Sleep Remedies
How to deal with sleep disorders
You've tried everything – blackout curtains, sleeping pills, eye masks and even changing your mattress and pillow – but nothing's working. You're still not sleeping. It can be very frustrating to be unable to get a good night's sleep, especially in today's busy world.
Some people with sleep disorders complain that they just can't stop thinking at night, and some also say that they're worried they will become addicted to the over-the-counter sleeping pills they take to catch at least a few hours of shut-eye.
The good news is you don't have to be dependent on sleep aids in order to get a few hours of sleep at night. Natural remedies are a gentler option and allow you to sleep well without becoming dependent on medication or spending a lot of money on new furnishings.
Dangers of Sleep Disorders
Many people don't know that the need for sleep is extremely important to the body's health and well-being. When you sleep, the body performs cellular maintenance, healing your body from the wear and tear of the day and building up your immune system. In fact, if you don't sleep, you are at risk for severe psychological and physiological problems.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Some sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring and narcolepsy. Insomnia is a condition characterized by the inability to fall or stay sleep. It often includes anxiety and worry, both as a cause and an effect.
Sleep apnea is characterized by a person being unable to breathe properly during sleep, and sometimes being unable to breathe at all due to obstruction of the airway from the pressure of being obese or overweight.
Snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea or a problem on its own. When you snore at night, you often wake up feeling un-refreshed and tired.
Narcolepsy is characterized by a person falling asleep uncontrollably and without warning during the day. This can be extremely dangerous, as the sleep attacks can happen at any time, such as while a person is driving or walking up or down stairs.
Herbal Sleep Remedies
Natural and herbal remedies can help people with sleep disorders and prevent the disorders from becoming a problem.
Sleep apnea remedies include losing 10 percent of your body weight to reduce obstruction, taking lachesis and homeopathic opium (prescribed in chronic or severe cases by a homeopathic doctor), and using other herbal remedies like vervain, which has a calming influence and can help people with strong or anxious feelings. Some behavioral treatments may include changing your sleep position, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breathing steam before bed.
Insomnia remedies include treatment for anxiety, deep breathing exercises and changes to your diet. Herbal remedies such as dietary supplements and natural sleep aids can help you sleep without the worry of dependency that accompanies over-the-counter sleep aids. As well, behavioral therapies like chromatherapy (color therapy) and aromatherapy can help you relax and let go of the pressures that may be preventing your sleep.
Sleep doesn't have to be elusive. Try some of these natural remedies before resorting to sleeping pills, and you may find that you can solve your problem naturally.
