Alternative Medicine for Insomnia
Insomnia is an acute sleep disorder in which person finds it difficult to initiate and in maintaining his sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. Insomnia is not just a matter of few sleepless nights rather it is marked with a regular feature of non-occurrence of sleep, fatigue, lack of exercise both mental and physical are responsible for occasional sleeplessness.
Loss of sleep on regular basis may be a result of tension, depression, heart ailments, sleeps apnea, respiratory disorders, or diabetes. In order to have a proper insight to all these problems and reaching to the best cure, consultation to a doctor is a must. Since ages, and immemorial times, herbs and other natural healers and remedies have their own say in curing ailments like insomnia. Some of the herbs are listed below along with its therapeutic value:
- Valerian-It is a commonly used herb in treating sleeplessness, having wide acceptance in various parts of Europe. It promotes the calming neuro transmitter GABA.Valerain is neither addicted nor does it causes wooziness and tiredness.
Prolonged intake of valerian is not advisable, because it may produce side effects like headaches, digestive disorders and giddiness. Valerian is efficacious only if it is taken under precautions. Other sedatives or anti histamines should not be taken along with valerian. Drinking of alcohol should be evaded while taking this herb. Valerian should be taken just before the bedtime; one can observe its remedial effects in two or three weeks. - Melatonin-It is widely popular among those classes of people who work in shifts, as their body needs an adjustment against the outside forces. It is a natural hormone produced by the body, and the source Serotonin converts to Melatonin at night. But in recent time this herb has lost its significance as it used to have.
As a rule, it has been advisable to be taken half –an-hour before the desired sleep to gain its proper effects. Pregnant women, patients with depression and schizophrenia are prohibited for intake of this herb along with people with debilitated auto immune systems, and serious illnesses. - Kava-Kava is principally and essentially an anti –anxiety herb. It lessons the anxiety disorder relating to insomnia. Consumption of kava in more than prescribed quantities leads to serious and critical liver damages, as been claimed by medical authorities.
- Relaxation and exercise- Timely exercising relaxes the muscles, leading to better flow circulation of blood and body movements. Relaxation unties the body movements and slackens off the stressed muscles. Relaxation is a conscious effort inducing a good night’s sleep.
- Visualizing- Visualizing helps in calming the body both mentally as well as physically. A relaxing view sets both mind as well as body in a peaceful and calmer state, directly providing rest and leading to a serene sleep.
- Meditation and Yoga-It installs a calmer and fitter body and mind mechanism into us. It unclogs our mind and body tissues, providing us a better and sound sleep.
- Diet-The old saying- “your body is what you feed it” bears the truth in its own words. . Eating foods rich in Magnesium, as well as carbohydrate generating snacks (barring sweets) induces healthier sleep. Energy boosters like chocolates and sweets should be taken in limited quantities as they disturb your sleeping habits. Decreasing the intake of caffeine and alcohol from the diet goes a long way in promoting a healthier and sound sleep.
- Aromatherapy-Lavender’s amazing smell is one of the sleep boosters by lengthening the total sleeping span and in refreshing the body senses. It can be used either putting its small sachet under pillow or by putting few drops of lavender oil in bathwater. They will surely cast magic and improve your sleeping habits.
- Light- Light has direct effect on your sleeping patterns. Make sure you go to sleep in very dim light or none at all.
- Music- A comforting and a calming piece of music has its own hand in curing the insomnia.
- Acupuncture- Acupuncture helps in the production of Melatonin, which encourages sleep and thereby helps in alleviating Insomnia.