General Health Information

You most likely know how aggravating a sleepless night can be. You’re so drained the next day that you may be confused and incapable of performing at your best. If you regularly experience sleep problems, you almost certainly have insomnia.

Common causes of insomnia include depression, sleep apnea, hormonal changes, and heart disease. If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, or find that you frequently wake up during the night, you might want to consider trying out some of these natural remedies. Just be sure to check with your doctor first.

Aromatherapy – Breathing in lavender, ylang ylang and chamomile can help you get to sleep sooner and stay that way.

Diet – Sugar and caffeine will keep you awake, so don’t consume them in the hours leading up to bedtime. However, foods containing magnesium can help soothe and relax you, so fill up on green vegetables, bran and nuts such as almonds and cashews.

Exercise – Regular cardiovascular exercise can contribute to better sleep patterns. Don’t work out just before bed, however.

Meditation – Deep breathing exercises and meditation before crawling under the covers have been shown to help insomniacs fall asleep more easily.

Melatonin – A well-known natural insomnia remedy, melatonin is in fact produced in your body. However, you might be lacking in this sleep-inducing hormone, so a supplement at bedtime might help you sleep more soundly.

Valerian – With its ability to calm your brain’s neurotransmitters, valerian has been shown to be an effective, non-addictive treatment for insomnia.

In addition, make sure that your pillow and mattress offer the proper support, and that the temperature in your bedroom isn’t too cold or too hot.

An excellent information resource on insomnia can be found at Insomnia Relief.