Struggling to get enough zzz’s at night? When counting sheep falls short and you find yourself craving a night of deep slumber, it’s time to consider whether natural vs OTC sleep aids may be the solution.
While OTC (over-the-counter) sleep aids have been a traditional solution to insomnia, more people are turning to the natural wonders of kava for its safe, effective, and holistic approach to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Read on to learn more about kava for sleep and how its natural properties promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality.
Kava VS OTC Sleep Aids: What’s the Difference?
On the surface, kava and OTC sleep aids share the same purpose—to help people sleep. Both work to reduce anxiety and stress that contribute to insomnia. Both promote feelings of contentment and relaxation.
While their purpose is similar, their differences in composition, effects on the body, and potential side effects are important to understand. Let’s dive into the differences so you can see why kava is one of the best herbal sleep aids.
Origins and Composition
Kava: A Plant-Based Sleep Aid
Kava, also known as Piper Methysticum, is a plant native to the South Pacific, grown on islands such as Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. The kava plant is estimated to have over 100 different varieties, each with its own unique relaxation properties, like promoting a good night’s sleep. There is a long history of islanders using kava for social rituals, religious ceremonies, and medicinal purposes.
When kava’s root and stump are ground down, made into a drink, and consumed, kava drinkers feel naturally relaxed, experiencing effects ranging from peace and calm to euphoria and bulblieness. These effects are caused by kava’s active ingredients—kavalactones. Kavalactones gently interact with the body’s limbic system to naturally help promote physical and mental relaxation. These componenets are especially beneficial in preparing the mind and body for sleep at night.
Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids encompass a variety of drugs, herbs, and supplements that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. These sleep aids are commonly sought to manage symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disturbances, primarily because they induce drowsiness and help users fall asleep more quickly.
Most standard OTC sleeping pills contain synthetic antihistamines as their main active ingredient. These compounds block the action of histamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that promotes alertness, thus aiding in sleep. The most common antihistamines used in these medications are Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine. Both are known for their sedative properties, but they can vary in their potency and duration of action.
The Body’s Response to Kava and OTC Sleep Aids
Kava and Sleep: Understanding Kavalactones
Kava, while not a sleep inducer in the traditional pharmaceutical sense, facilitates sleep through natural relaxation rather than sedation. The active compounds in kava, known as kavalactones, foster a state of physical and mental relaxation, easing the transition into sleep without forcing it. This makes kava an appealing option for those seeking a more natural method to improve their sleep quality.
Research indicates that kavalactones may activate an enzyme called p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which plays a critical role in managing the body’s response to stress. By modulating this response, kavalactones help individuals unwind naturally, making it easier for them to relax both mentally and physically. Additionally, these compounds interact with the brain’s GABA receptors, which are crucial for regulating neurological signals. This interaction helps slow down the communication between the body and brain, similar to the effects of benzodiazepine medications like Xanax, but without the harsh side effects or dependency risks.
Unlike over-the-counter sleep aids that often rely on synthetic antihistamines to induce drowsiness, kava offers a non-addictive, natural alternative that can lead to a more restful state and subsequently better sleep. Importantly, kava consumption does not result in a hangover effect; instead, users wake feeling refreshed and clear-headed. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to avoid the grogginess often associated with chemical sleep aids. Also, kava has a reverse tolerance effect, meaning its efficacy can increase over time, allowing users to consume less while still experiencing significant benefits.
OTC Sleep Aids: Not a Magic Cure
While these medications can provide temporary relief, they are not without risks. Most OTC sleep aids contain antihistamines, which, as we mentioned early, block histamines—the substances in your body that cause alertness. Because they have a long period of action, OTC sleep aids can make you feel drowsy for several hours after you awaken, much like a hangover. Other common side effects associated with OTC sleep aids include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and daytime drowsiness.
Additionally, the effectiveness of antihistamine-based sleep aids can diminish over time, and there’s a potential for dependency if used regularly. It’s important for users to consult with healthcare providers to ensure safe usage, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Is Kava for Sleep Safe?
If you’re considering using kava for sleep and anxiety for the first time, feeling confident in its safety is critical. The most important thing to know is that, unlike OTC sleep aids, kava does not have the same potential for negative effects and drug interactions. This is because it is an all-natural drink made from the ground root of the plant Piper Methysticum. By understanding kava safety, you can safely enjoy the true value of the drink, which is to help promote sleep.
Debunking the Kava Liver Damage Myth
About 15 years ago, some studies emerged that suggested a potential link between kava consumption and liver damage. These studies were later found to be flawed, however. Reviews indicated that reported liver toxicity was often related to the consumption of substances other than kava or the use of non-traditional parts of the kava plant not typically consumed.
Recent evaluations, including a significant study by the World Health Organization, have clarified that kava, when consumed as a traditional beverage, does not contribute to liver damage. This study and others suggest that the risk of liver injury from kava is exceptionally low.
The Safe Use of Kava
To fully experience and enjoy the relaxing kava effects, it’s important to follow some guidelines:
- Only Drink Noble Kava: It’s the ONLY type of kava sold at Kalm with Kava, as it contains lower levels of harmful compounds called flavokavains. Noble kava is generally well-tolerated compared to Tudei kava, which can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Buy from Trusted Sources: Ensure your kava is sourced from reliable vendors who provide quality-tested products, like Kalm with Kava.
- Consume on an Empty Stomach: Kavalatones work with your system better if you haven’t just eaten. So, for best results, drink kava on an empty or near-empty stomach.
- Monitor Your Intake: If you experience any adverse effects like dizziness or nausea, reduce your dosage.
What is the Best Kava for Sleep?
If you’re a Kalm with Kava regular, you know that there are a lot of kava products and varieties to choose from. But for a superior night of sleep we recommend Borongoru kava.
Profile of Borongoru
Borongoru is a strain of the kava plant known for its strong sedative effects, making it ideal for before-bedtime consumption. Sourced directly from small Vanuatu island farmers, this strain is valued for its high kavalactone content.
As the heaviest kava in our shop—meaning it promotes “heavy” or “sedative” relaxation effects— Borongoru helps quickly calm your mind and leaves your body feeling heavy and relaxed. It’s the perfect combo for a good night’s sleep. We offer two forms of Borongoru kava: Micronized Borongoru and Medium Grind Borongoru. Both offer the same relaxation effects; the only difference is the type of preparation used.
How to Use Kava for Sleep
If you’re looking for easy ways to integrate kava into your routine for sleep, maintaining a bedtime routine can help you get the sleep you need to feel well-rested and alert the next day. Whether you’re trying kava for the first time or figuring out how to integrate kava into your bedtime routine, here are a few tips to get you started.
- Drink Kava before Bedtime: By sipping Borongoru kava 1-2 hours before bedtime, you allow the kavalactones ample time to calm your mind, relax your body, and induce drowsiness.
- Drink Kava on an Empty Stomach: This ensures kavalactones are absorbed efficiently. If you feel nauseous afterwards, follow your Borongoru kava drink with a snack called a kava chaser. Because kava’s flavor profile is bitter and earthy, pick kava chasers that are light and sweet, like fruit, nuts, popcorn, or yogurt.
- Effect Time May Vary: Allow 15-20 minutes to notice the effects. You should begin to feel tensions ease throughout your body and all your stress and worries slipping away.
Kava for Sleep: Why People Love it
Ready to Drift Off To Dreamland?
Stop tossing and turning every night. You deserve to wake up well-rested and refreshed. Shop our Borongoru kava products and upgrade your sleep routine with the best natural sleep aid on the market. Transform your restless nights and fall asleep with ease with kava.
