A good night’s sleep can help you to make hay while the sun shines, whereas insomnia (inability to sleep) would simply end you up counting sheep. Let us explore some home remedies for insomnia, to help you slip into blissful slumber, slowly yet surely.

Insomnia home remedies

Insomnia is a sleep disorder affecting about one-thirds of the American and European population. Medical sciences are yet to find the roots, which trigger the condition, but there are treatments sans the sleeping pills, which can effectively induce sleep. Insomnia in the longer run can lead to depression, heart ailments and sorts. These home remedies will chart out simple steps, which can play a vital role for deep sleep.

Effective home remedies for insomnia

• One of the most common reasons for sleeplessness could be the lack of a proper ambience. So make sure that the pillows, mattress are soft, the lighting effects dim. A dark, silent room can promote sleep better.

• Avoid the intake of caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. Caffeine is a diuretic and a nervous system stimulant as well. There is all possibility to wake up with the urge to pass urine in the middle of the night due to the intake of tea or coffee. Alcohol on the other hand is misconceived to be a sedative. Once the sedative effects of alcohol wears out, the brain goes into a “new-alert”, making sleeping even more difficult.

• A milk and banana before bed time can work as a good home remedy for insomnia. Banana is rich in tryptophan, which helps in synthesizing the brain-calming chemical called serotonin. Serotonin helps to keep the mind calm and induce sleep as well.

• Work on melatonin, the hormone, which regulates the body’s biological clock. Studies show that with aging the level of melatonin secretion decreases, which can severely affect the sleep-wake cycle. So taking melatonin supplements, after consulting with a physician/sleep specialist can be helpful.

• From the herbal shelf, there is the valerian herb, which is associated with sedative properties. The herb prolongs REM (rapid eye movement), evident in deep sleep. An herbalist’s prescription on the herb supplements will be helpful.

• A “sugar-coating” home remedy for insomnia is to take a bit of sugar half-an-hour before bedtime. Add a spoon of sugar to milk before bedtime and feel the sedation slowly setting in.

• Taking the herb Kava kava a few hours before bedtime is very helpful.  Known to reduce stress, relax muscles, and relieve tension, kava is a very good sedative when taken in large doses without any of the side-effects associated with sleeping pills. Make sure to consult with an herbalist about the dosage.

Points of caution

• In the case of chronic insomnia should be brought to the attention of a sleep therapist, as the above-mentioned remedies may not work out.
• The above-mentioned home remedies may not be suitable for pregnant women and young children. In such cases it is imperative to consult with the physician before going ahead with any treatment.

The next time you hit the bed, welcome sweet slumber in all its glory with the above mentioned remedies for insomnia.

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