relaxation therapies

People who have trouble sleeping may try dietary supplements, relaxation therapies, or other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in an effort to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve the overall quality of their sleep.

Research on CAM and insomnia has produced promising results for some CAM therapies. However, evidence of effectiveness is still limited for most therapies, and additional research is needed.

People who have trouble sleeping may try dietary supplements, relaxation therapies, or other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in an effort to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve the overall quality of their sleep.

This fact sheet provides basic information on sleep disorders and "what the science says" about the effectiveness of CAM practices people use as sleep aids.

If you are considering a CAM therapy for sleep problems, this information can help you talk with your health care provider about it.