Overcoming Insomnia Naturally For a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep deprivation can be a debilitating condition, one that affects overall health, mood and happiness. Insomnia in the Western world is very common, some might say it is at epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, with Western medicine waiting to trap the unwary into a lifetime of often dangerous drugs, or sleeping tablets as they are so innocently called, insomnia can be quite a serious condition if not understood and nipped in the bud.

There can be all sorts of reasons someone may suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorder. In an overcrowded home, such as millions here in the Philippines, few if any will get their full quota of the sleep they need for good health, as each occupant may disturb the others, and children are kept awake far later than they should be.

In the UK, from where I originate, and no doubt in the US too, the reasons for insomnia are more varied and more modern. Some of the possible causes of insomnia in these countries can include:

1. Being over stressed through work and hectic lifestyle;

2. Too many stimulants being ingested, throughout the day or too close to bed time. Those stimulants can include coffee, tea, artificial drinks, and artificial additives in food;

3. Inability to relax and unwind in the evening;

4. Dwelling on problems at bed time instead of setting them to one side for the night.

There are many more possible causes of sleep disorders, but they are some of the main ones in the Western world. All is not lost, though, and mostly they can be overcome naturally without resorting to prescription drugs.

Natural Sleep Aids For a Better Night's Sleep

Here are some natural sleep aids to help you overcome insomnia without resorting to sleeping pills and their side effects.

1. You have probably heard this a thousand times for losing weight, but it applies to sleeping well too. If you get plenty of exercise, your body will feel more ready for a good night's sleep every night. A half an hour of exercise every day will help you overcome insomnia.

2. Do not go to bed too hungry or too full. Hunger pangs may keep you awake, as will a bloated tummy still very busy digesting food. if you have your main meal in the evening, try to finish it 3 hours or so before going to bed.

3. Avoid stimulants in the evening, including caffeine and artificial colors and flavors in snacks or drinks.

4. If you want a drink in the mid to late evening, stick to water or a herbal tea such as chamomile, which can be quite smoothing. I have only had a sleep problem once, and that was when the itching from undiagnosed scabies was driving me crazy day and night. After 3 months I tried chamomile tea, and it helped.

5. Never fall asleep when you get home from work late afternoon or early evening. Get refreshed with a shower or bath, a change of clothes and some lively music. Then relax for the evning without falling asleep until bed time.

6. Do not be afraid to go to bed early. If you really do feel sleepy at 9pm, then go to sleep in your bed, or retire early with your spouse. Forcing yourself to stay awake to watch a late night movie is no help to you.

7. Have some relaxing music in your bedroom with natural sounds, such as birds, dolphins or waves; or a mixture of rainforest sounds.

Sleep really is most critical to your health, as your body is very active replenishing itself while you sleep. Losing sleep over a long period will damage your immunity, and leave you feeling exhausted and edgy, thus affecting your work performance and your social life, as well as relationships.

 

If your mind is particularly busy and wont slow down or let go of a particular problem then try writing down your problems, thoughts or worries in a journal before retiring for the night. This can help greatly to get things off your mind and help you to drop off more easily into restful sleep.