Posted by Cairo on June 24, 2008 at 03:25:58:In Reply to: Re: Kava? posted by dethronedsleepqueen on June 23, 2008 at 20:20:44:
I do it to help others with my experience. I've struggled with insomnia off and on for many years, and I know how painful it can be. I think that I've been able to get past it in a way that might be helpful to others with chronic/intermittent insomnia.
And one of my pet peeves is this idea that all medication for sleep is "bad" and creates "dependency". There are some of us who may always need some medication to help with sleep and antidepressants are generally safe. I'll agree that some people find medication counterproductive and that not everyone needs it...but it's not a "bad" thing to try or to use consistently, if it helps. Sometimes it doesn't, that's fine too.
It's man-made medicine that keeps the human species alive for 100 years. All medications, natural or synthetic, aid what your body already produces. And synthetic medications have at least been studied and are regulated, as opposed to herbs, which have little to no regulation or research about the long-term effects on your body.
Sorry to be so passionate. I just get frustrated with the attitude that all medications should be avoided, but herbal products are just fine. As part of a plan that involves learning to relax, change your thinking and quit obsessing about sleep, both types of products can be helpful.
In my opinion, however, if you only need herbal products, you probably don't need medication at all.