Sleeping pills have been used for plenty of different purposes, and they say that you will be able to get certain benefits and results by using sleeping pills of all kinds. Of course, prescriptions like Ambien claim not to cause dependency while other like Xanax admit that there is a serious risk of dependency. But even without dependency issues, prescription medications and sleeping pills tend to come with some serious downsides and potentially serious side effects and other problems.

But when using natural sleeping pills, you take out some of the risk. With prescription sleeping pills, obviously you take on a burden, and the solution may be worse than the initial problem or question. But there is no natural sleeping pills that I’ve seen to cause dependency. They are often considered to be more mild being all natural. There are still some with potential side effects, and of course, I would strongly recommend that you stay away from these.

But if you are looking for sleeping pills that are effective and safe, there are many different options to look for. You can look for strait sleeping pills that contain melatonin, valerian root, lemon balm, etc. But there are also other ingredients that can help you to improve your quality of wellbeing and alertness during the day such as B vitamins and GABA for greater brain function. With all of these in mind, you will be able to go far beyond expectations.

I have a new respect for chili peppers. Without chili peppers, I would have many more unbearable days. A little dramatic, I know, but honestly, chili peppers have helped me make it through some bad days.

Well, not the chili peppers themselves, but a component of the peppers, capsaicin, helps me to tolerate the pain associated with my arthritis. I remember when I used to smell this stuff on my grandparents and wondering why they would willingly want to smell that way. Little did I understand that when it comes to relieving arthritic pain, you make some sacrifices.

Capsaicin is available in many forms and under many names. I prefer the cream over the gels or lotions. I generally use it when I know I’m not leaving the house or expecting company because the odor is something to get used to. My good friends are used to it by now and expect it if they’re spending any length of time with me (and I know some of them use it themselves!).

The cream is very easy to use. I just rub it over my aching knees, hips and/or back. It is absorbed through the skin and provides relief pretty quickly if used routinely. I have to remember to wash my hands after applying it; one day I forgot and rubbed my eye. To just say it burned is an understatement. My eye was on fire!

Yet another rainy day! I can’t remember the last whole day of sun. Normally, I don’t mind a rainy day or two. I love the way it smells after a good downpour. My problem is this: my arthritis pain is killing me.

This is beyond the usual mild achiness I may feel day to day. This is out and out pain. Pain in my knees and hips. My doctor says that there no real evidence that weather can effect my pain. I remind him that pain is subjective. It doesn’t matter if science supports it. I KNOW that my joints ache more when it is rainy. Or cold, for that matter.

Because I don’t like to take many medications, I usually just tolerate the normal daily arthritis pain. But, on days like today, I find myself taking my pain relievers on schedule because I need them. I toss and turn at night (slowly) because it is hard to get comfortable. In the mornings, I dread getting out of bed. Getting around first thing in the morning is awful. I shuffle my way to a hot shower. I stretch and bend in the shower to help “loosen” my joints. On stormy days, like today, I take something like ibuprofen early in the day. So, for the last week, or so, my best friends have been ibuprofen, a hot shower and a nice heating pad. Without them, I wouldn’t, or couldn’t, get out of bed.

What causes joint pains and problems?  I only dealt with the pain and annoyance without really thinking about what caused it all.  Being a curious cat, I looked here and there just for fun.   Who is to blame for this inconvenience?  Well, mostly  our bodies, but it’s always nice to share the blame with someone else, right?

Genes – Typical with a lot of problems.  If your parents or your grandparents had it, statistically, you’ll end up with it too.

Weight – Excess body weight will weigh down the body, putting extra pressure on your joints and squeezing the juice out of your cartilage.

Age – Your body becomes more brittle and fragile with age and has a harder time repairing itself.

Injuries – Whether they’re from playing sports or just taking a walk around the neighborhood, injuries can cause joint problems down the road.  That’s why it’s important to recuperate properly when you’re injured instead of taking shortcuts.

Illness – Some patients develop joint infection, which can develop into arthritis or other joint conditions.