Alternative remedies for insomnia

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Insomnia is a major problem in our society.  There are many reasons for insomnia - it could be stress, anxiety, lack of nutrients, worry, hypoglycemia, tension, physical aches and pains, eating heavy meals late at night or the brain is active which could be due to stimulants or not letting go of our thoughts or worries.  

The key to successful treatments of insomnia lies in focusing upon the part or function of the body that is experiencing problems. For example, if the problem has to do with muscle tension, then using herbs for that support the muscles and skeletal system should be used.  If the condition is asthma, then using herbs for the respiratory system should be used.  If you are not sure what body system needs support, this Health analyzer will guide you.  By selecting herbs that address specific health needs that are compounding the sleep difficulties, better results are obtained.

Dietary changes that may be helpful: 

If you suffer from faulty glucose metabolism, a good bedtime snack such as oatmeal, whole grain cereals or breads, muffins and other complex carbohydrates will help maintain blood sugar levels and can help promote sleep by increasing the levels of seratonin within the brain.

Plain warm (whole, preferably organic) milk contains generous amounts of the amino acid Tryptophane, which quiets the nervous system and when taken with Vitamin B6 keeps the Tryptophane high in the blood stream.  

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: 

Vigorous morning exercises causes the release of a hormone called prostaglandin which promotes sleep 12 hours later

Nutritional supplements and other natural therapies that may be helpful: 

Calcium-Magnesium  calms the nerves and gives strength

Vitamin B6  is essential to break tryptophane down into niacin

Herbs that may be helpful:

Herbal remedies have been used safely for centuries for insomnia. Herbs can also be used alone as mild sedatives or for those suffering from insomnia or nervous exhaustion such as  chamomile, hops, passion flower and catnip. Chamomile is a particularly good choice for younger children where insomnia may be related to gastrointestinal upset.   Valerian root makes getting to sleep easier and increases deep sleep and dreaming. 

Kava Kava  helps reduce anxiety and to bring about a feeling of well-being and contentment.  Also helps to promote more restful sleep or restlessness

Nerve Control  is a blend of herbs designed to help calms jangled nerves and promotes a good night’s sleep and well as support and nourish the nervous system 

Nerve Eight is an herbal blend helps to calm nerves and support restful sleep

Herbal Sleep  supports restful sleep and provides soothing and calming properties. The combination consists of Valerian root, Passion flower and Hops flowers

Essential oils that may be helpful:

The essential oil of lavender contains many medicinal components, including perillyl alcohol, linalool, and geraniol. The oil is calming and thus can be helpful in some cases of insomnia. One study of elderly persons with sleeping troubles found that inhaling lavender oil was as effective as tranquilizers. Lavender is approved by the German government for people with insomnia.

The essential oil of chamomile is effective for children 12 months to 5 years   

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