Home remedies for insomnia
Can't fall asleep? Here are some ideas for catching some zzzz's at night.
Photo: Hill Street Studios/Jupiterimages -
Controlling the sleep environment
-
Eliminating stimulants
-
Maintaining a strict sleep schedule
-
Natural herbal supplements
-
Winding down at night and meditation
-
Exercising
Although suspenseful cable-TV shows about serial killers can be entertaining, especially after a long, monotonous day at work, watching TV right before bed can release adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) into your bloodstream.
For those who work graveyard shifts, it might be impossible to live the motto: “Early to bed, early to rise,” but even those who have to work in the middle of the night can benefit from maintaining a strict sleep schedule, going to sleep at the same time every day. For those who work normal hours, try to be in bed by 10 p.m. with the lights out.
Tryptophan is the amino acid found in turkey and is possibly the reason that millions of Americans get a restful catnap after a Thanksgiving holiday meal. Tryptophan is broken down into 5-HTP, which is then converted by the body into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a type of counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help relieve the anxiety linked to chronic insomnia.
link:
Comments
Having slept thru the night once in the last 12 years, I've tried EVERYTHING, including doctors (hah!) sleep studies, herbs, melatonin, and every other natural remedy. AMBIEN didn't even work! I usually go to sleep at first, can't stay asleep-getting up 3-4 times a night. Not optomistic.
some not too hot milk before going to sleep. that's related also with serotonine.
I have tried everything. Already take daily meds for a chronic illness so the the last thing I wanted was a sleeping pill. After 6 or so months with minimal sleep I was on the edge of mental collapse. A friend brought me over a joint knowing I had not smoked in more than 20 years. I thought what the hell. A few tokes, some good laughs, and for the first time in months a full 8 hours night sleep. Alarm goes off and a I get up no problem and start my day. I cannot smoke everyday as that is.... More
Reiki is another therapy that helps many people. It has helped me fall asleep at night without any struggle. Also, your mattress and pillow are very important so consider evaluating those. I opted for memory foam and have been sleeping happily ever after. :)
The remedies you suggest are among the best. Other ideas: If you can't sleep, rest. If you can't rest, try not to become anxious. After 30-60 minutes, you might want to get up or read in bed for a while. Cooler, darker rooms are best. It helps me to listen for distant sounds.
doesn't work- nothing does- going slowly mad from no sleep
Tetrohydrocannibanol ?
Yikes. I know how that can feel. I am a lifetime poor sleeper and while in my youth, energy/resilience made up for it in many ways, as I got older, it became worse.
Have you seen a doctor or had a sleep study done? I know it isn't the easiest thing in the world to do, but there are therapies that can help.
