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Unfortunately for the fast-paced, more-more-more lifestyle of the typical American, sleep deprivation is rampant among us. We cling to our careers, often working more than we should, then we have to find time to make dinner, do the laundry, take care of ourselves, and squeeze a little entertainment in there, too. Before you know it, you find yourself sleeping just four hours a night to get in everything you want in a day, if you can sleep at all. Others of us ly awake at night, our minds racing over thoughts, plans, or musings of the next day's list of events. What has to be done? How will I get it done? Where does the time go? Sleep deprivation is very real and very dangerous.

The most obvious cost of sleep deprivation is similar to drunkenness: our judgment becomes impaired, we can't focus as well, our productivity drops, and we are more prone to accidents. The lesser obvious side effects are: an increase in stress due to a decrease in the production of the stress-reducing hormone, cortisol; weight gain, irritability, blurred vision, and headaches. If the sleep deprivation is prolonged enough it can lead to blackouts and memory lapses, hallucinations, and even death.

There are several natural ways to conquer sleep deprivation. Please remember that I am not a medical doctor and the advice that I list here is based on my own experience. If you are suffering from sleep deprivation, it is best practice to consult your personal physician before trying anything you read on the internet, no matter how convincing it may sound. Having said that, here we go:

VALERIAN ROOT: This stuff stinks like a septic tank whether it is in pill form or tincture, but it works on milder cases of sleep deprivation. I prefer the tincture as I can dilute the stuff in a cup of CAMOMILE TEA, also a sleep aid, and disguise its taste. This is an herbal sleep aid, so you'll most likely find it at a natural food store, though some pharmacies have begun carrying it in pill form.

MELATONIN: This is a hormone that we actually secrete in our bodies through our pineal gland. If taken in pill form, it can help you drift off to Nod. In my experiences with MELATONIN, however, I have found it to be a great aid in getting to sleep, but not a great aid in keeping you asleep. Usually, after taking melatonin, I fall asleep within a half hour, but I am awake again in three, ready for the day or just unable to get back to slumber-town. This one is a DEFINITE check with your doctor, by the way, as it can interact

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