Alternative Treatments for Insomnia

Most people will suffer from the odd sleepless night and often the reason will be obvious: something preying on their mind, physical discomfort or too much caffeine or alcohol before going to bed.

One or two restless nights aren't likely to cause any major problems. However a chronic lack of sleep can impair physical and mental performance during the day and may lead to anxiety, depression, physical ailments and other disorders.

We need sleep. Sleep helps to restore our bodies and refresh our minds. Yet sometimes the more hectic life becomes, the more likely we are to have problems sleeping. Using natural remedies might help you get a better night's slumber.

How to Get a Better Night's Sleep

Prevention is often better than cure. Are the conditions around you conducive to a good night's sleep or could they be preventing you from relaxing? How comfortable is your bed? If you have had the same mattress for ten years or more, it could probably do with replacing. Choose a one that is restful and firm but not so firm that it puts too much pressure on your shoulders and hips.

If you live in a noisy area or your room is too light at nights, think about using earplugs and an eye mask. The temperature in your room should be around 65 degrees F. You might also de-clutter your bedroom if you are tend to leave it messy at nights as it can be easier to fall asleep in a restful setting.

Here's a list of what to avoid before going to bed if you want a better night's sleep: avoid arguments or serious discussions in the evenings. Do not eat large meals before going to bed and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Avoid watching exciting, disturbing or stimulating TV programs and don't read material that takes too much concentration. Turn off the computer!

A new and more calming bedtime routine might help you sleep better at nights. Give yourself a chance to wind down if you have had a busy day. Enjoy a long soak in a hot bath or ask your partner to give you a relaxing massage. Listen to music, walk the dog and try to push all the worries and tensions of the day out of your mind.

Alternative Remedies For a Good Night's Sleep

If sleeplessness is due to stress or anxiety, a bedtime infusion of lavender or lemon balm might help calm the mind. Other herbs that make for a soothing caffeine-free bedtime drink include passion-flower, hops and chamomile.

Add a few drops of essential oil of lavender to your bath to help you relax after a tense day.

Take four drops of flower essence on the tongue or added to spring water four times a day before a meal or snack. You might choose Rock Rose if it is panic attacks that stop you sleeping soundly. Go for Mimulus if you are anxious or fearful or Agrimony for worry.

If you are concerned that tiredness is affecting your daily performance, your family relationships or may be due to an underlying illness, it is important that you seek medical help.

References

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/

http://helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm

http://www.lift-depression.com/sleep-depression/how-to-sleep-well/