Natural Cures for Insomnia

Insomnia is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can have a variety of causes, and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. There are two primary types of insomnia, Sleep-Onset Insomnia, and Sleep-mainteance insomnia.

Sleep Onset Insomnia, also known as Initial insomnia, means a person has difficulty falling asleep. Sleep maintance insomnia means falling asleep isn't an issue, but staying asleep is! It's common for insomniacs to have both of these types of Insomnia. Furthermor, most prescription medications for sleep problems are addictive, so natural remedies for insomnia are preferrable.

Some studies say that up to half of adults in the U.S. have some degree of insomnia. Of course, no one sleeps easy every night, but to constantlyfeel sleepless, day after day, can cause fatigue, depression, and a host of other medical problems, not to mention discomfort!

Before we figure out what possible natural remedies for insomnia are, we should first take a look at what exactly healthy sleep looks like.

The amino acid L-tryptophan that occurs in some foods is used by the body and converted into 5-HTP. 5-HTP is used to make serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is then transformed into a sleep hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is usually only created after dark. By controlling these chemical levels, our body controls our "sleep/wake cycle". This is a simplified overview, however, understanding that the body needs to produce enough serotonin
and regulate melatonin is the basics of promoting healthy sleep.

What causes insomnia?

Well, there are lots of causes, and fewer natural remedies for insomnia, however, a restful sleep is possible. Here is a list of common insomniac afflictions: Sleep apnea, bladder problems, prostate issues, depression, RLS (restless leg syndrome) and of course stress.

It is estimated that half of all forms of insomnia are brought on by mental causes, including stress, depression, and anxiety.

Sleep tight, all night through, naturally!

Natural remedies for insomnia can include a wide range of treatents and/or vitamins, minerals, and herbal approaches. When the body doesn't sleep, night after night, the body is saying something is wrong and needs to be looked into. Problems at work, or relationship issues may need attention. It's possible that depression is a factor and needs treatment. Maybe serotonin or magnesium deficiency is the underlying problem.

There are many products on the market, especially pharmaceuticals which espouse their numerous benefits, but these can be habit forming. Do not be discouraged in finding a lasting solution for your insomnia. A natural and/or herbal solution can be very effective in eliminating or minimizing your insomnia. The key is to find the underlining reason for the insomnia before beginning treatment.

So, where do we begin...

First, asertain which insomnia scenario best fits your situation.

1. A person who is healthy, however is afflicted by intermittent sleep-onset insomnia, twice a week or less:

Persons affected by intermittent sleep-onset insomnia can be attributed to worry, stress, or an overactive mind. Coping with these can be challenging, especially when trying to "quiet" your mind in order to fall asleep. These occasional bouts of insomnia can lead to daily occurances of insomnia. Therefore, it's important to find a solution before the insomnia becomes chronic. Using natural herbs to induce sleep is always preferable, as they work harmoniously with your body. They will enable you to feel rested and alert without the many side effects involved with prescription drugs.

A few things you can try before and/or with the following natural herbs:

a) regular exercise
b) incorporate RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
c) avoid alcohol and caffeine, in the afternoon and evening
d) play relaxing music or sounds

Natural herbal remedies:

Passiflora incarnata - passionflower; long used as a relaxing herb. Studies have reported that passionflower has sleep-promoting and muscle-relaxing properties. It can be especially effective for a person who lies awake worrying because of stress or work.

Scuttelaria laterifolia - scullcap; a herb that has been used effectively for stress and insomnia. Habits of staying up late and having extended hours interrupt your regular sleeping patterns. Scullcap internally treats the effects of that stress by calming down your nervous system and allowing for normal sleep.

Avena sativa - oats; are of particular value in helping a person to cope with the exhaustion that results from insomnia. Oats stimulate sufficient nervous energy to help relieve insomnia.

Coffea C30 - a remedy with hemeopathic qualities that relieves symptoms of headaches, insomnia, and restless feeling that prevents sleep. Has a calming effect for a person over stimulated by work or worry.

Lavandula - lavender; as aromatheraphy, place a few drops of essential oil on a hankerchief or in a warm bath, or a lavender sachet beneath your pillow. Studies have found that lavender has relaxing and sleep-inducing properties, it is found to lengthen total sleep time and increase deep sleep.

2. For a person who suffers from chronic insomnia (twice or more a week) and who attempts to fall asleep as well as remain asleep (which is sleep-maintainence insomnia)

Low serotinin levels seem to be regularly connected to sufferers of chronic insomnia and can be attributed to anxiety, depression, chronic illness, prostate problems, menopause, dietary deficiences. People with chronic insomnia have a hard time falling asleep and then also wake up in the middle of the night/early morning and unable to fall back asleep. They will need additional inducement to aid them to achieve substantial rest.

Natural herbal remedies:

Schizandra chinesis - used widely in traditional chinese medicine, is a valuable adaptogen. Enhancing the body's capability to manage stress. Schizandra acts as a calming sedative for daytime agitation, anxiety attacks, and palpitations.

Hypericum perforatum - St John's wort is a herb extensively used as a substitute to pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for anxiety and depression. Studies have shown its success in evening out the levels of neurotrasmitters which are directly linked to improving emotional stability, serenity, sleep, libido and feelings of pleasure.

Vitamin B6 - found to be deficient in people who suffer from emotional stress or physical strain. A supplemental dosage of vitamin B6 has been found to aid and treat chronic insomnia.

Magnesium lactate - A deficiency is recognized as a connection to insomnia. Magnesium as a supplement acts as a natural tranquilizer by inhibiting the racing thoughts or an inability to shut the mind off when trying to sleep.

And lastly...

A few things you can try before and/or with the above natural herbs:

a) regular exercise
b) incorporate RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
c) avoid alcohol and caffeine in the afternoon and evening
d) play relaxing music or sound