Curing Yourself of Insomnia Without Medication

Many people suffer from insomnia. According to Sleep Med Incorporated(www.sleepmed.md) over 70 million Americans suffer from disorders of sleep and wakefulness. Common causes of insomnia are the following :

Psychological related, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
Medication related for treating psychological conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma
Uses of Alcohol and nicotine products
Staying up late to watch television, surf the internet and playing video games

Why Is Sleep Needed
Sleep is needed for the body to rest so cells can repair and heal themselves. It is also needed to allow the brain to rest so thinking functions can be clear.

Effects Of Insomnia
The effect of having an inadequate amount of sheep are the following:
tiredness
fatigue
inability to properly learn, remember, and concentrate
impatient, grumpy personality

Insomnia Treatment
The most common way of treating insomnia is using sleeping pills. Sleeping pills in most cases work. However, they can be addictive and can cause side effects. Instead of using sleeping pills a person suffering from insomnia can try to treat it using alternative national ways.

Nutrition- Food and Vitamins
A deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can cause insomnia. Following are vitamins and mineral found to aid sleep: (from holisticonline.com)

Calcium- a calcium deficiency in the body can cause restlessness and wakefulness.

Magnesium- can help induce sleep. A deficiency in magnesium can cause nervousness that prevents sleep.

Vitamin B6, B12, B5, Chromium, and Inositol- these B vitamins can calm nervousness, relaxing the body.

These vitamins and minerals have been found to induce sleep by relaxing and calming the body and nerves. For dinner a person suffering from insomnia should eat a meal made up of the combination of foods containing these nutrients. In the evening avoid consuming drinks that contain caffeine. For desert eat fresh fruit instead of sugary sweets. Sugar can raise the energy level causing a person to feel wide awake.

Herbal Supplements
There are natural herbs that can be used to induce sleep. Following is a list of herbs that can promote sleep:
Valerian
Camomile
St. Johns Worth
Lemon Blam
skull cap

These herbs can be found in the form of tea. About an hour before bed time drink the herbal tea. These herbs can easily absorb into the body and bring about relaxation.

Bed Time
It is very important to stick to a bed time that is not too early and not too late, such as 10:00PM or 11:00PM and wake up at no later than 6:00PM. For people who like to watch television late at night, record your favorite night shows and watch them during the day. Turn your computer off at night. Set up a schedule for the time and amount of time to be on the internet in the evening and stick to it.

A good night sleep is important for a healthy body and mind. Instead of taking sleeping pills, change your life style. Life style change can be safe and effective.