What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

The following blog post What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia was originally published to Total Survival

A lot of people suffer from insomnia… The sad truth is, our bodies need sleep and without proper sleep…well, we just do not function the same. The nightly struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep is all too real for so many of us. In this article, you’ll be able to answer: What is insomnia? And you’ll learn easy and natural ways to fight it.

What is Insomnia: Natural Methods To Overcome Sleepless Nights

Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder, affecting about one-third of the adult population worldwide. It occurs more with women but, as we age, the quality of sleep decreases in both men and women. The direct cause of insomnia is hard to pinpoint at times but, here are the most common factors that can contribute to insomnia:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Environmental changes
• Sudden increase/decrease in temperatures (inside and outside of your home)
• Side effects of medications
• Hormonal changes
• Chronic pain
• Sleep apnea
• Excessive napping during the day
• Alcohol and/or caffeine intake before bed
• Smoking cigarettes before bed

If you suffer from insomnia, there are all natural solutions to help you get back that good night’s rest. Let’s get started!

Chamomile

Chamomile is an all natural herb with sedative properties and is safe for adults and children of all ages. However, if your child is allergic to ragweed, it is recommended that the child not consume any form of chamomile. If you are unsure, please consult with your child’s primary care physician.

Chamomile tea is used to treat restlessness and irritability which are contributing factors of insomnia.

Dosage:

• 1-2 cups before bed for adults
• 1 cup before bed for children.

Chamomile oil can be used as well. Add 5-6 drops of chamomile oil to your evening bath. This will help calm your nerves which in turn will promote better sleep. Please consult with your child’s primary care physician before adding chamomile oil to their bath.

Valerian

Valerian is best known for its sedative properties. It is a popular all natural treatment for restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia.

Dosage (over the counter supplement):

• For adults, take 300-600 mg of valerian 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime.
• For children, please consult with your child’s primary care physician.

To make valerian root tea:

• Soak 2-3 grams of dried valerian root in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink tea 1 hour before bedtime.

Please allow up to 2 weeks of regular use of valerian for it to become beneficial.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort has been around since the ancient times in Greece. Modern science has linked St. John’s Wort in relieving chronic insomnia and mild depression.

Recommended dosage for capsules:

• Follow recommended dosage on the bottle.
• Not recommended for children.

Because St. John’s Wort can sensitize your skin to sunlight, it is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing while outdoors, if possible.

Please allow for up to 3 weeks for St. John’s Wort to take effect.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a very popular all natural treatment for insomnia. However, it has different results for some. Some people take to this treatment very well, while others do not. Some folks even experience side effects such as nervousness and increased insomnia.

Dosage:

• 0.3 mg to 5 mg of melatonin at bedtime.
• For children, please consult with their primary care physician.

Start with the smallest dosage and work your way up. This will give you a chance to see if it will work for you. If you experience any side effects, discontinue use.

Before using melatonin, please consult your primary care physician if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Diabetes
• Depression
• High or low blood pressure
• Any blood disorders
• Epilepsy

Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in your nervous system. It helps to keep your nervous system in a calm state which, in turn, will help you sleep.

Dosage:

• Minimum dosage for adult males is 420 mg.
• 320 mg for adult females.
• Over the counter magnesium supplement average recommended dosage is 200-400 mg a day for those that are already getting magnesium through their daily diet via food intake.
• Not recommended for children.

However, most adults can benefit from 1000 mg of magnesium a day, which is the recommended maximum amount per day.

Side effects:

• Excessive amounts of magnesium (800-1600 mg a day) can cause diarrhea.

To help prevent this from happening, please start with a small dosage when taking magnesium supplements. Allow your body to adjust, then work your way up.

Natural Cures shares a natural remedy to sleep better and claims it is better than sleeping pills:

Additional Steps You Can Take To Increase Your Chances Of A Good Night’s Rest:

1. Establish a routine. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night. Over time, your body will start to expect rest at that time every night. It takes a while, so, don’t become frustrated. Stick with it!
2. Stay active! The more active you are during the day, the more your body will crave rest at bedtime.
3. Eliminate caffeine and alcohol before bedtime – about 4 hours before bed is a good place to start.
4. Avoid large meals or snacks before bedtime.
5. Learning relaxation techniques can do wonders for insomnia. Daily meditation and yoga are great!

Can you now answer: what is insomnia? Share with us in the comment section below.

Learn how to make herbal extracts if you want to make natural remedies of your own!

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Originally Published Here: What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia