| If you suffer from insomnia, you know it's a | | | | Relief from your insomnia may be as simple as |
| miserable condition that can drive you to | | | | a cup or two of chamomile tea taken an hour |
| distraction. Insomnia is an inability to fall | | | | or two before retiring. Chamomile has a |
| asleep normally, over a prolonged period. | | | | calming effect, relieving tense muscles, |
| There are many possible causes, including | | | | digestive upsets and anxiety. |
| diabetes, lung or heart disease and sleep | | | | |
| apnea. Although there are several natural | | | | Other herbs commonly used as insomnia |
| remedies that may bring relief, get a checkup | | | | remedies include passion flower, lemon balm, |
| to rule out diseases before using any natural | | | | anise and skullcap. All have a calming effect |
| insomnia remedies. | | | | on the nerves and some have a mild sedative |
| | | | property. These may be prepared as tea and |
| Some people with insomnia keep irregular | | | | taken as for chamomile. |
| hours, those proverbial night owls. What you | | | | |
| may not realize is that circadian rhythms | | | | Another popular and highly effective insomnia |
| are, in large part, determined by exposure to | | | | remedy is the hops pillow. Loosely fill a |
| natural light. If you're the night owl, be | | | | smallish (8" square) cloth bag with hops and |
| sure to get natural light exposure, both in | | | | lay it on your pillow when retiring. Some |
| the morning and late afternoon. Walking and | | | | people say that sprinkling the pillow with |
| exercise both contribute to your ability to | | | | oil of lavender increases the sleep-inducing |
| sleep, so take a couple of short walks every | | | | qualities of the hops. |
| day. You may be delighted with this most | | | | |
| simple of insomnia remedies! | | | | Diet plays an important role in cases of |
| | | | insomnia, consisting of a short list of "do's |
| Several herbs have been used for centuries as | | | | and don'ts". Avoid caffeine and sugar, |
| effective insomnia remedies and are still | | | | particularly in the afternoon and evening. |
| used to good effect today. | | | | Try a complex carbohydrate as an evening |
| | | | snack to promote sleep. A baked potato or |
| Valerian is one of the best known natural | | | | some crackers may be all you need. (That |
| insomnia remedies, widely used in Europe for | | | | chocolate donut won't do!) |
| this purpose. However, valerian doesn't work | | | | |
| for everyone. Although valerian is | | | | Some cases of insomnia are due to magnesium |
| well-researched, scientists are not certain | | | | deficiencies, showing up in muscle cramps, |
| of how it works, but only that it is often | | | | restless leg syndrome, irritability and an |
| effective. As with many herbs, it may take | | | | inability to fall asleep. A magnesium |
| two to three works before you realize | | | | supplement, taken an hour before your desired |
| results. | | | | bedtime can help. |
| | | | |
| Kava kava is a popular and effective | | | | Once disease has been ruled out, try a |
| anti-anxiety remedy, which may prove helpful | | | | combination of these natural insomnia |
| if your insomnia is anxiety related. | | | | remedies. You'll soon find those which work |
| | | | for you. Sweet dreams! |