A number of natural sleep aids are available from the London Drugs pharmacy. These include melatonin supplements and formulas that contain a variety of sleep-inducing herbs and vitamins with or without melatonin. Herbs and vitamins that help you to fall asleep include:
Ashwaganda
Sometimes referred to as Indian Ginseng, ashwaganda helps reduce anxiety, and promotes a restful sleep.
Hops
Although better known for their role in beer production, hops also help prepare you for sleep by exerting a calming effect.
Valerian
Well recognized as a sleep inducer, valerian is commonly prescribed in Europe in lieu of stronger drugs. It has a soothing, relaxing effect on the body and mind.
White Willow
The active ingredient in white willow bark lowers the body's levels of prostaglandins—hormone-like compounds that can cause discomfort and inflammation, impacting the quality of sleep. (Since willow bark contains salicylates, people who are sensitive to ASA should not use formulas containing this substance.)
Chamomile
Long recognized for its mild calming properties, chamomile is often combined with other herbs to help induce sleepiness and to promote relaxation.
Passion Flower
This herb has a mildly tranquilizing effect. Like Valerian, it is widely prescribed in Europe in lieu of stronger medications to promote sleep.
Magnolia
The active ingredient in magnolia has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and promote healthy relaxation and sleep.
Vitamin B 12
This vitamin (methylcobalamin) has been widely reported to address human sleep/wake rhythm abnormalities.
Natural sleep aids available in our pharmacy include a wide range of Vivitas® Sleep Right™ melatonin formulations (berry flavoured Liquid Melatonin, Melatonin 3 mg, and Melatonin Extra Strength 5 mg); Sleep Fast™ with melatonin, vitamin B 12 and sleep-inducing herbs. (This formulation takes effect within minutes due to its encapsulated liquid formulation, and works in a time-release manner to help you stay asleep); Sleep MD™ a herbal supplement with melatonin—and Canada’s bestselling non prescription sleep aid; Sleep Tonight!™ from Enzymatic Therapy—a relaxing blend of magnolia and ashwaganda that effectively reduces stress hormones by over 60 per cent, and Lunasom® PM™ a herbal blend with white willow bark and melatonin in convenient capsule form.