5 natural ways to get a good night's sleep

Better Nutrition, April, 2002 by Steven Foster

The relaxing effects of lavender flowers and their essential oil have more scientific evidence to back them than any other herb except valerian.

In Germany, lavender preparations are approved for use in some eases of sleep disorders and nervous unrest. Common dosages include one to two teaspoons of the dried flowers, made into tea (consider using a sweetener to make the tea more palatable), or one to four drops of the oil, taken with a sugar cube. Lavender also is used in aromatherapy. One small study concluded that geriatric patients slept better after undergoing lavender-based aromatherapy than they did after taking synthetic drugs.

sleep disturbance fast facts

* 31 percent of American adults report sleeping less than seven hours each weeknight.

* 38 percent say they get less sleep now than they did five years ago.

* 69 percent say that they experience frequent sleep problems.

* 40 percent report being so tired during the day that it interferes with their activities a few days per month or more.

* 22 percent report being so tired that it interferes with their daily activities at least a few days per week or more.

* Married Americans with children average 6.7 hours of sleep per night. Those without children average 7.2.

Courtesy of the National Sleep Foundation, Washington, D.C.