Alternative Medicine For Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. Although we may like to believe Insomnia is just a sleepless night or some sleepless nights, it is s regular occurrence of no-sleep.
Occasional sleeplessness may well be the result of fatigue- yes too much fatigue is also responsible for a sleepless night as much as lack of any exercise- cranial or physical. The reason being that a long regime of hyperactivity can charge you to the extent of not being able to slow down. This may result in failure to sleep.
But sleeplessness on a regular basis could well be the result of another ailment or the symptom of one. For example, tension, depression, heart ailments, sleeps apnea, respiratory disorders, or diabetes.
In all cases, consulting a doctor will give you the proper insight to the problem, and the best route to cure too.
Since time immemorial, herbs and other natural remedies have been used to treat Insomnia effectively, and here are some of the more common ones:
- Valerian- A widely used herb to treat sleep disorders, is fast becoming an acceptable over the counter drug especially in many parts of Europe. It has been suggested that it may promote the calming neuro transmitter GABA. Unlike most other sleep medications, valerian is believed neither to be addictive, nor cause grogginess. It is not necessary that Valerian is efficacious in all cases. It needs to be taken just before bedtime, and will start showing results in two to three weeks. Prolonged usage of the herb is discouraged. Side effects may include mild indigestion, headaches or dizziness. Valerian necessitates certain precautions, for instance, not to be taken along with other sedatives or anti histamines. Alcohol should be avoided, and Valerian is not recommended during or after surgery.
- Melatonin- Melatonin is vastly popular among those people whose body clocks need adjustment, e.g. shift workers or people on long flight hauls. It is a natural hormone produced by the body, and the source Serotonin converts to Melatonin at night. It is now medically been found that Melatonin may no longer be as effective as once thought. It is usually taken a half hour before the desired sleep time. Generally cautioned not to be taken by pregnant women, patients with depression, schizophrenia, debilitated auto immune systems, and serious illnesses.
- Kava-Basically an anti anxiety herb, Kava can be used to help alleviate anxiety related Insomnia. However, medical caution has pointed out the danger of severe liver damage against the consumption of Kava.
- Relaxation and exercise- Exercise loosens muscles, thereby inducing smoother motor movements. Relaxation is also a conscious effort at loosening stressed muscles and inducing a good night’s sleep.
- Visualizing- a relaxing scene also sets one’s mind and body at rest, leading to a calm sleep.
- Meditation and Yoga- both are geared up to a calmer and fitter body and mind, the result of which is a better sleep time.
- Diet- An old adage says, your body is what you feed it. Cutting out caffeine and alcohol from your diet, especially around bedtime goes a long way in preventing Insomnia. Chocolates, sweets should all be considered energy boosters, and more likely to keep you awake than not. Eating foods rich in Magnesium, as well as carbohydrate snacks (barring sweets) also promote healthier sleep.
- Aromatherapy- Lavender’s sweet smell is pervading medical annals as sleep inducing. It lengthens the total sleep time, and refreshes the senses. A simple lavender sachet under the pillow, or a few drops of lavender oil in bathwater can work wonders.
- Light- Make sure you go to sleep in very dim light or none at all. Also your adjustment to light needs may affect your sleep.
- Music- A gentle soothing melody at times can do a lot of good to cure Insomnia.
- Acupuncture- Acupuncture may help in the production of Melatonin, thereby promoting sleep and alleviating Insomnia.