We all go through bouts of irregular or interrupted sleep that greatly affect our day- to- day living. I've realized as I've gotten older just how important good sleep is and just how much I personally need to guarantee the next day is a productive one. I'm one who needs 8.5 to 9.5 hours every single night. When I was younger, I could easily get away with much less and not really notice- sadly, those days are long gone.
Natural Sleep
As much sleep as I require, I may not always get it and that usually means I'm going to pay the price the next day. I don't like taking any type of prescription sleep aids, but I have found two over the counter natural remedies to help quite a bit.

5-HTP:
- The neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP)is a compound created in the body which is used to regulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for "feeling happy", and helps maintain stable moods by ensuring quality sleep and calming anxiety and depression.

Melatonin:
- A hormone found in the brain that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles. Light affects how much melatonin your body produces. During the short Alaskan winter months, your body may begin making more Melatonin earlier or later in the day, which explains why some people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As we get older, natural levels of Melatonin decrease, making it harder to fall and/or stay asleep. Melatonin may also have positive effects on the immune system and slow down the aging process.

There are minimal side effects with both products, but they do exist. Personally I prefer 5-HTP over anything else. Melatonin seems to work fine for the first few weeks of regular supplementation (3mg), then all of the sudden I'm wide awake in the middle of the night ready to run a marathon. I've also experienced excessive grogginess the day after taking it, which usually lasts the entire day. This pretty much defeats the whole purpose. Like anything else, check with your Doc before popping pills!