Natural Treatments For InsomniaNatural treatments for insomnia have helped many found freedom from their sleeping disorder. People often turn to sleeping pills and medications to put themselves to sleep. These over-the-counter medicines that contain antihistamines such as diphehydramine citrate, diphehydramine hydrochloride or doxylamine succinate or prescribed medications such as sedative-hypnotics, sedating antidepressants, melatonin receptor agonists, benzodiazepines like diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam and valium. These medicines have been reported to have side effects like:
1. Giddiness
2. Loss of Motor Skills
3. Poor Memory
4. Urinary Problems
5. Impaired Vision
6. Constipation
7. Mouth and Throat Dryness
8. Withdrawal Symptoms
9. Drug Tolerance
10.Drug Addiction
11.Insomnia Rebound
Natural treatments for insomnia, on the other hand do not cause patients to suffer from the ills of side effects. They are intended to treat insomnia in a holistic and safe manner without harming your health. But be careful of some over-the-counter medicines which are masquerading as
natural treatments for insomnia by emphasizing their natural content. Some of them contain excessive amounts of substances like:
1. L-triptophan
L-triptophan is a natural occurring chemical found in foods which is needed by our body to produce melatonin and serotonin to aid sleeping. Excessive intake has been reported to cause a muscle disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, EMS in short.
2. Synthetic melatonin
Melatonin is a natural substance found in our bodies which promotes sleep. Unfortunately, the melatonin in OTC medicines is mostly manufactured from animal parts. This carries a risk of contamination.
Natural Treatments For Insomnia – Self – Care TipsHere are some self-care tips you may apply to treat your insomnia.
1. Regular Exercises
Regular exercising for at least 3 times a week would put your health in good shape and relieves you from stress. This is appropriate if you suffer from mild insomnia or when the sleeping problem is of a temporary nature such as recent work stress, etc.
2. Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
There are books and courses on how to manage stress and relaxation techniques and exercises which you can learn.
3. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Drug Overuse
Since alcohol, caffeine and certain drugs be it OTC, prescribed or designer can aggravate your insomnia, stop all these.
4. Glass of Warm Milk Before Bedtime
Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime. Make sure it is warm. Tryptophan, an amino acid, is converted into serotonin and then to melatonin which induces sleep.
5. Change in Sleep Environment
You may need to make some changes to the environment you are resting in. If it is the ticking sound of the clock that is causing you to stay awake, remove it. Adjusting your room could actually break the familiarity associated with each insomnia episode.
Natural Treatments For Insomnia – Home RemediesHome remedies are great natural treatments for insomnia. Adopting new dietary habits would also do much good for our insomnia.
1. Diet
Our diet plays an important role in treating insomnia. Here are some tips on what you should eat more and eat less.
a. Magnesium
Increase intake of magnesium as it induces sleep. It can be found in dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, almonds and legumes.
b. Honey
Drinking a cup of warm honey water before bedtime promotes good sleep. In fact, a tea brew of honey, chamomile and kava kava is excellent soother.
c. Cinnamon
Roasted cinnamon when boiled with water is yet another fine remedy against insomnia.
2. Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals keep our health in balance. Essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B, B complex, D, calcium, zinc and magnesium ensures the well being of our central nervous system and immune system. This is important for us to be able to rest well.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy in recent years has gained much popularity as
natural treatments for insomnia. Soothing oils such as chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, rose oil can be put into hot water so that the steam can be inhaled. These oils can also be applied as massaging oils on our temples, neck and shoulders. What happens is that these oils pump up levels of Trytophan. Trytophan would be converted into melatonin, which is responsible for inducing sleep.
4. Herbal Cures
Herbal concoctions are often used as
natural treatments for insomnia. Herbs can be used in tea, pillows, oils and baths. Some are consumed directly. They are hypnotics, adaptogens, antispasmodics, nervine tonics and relaxants. Here are some herbs that are more commonly used:
a. Chamomile
b. Valerian
c. Lavender
d. Motherwort
e. Linden
f. Vervain
g. Skullcap
h. Celery Seeds
i. Passion Flower
j. Mugwort
k. Hyssop
l. Hops
m. Kava Kava
n. Lemon Balm
o. Red Clover
p. Wild Lettuce
q. Ginseng
There are many benefits in applying natural treatments for insomnia. It is safer, and relatively easy to prepare and much cheaper in most cases. Find out how insomnia victims are able to break free from their insomnia with totally safe and natural treatments for insomnia.Natural Treatments For Insomnia