pressure which can cause dizziness, weakness] and sexual dysfunction.3
Since March 2007 the FDA has required a stronger warning of the risks of prescriptive sleep drugs: “severe allergic reaction, severe facial swelling, complex sleep-related behaviors, memory lapses, and hallucinations. Sleep behaviors may include sleep-driving, driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event”.4 Over The Counter Sleep Aids For Children
Types of natural sleep remedies
The different natural remedies for sleep have different actions in the body and on the brain. Herbs such as passion flower, valerian root, hops and jujube seed have a sedating effect. As mild sedatives, they allow one to relax and fall asleep more easily.
Melatonin is a hormone that is normally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness.
L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are amino acids that feed a series of chemical reactions in the body and brain, resulting in increased production of serotonin and melatonin. When taken as a nutritional supplement they force feed the body’s production of these brain neurotransmitters. Serotonin is referred to as the body’s tranquilizing neurotransmitter, and melatonin the body’s sleep hormone.
Deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and the B vitamins may be associated with insomnia. Calcium and magnesium are essential for muscle relaxation. Chromium (a component of the insulin molecule) deficiency may cause unstable blood sugar during the night, which can in turn cause one to wake during the night.
Stress reducing herbs also help relieve insomnia
Stress hormones circulating within the body and brain are strongly associated with insomnia. Herbs such as ginseng, rhodiola, ashwaganda, licorice root and schizandra help the body resist the impact of stress. Called adaptogens, these herbs in combination with natural sleep remedies (sedating herbs) are very effective against insomnia.
Don’t forget sleep hygiene
Healthy sleep also depends on good sleep hygiene. Good sleep habits include:
Sleep in a dark room
Keep it cool (65-70 degrees F)
Be regular. That is, get to bed at the same time every night. Before 11 PM is best.
Reserve the bedroom for sleeping. Don’t watch television in bed.
Exercise daily (another stress reliever).
Eliminate caffeine and sugar from your diet as much as possible. Both of these raise stress hormones in the body.
Don’t smoke. Smoker’s are more likely to have insomnia. Over The Counter Sleep Aids For Children
October 12th, 2010 by
You’ve tried all the usual ways to get your child to bed on time: sticking to a nightly routine; stopping them from eating and drinking well before bedtime, etc. However, none of these seem to work well so you’re caving in to the idea of getting a children sleep aid. Here are some facts that would encourage you. Facts you probably don’t know about how children sleep aids are being prescribed.
Pediatrics (May 2003), a medical journal, has an article that surveyed 671 pediatricians on when, why and what they actually prescribed or recommended prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids for children and adolescents.
When, Why and What Doctors Use Sleep Aids For Children
1. More than half of the pediatricians surveyed had prescribed sleeping pills to children at least once in the last six months. Apparently, your children are not the only ones having sleeping problems and the doctors recognize that.
2. About 55% of physicians said they prescribed sleeping medication to treat sleep problems in children to “provide the family with needed respite.” This includes the short-term use of over-the-counter medications for specific situations, such as travel, acute pain or stress.
75% of those paediatricians had recommended a non prescription sleep aid, including the antihistamine Benadryl. 25% of them recommended melatonin or other herbal remedy, such as chamomile teas and valerian root.
3. The other half of paediatricians said they used sleep medications in “special needs” children i.e. mental retardation, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This usually requires long-term use of children sleep aids or medication like Tenex which is used as a sedative in kids with ADHD. The most commonly prescribed sleeping pills were alpha-agonists. One brand name is Calapres, a hypertension drug for adults that has sedating properties.
4. Lastly, it must be noted that most of the paediatricians interviewed said they prescribed the children sleep aids “in combination with behavioral treatments.” So, sleep hygiene and techniques are still just as important as having effective sleep aids for kids.
Two Common Sleep Problems in Young Children
Behavioral treatments must go hand in hand with any children sleep aid because many children have childhood behavioral insomnia. This sleep disorder involves one or both of the two following problems:
1. Sleep-onset association
Everyone wakes up briefly a few times at night especially during the stage of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) when our dreams occur. Usually, we are unaware of these awakenings and return to sleep quickly.
As for young children, they may cry when they wake up. Parents naturally “help” their child return to sleep by feeding, rocking, holding or lying down with their child.
The child learns to connect or “associate” going to sleep with a person or activity. She is unable to fall asleep on her own when that action is missing.
2. Limit-setting problems
Your child refuses to go to bed, stalls, or makes it hard for you to leave the bedside. Usually begins from the age of two, limit-setting problems can occur at bedtime, nap time, or when your child wakes up during the night.
It can be hard but you need to discern what’s real and what’s simply a delay tactic. They may ask for one more hug, a tissue, a drink of water, another story, to have the light turned off or on, or to “tell you something important.
You need to be firm and consistent about the time for bed even if the child disagrees or seems active and alert. Don’t give in to them as it will only encourage the behavior. Children thrive within well-defined environments. Hence, the need for limits or boundaries to their sleep habits.
October 6th, 2010 by
How many times in the last few weeks have you tried to get your baby to sleep but to no avail? Millions of families go through this every night and when all else fails, baby sleep aids can help you to get some of the sleep you deserve and crave for.
The problem is that there are many baby sleep aids available, so which one do you choose? Here are a few examples of baby sleep aids that are commonly used and that you may wish to try to see if they’ll help to solve your baby’s sleeping problem..
Firstly, how can you go wrong with the good old blanket? At some point, every single one of us has us clung on to a blanket as babies. The comfort, security, and warmth will leave a baby feeling cozy and allow him to relax if he’s having trouble sleeping. It’s one of the best and most used baby sleep aids ever.
As a variation of this, you could use some other transitional object such as a teddy bear, or possibly mom’s t-shirt, so that your baby can settle down with a smell that he or she is comfortable with.
Unfortunately though, there are times when a blanket or other transitional object just won’t be enough, so you may wish to consider utilizing another baby sleep aid or baby sleep technique.
Night lights are also common baby sleep aids and can help make your child feel a little more comfortable in their dark surroundings. Although we may not know it, babies may often wake up and cry because they aren’t used to being alone and they don’t recognise their surroundings. A night light will give them security when they open their eyes. Being in familiar surroundings and being able to see the baby toys above the bed or stars on the ceiling will put them at ease.
Music or sounds are also great types of baby sleep aids you might want to try if you haven’t already. Soft, carefree music such as classical musical at low volumes is very soothing for a baby’s ears which can help get them to sleep. You could even leave this music playing through the entire night if it helped. Alternatively, white noise, which can sound horrible to adults, can be extremely soothing for a baby. A fan, having the television on, or even the sounds of nature …. birds, rain or whale sounds are very common. There are also white noise CD’s you can buy with the sound of a vacuum cleaner or washing machine etc. Again, these sound rather strange but really can help.
Although all of these are all capable baby sleep aids and many parents will testify to their effectiveness, it is also possible that none of them may work for your child. No two children are the same and so there is unfortunately no single cure-all for baby sleeping problems. However, with some tried and tested baby sleep techniques, a good sleep routine and the odd baby sleep aid thrown in for good measure, you and your baby can soon be getting the full nights sleep that you richly deserve.
For more details of Baby Sleep Aids and for an easy solution to your baby’s sleeping problems, visit http://www.BabySleepSolution.com now.
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