Natural Remedies for Insomnia that Really Work and Help You Get to Sleep

Insomnia is a problem that plagues millions of people a year. There are many ways to treat insomnia naturally. These remedies include, herbal support, aromatherapy, bodywork and homeopathic methods.

Good sleep is imperative for general functioning and overall emotional stability. Over the counter and prescription sleep aids are recommended to take like candy to solve the problem. This can introduce unwanted side effects and grogginess. Not to mention in some cases, dependancy.

Often times those with insomnia have other problems going on. Before you try any herbal or alternative methods it's very important to look at all aspects of your life in treating it and using common sense. Reducing stress and watching how you eat can help. Exercising and cutting back on caffeinated products can help as well. Be sure to try to plan out and follow through with a night time routine to help you get to bed and stay there.

Here are some remedies to help calm yourself and relax at bedtime and help you sleep. Insomnia is tricky to overcome at times so you may need to mix and match remedies that work the best for you.

Herbal Support

There are many herbs that can help you get to sleep and stay asleep at night and help with insomnia and sleep related issues. To name just a few; chamomile, valerian, lavender and lemon balm. These herbs can be made into an infusion (tea). Drink 1-2 cups of the tea at night before bed. It will help you get to sleep.

You can also buy pre made sleep inducing teas. Tinctures are also available but I recommend the tea. You could add some warm milk to your tea as well for an added effect.

Dream pillows are another herbal way you can help with insomnia. These are little fabric pillows sewn up with a combination of sleep inducing herbs. You tuck it under your pillow and it will help soothe you to sleep.

Homeopathic Remedies

There are several homeopathic remedies that can help you get to sleep and overome insomnia. Homeopathic use the energy extracted from plants, animals and minerals to promote healing. Many can also promote relaxation. Some of the remedies that will help you sleep are chamomila, passiflora, avena sativa and kali phos. Homeopathic remedies are just tiny little sugar pills. You put 2 under your tongue.

You can also buy pre made homeopathic sleep aids. My favorite one is by Hyland's and it's called Calms Forte. You can find it in any natural foods or health food store.

Bodywork

Massage and shiatsu therapies can help promote relaxation and peace. Which are key when you want to overcome insomnia. If you can get a treatment in the evening it can be very beneficial for sleeping and getting good rest.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the process of using water for healing. This can help with insomnia too! Hot soaks in the bath or hot tub before bed can help you relax even more. Using Epsom salts and aromatherapy oils can further help you on your way to bed!

White Noise

White noise like a fan or actual white noise machine is beneficial for many people with insomnia. This is especially good for those who are light sleeper's and wake up at every sound during the night. It helps promote deeper sleep.

Meditation

Meditation can help you relax. It also reduces anxiety and depression which are very common among those suffering from insomnia. 5 minutes is all it takes to meditate. This is a very fast fix and so easy to do. Not to mention free!

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is using essential oils of flowers for healing. There are many oils that are beneficial if you have insomnia. The essential oils work through your olfactory system or sense of smell. Some oils that can help you sleep are lavender, clay sage, geranium, melissa, rose and sandalwood. You can make up your own unique blend using a combination of these oils or just use them single on their own. The common does is 20-30 drops per tub of water.

To make bath salts combine 2 cups of Epsom or sea salt with 30 drops of oils. mash really well with a fork and store in a glass jar. Add 2-3 tbsp. per bath. You can also add some citric acid to make it fizzy if you like. These make great gifts too!

Another great aromatherapy product is a sleep balm. This is a salve scented with essential oils. You would rub this on the temples before bed.

Supplements

There are some supplements you can take to help promote sleep like Sam-E and melatonin.

There are several supplements you can take to help you with your sleep issues and insomnia as well. Among them include melatonin & Sam-E.

Melatonin is considered the sleep hormone. This supplement is ideal for those weaning off over the counter and prescription medications.

Sam-E, taken over the course of a few weeks, can dramatically help you sleep better. It helps promote healthy sleep cycles but is not something that will work instantly.

Foods to Promote Sleep

We have all hear about tryptophan before in relation to Thanksgiving and turkey dinners. There are many foods that contain tryptophan though. Such as; beef, pork, lobster, shrimp, chocolate, pastries, eggs, cottage cheese, milk and more. A snack of any of these foods 1-3 hours before bed can help. Just be sure not too overdo it!

There are many natural remedies for helping you treat insomnia. Sleep is such an important function. Lack of sleep can shorten your life span so it is wise to try to get as many winks a night as you possibly can.