Beating Insomnia

Millions of people continue to struggle with insomnia and many are turning to sleeping pills first, without trying other alternative options. The problem with sleeping pills is that they have many side effects including addiction, irritability, depression, and headaches. Natural, alternative remedies are available and should be tried before resorting to sleeping pills. Here a few alternate remedies to try before resorting to drugs:

1. Relax and stop trying to fall asleep: Most people worry too much about insomnia, so much that it works them up when trying to fall asleep that it produces the opposite effect-sleepless nights. We can no more force ourselves to sleep than we can force ourselves to feel hunger-it is a natural body function. Instead try visualization or relaxation techniques to take your mind off of sleep itself-it should come naturally.

2. De-stress. The worst thing you can do when going to bed is focus on your stress and worries- you will be tossing and turning for hours. Instead try having a warm bath before you go to bed-try to wind down, and focus on positive aspects of your life. Clear your head before bed, have a nice warm cup of sleepy time tea, and avoid negative thoughts which will keep you up until the wee hours of the night.

3. Take a Melatonin supplement. Melatonin is naturally produced by our bodies and helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. As we get older, the production of melatonin slows down, which may be why we have a harder time sleeping, or get less sleep, as we get older. Taking a melatonin supplement may help you catch some zzz’s without the side effects of sleeping pills.

Sleep is the most important function that our bodies perform. Most people need about 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly each day. Make sure you are getting the sleep you need and enjoy a healthy, well balanced lifestyle.