Trouble sleeping

Trouble sleeping? Using Superfruits instead of drugs for a good night’s sleeping?

Sleep issues are an epidemic in America. While many people look for answers in laboratories, not enough of us check the local produce section for the path to healthier sleep.

The most commonly used over-the counter sleep aids are Zzzquil, Benadryl, and Tylenol PM. They are inexpensive and easy to get and that’s a tempting combination for a sleep-deprived person. And then there are prescription sleep aids like Ambien.

But according to a 2013 survey by Harris interactive, only 25 percent of Americans would be willing to take a prescription sleep aid to improve sleep quality. The majority of Americans- 71%- would rather use other means to get a good night’s rest. That means 71 percent of Americans are exercising good judgment, the primary reason for not wanting to take prescription sleep aids are the adverse effects and fear of addiction.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to cure insomnia. Here are a few proven sleep-induced superfruits:

Goji Berries

Daily consumption of goji berries can improve sleep patterns. This high-antioxidant fruit, also known as wolfberry, has been used in the Himalayas for centuries as a traditional treatment for emotional disturbances, including anxiety and insomnia. In a study published by the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, participants drinking goji reported better sleep, easier awakening, and higher energy levels than people drinking the placebo. Goji berries are a rich source of two nutrients that are necessary for healthful sleep: magnesium and thiamin. The mineral magnesium reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep; it is linked closely with thiamin, which is found in the hulls of grains (but is missing from diets that contain mostly refined grains). Thiamin also improves mood, alleviates depression and regulates energy.

Montmorency (Tart) Cherries

In a study published by the European Journal of Nutrition consumption of tart cherries improved sleep duration and quality and appeared to help with managing disturbed sleep. These results can be attributed to the natural melatonin contained in tart cherries. Melatonin helps regulate sleep, but the optimal dosage is just 0.3 mg, according to neuroscience researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Most melatonin supplements give the buyer a large overdose of the hormone, which in time, can lead to a decrease in the amount naturally produced by the body. By contrast, tart cherries provide a healthy way to increase melatonin.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit has a mild sedative effect on the human nervous system, which promotes a feeling calmness and relaxes the mind. According to the African Journal of Plant Science, it has traditionally been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. It is considered reliable and gentle, without drug-like effects or hangover. Passion fruit also contains serotonin, which helps regulate sleep. The fruit is native to several South American countries.

Instead of resorting to drugs to end your insomnia, try any of these superfruits solo or in combination. All are healthy and effective; they don’t come with harmful side effects.