From prescription drugs to over the counter, it seems a lot of people take something to help them get to sleep.

Many natural food stores promise they have products that will help you get a good night's rest without the risk of side effects or dependency.

Jennifer Simpson-Green has been using natural sleep aids for more than five years.

She's a nutritionist and massage therapist at New Life Natural Foods on Washington Road in Augusta.

"I tried everything from melatonin and then I started adding chamomile and passion flower for sedation,” said Green.

Melatonin is a natural chemical our body uses to help us sleep better.

Green said you can use it alone, but she uses Sleep Assure... a natural combination of valerian root, chamomile, passion flower and melatonin.

"Within 15-20 minutes after I take it, you start to feel like you just got done working out and you're kind of tired and then after that, you realize your mind isn't racing quite so much," said Green.

Green said you don't get that groggy feeling or hangover effect that some sleep aids cause.

She said they can also take a toll on your body.

"A lot of medication has a synthetic base to it and that gets trapped in your lymph system and if your lymph system can't process naturally then you have a side effect from that," said Green.

The Lymphatic System helps with removing fluid from the body, circulation and helps with your immune system.

Green said since natural remedies are usually made up of chemicals already in our body, they're easier to digest.

Doctors say if you've been on a sleep medication for a long period of time, you should check with them before going off of it. And you should always consult with your physician to see what works best for you.