It’s not uncommon to have difficulty sleeping from time to time. However, when it occurs frequently enough to interfere with one’s ability to function normally, this may indicate insomnia.
This persistent lack of sleep may be linked to medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or depression. If you suffer from any of these diseases, you should consult your doctor to ensure sleep is not a contributing factor to other chronic health issues.
Natural cures for insomnia are popular among those who suffer from the condition. Some have been demonstrated to be beneficial, while others have some proof that isn’t definitive.
This article will discuss several of the most often used natural therapies for insomnia and the evidence that supports their application.
Taking Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced within the body that helps regulate the sleep cycle. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter, in varying strengths and forms. They are commonly used to help with insomnia, jet leg, or trying to overcome a busy mind.
Travelling across time zones has a devastating effect on sleep. When the body thinks it should be in the middle of its sleep cycle, the mind may be wide awake. Melatonin supplements can help the body adjust its circadian rhythm and get back on track.
Melatonin supplements are also beneficial for health conditions related to low melatonin levels, such as depression, mood disorders, delayed sleep-phase syndrome, and aging. While this supplement can easily be accessed in your drug stores, we highly recommend speaking to your physician or a sleep specialist before starting a regiment of melatonin.
Getting Light Exposure Therapy
Light exposure therapy involves exposing yourself to bright, full spectrum light in the morning to help regulate your circadian rhythm. This therapy is based on the fact that light is one of the most vital cues that your brain uses to help control your sleep-wake cycle.
Light exposure therapy works by helping the body sense whether it is daytime or nighttime. The body will produce more melatonin in the evening and less in the day, making it easier to sleep at night when it is dark. Start your morning with a sunrise alarm clock or a few moments watching the sunrise, and make sure to dim the lights in your house as you get closer to bedtime.
Taking Time for Meditation and Relaxation
Meditation is a widely used practice to help relieve stress and improve health in general. It involves concentrating on breathing to help reduce your body from a stressful state and quieting your mind.
Meditation can be done for any length of time, but it takes consistent practice and focus to feel the benefits. Ten to twenty minutes of true meditation the night before bed can help you relax and fall asleep. You can also try integrating yoga into your daily physical activity, which combines meditation, relaxation, breathing, and exercise.
Getting Hypnosis Therapies for Deep Relaxation
Some studies show that hypnosis can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The idea behind hypnosis is that being in a relaxed state will allow your subconscious to relax. This should help enable your body to fall asleep more quickly and sleep longer. Results of hypnosis vary widely from person to person.
Soothing Oneself with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the more popular choices to help insomnia. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to provide benefits that can help reduce stress, improve mood, and induce relaxation.
Essential oils are applied to the skin in various ways, such as massage or bath. They can also be inhaled to deliver the benefits of the essential oils to the brain. In addition to their calming effects, essential oils can also help to improve breathing and circulation. Essential oils can be strong and induce reactions for some people, so speak to your physician or a naturopath before using them.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the natural therapies that are popular for treating insomnia. As sleeping well is essential for general health and wellbeing, it is best to seek help from an insomnia clinic if you experience any trouble sleeping. It is important to make sure there are no other physical or mental disorders that are contributing, as trying to treat the insomnia without considering these things will likely fail.
If you are looking for sleep solutions in North Vancouver, you can head on to Sleep Better Live Better. We have a qualified sleep team that has helped thousands of patients find healthy sleep solutions.
