An Easy, Inexpensive Remedy for Acute Insomnia that Really Works

Most of us have experienced a bout of sleepless nights at one time or another. Those lost hours can have a huge impact on your work and home life, your health, and even your safety. A recent study shows that sleepy drivers can be as potentially dangerous as intoxicated ones. There is a lot of advice to be had for this ubiquitous problem, but there is one very simple, natural, even enjoyable remedy that really works-take a bath!

Ok, it is a little more involved than that, but not much. Below are instructions for the Insomnia Bath:

1. Fill a bathtub with the hottest water you can tolerate without discomfort

2. Add 1 pound plain table salt and 1 pound baking soda

3. Soak for 30 minutes

4. Crawl into bed

That's it! Most people report significant relaxation, a feeling of clarity, and most importantly, a full night of sound sleep. Part of the magic is derived from the hot temperature of the water. It forces the body to begin a therapeutic elimination process, which is then taken to a further level by the sodium of the salt and baking soda. The muscles also begin to relax deeply; the induced relaxation continues as you get in your bed, and sleep is imminent.

Although I have stated that plain table salt is to be used, of course the use of finer quality sea or mineral salts will boost the therapy a bit. Refined sea salt can be found in the bulk food sections of most natural food grocery stores or sections for as low as 39 cents a pound. If you have access to such resources, I encourage you to use the better salt. But, it is in no way required. I have taken many perfectly effective Insomnia Baths using the contents of a generic Kroger brand cardboard plain salt canister.

A pound of baking soda seems like a lot, but a fairly small box holds a full pound. Again, there is no need to go with name brands here. I get the least expensive brand, usually the generic store brand for around $1.00.

Stick to the simple recipe. Although it may be tempting to add some drops of calming lavender essential oil or some chamomile leaves, save them for another time. The salt and baking soda combination is perfect and needs no help.

A few words of caution: Although hot water is called for, make sure you do not pass your comfort level and get burned. It is wise to drink some water before and after your bath, to replace fluids that will be lost in the elimination of the bath, and also so you won't wake up thirsty in the middle of the night. Also have a full glass of water upon waking in the morning.