Introduction
Insomnia, a term derived from Latin meaning “condition of not sleeping” is a common problem that can range in severity and frequency. Its main characteristic is some form of sleeping difficulty, mainly the inability to fall asleep at night or to stay asleep throughout the night.
Sleep is a very important process. It allows the body to rest thoroughly and to replenish. Also, most of the healing the body does by itself goes on during sleep. Not being able to sleep obviously leads to a number of problems, both physiological and psychological. In addition, lying in bed at night, tired but not being able to fall asleep, is one of the most frustrating experiences a person can encounter.
There are many possible reasons for this sleep disorder. Stress, some health conditions, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, mental problems and even certain weather conditions can all cause or aggravate insomnia.
The effects of insomnia range from fatigue, tiredness, drop in the immune response, irritability, to the lack of focus, memory and concentration and so on.
Natural insomnia remedies
There are many things a person can try out when it comes to beating insomnia. Some of them classify as lifestyle changes. Drug abuse and alcoholism are major factors for insomnia and those unhealthy habits should be abandoned. Stress is another important factor. It is important to identify the sources of stress and to avoid them. stress can also be managed through meditation, breathing techniques, yoga and similar activities.
Sleeping patterns play a very important role in insomnia. It is important to try to follow precise patters, for example going to bed at 11pm and waking up at 7pm, even if sleeping did not occur at all. Sleeping at odd hours or taking naps during the day is counterproductive and will only aggravate the problem.
It is a well-known fact that caffeine keeps a person awake. Therefore, beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and sodas, should not be consumed at least four hours before bedtime.
Proper nutrition is another vital factor in overcoming insomnia. It is important to make sure the diet provides all the essential nutrients, especially minerals and vitamins.
There are also herbal remedies that can be very helpful against insomnia. They are always a much better alternative than sleeping pills, however, herbal remedies also have certain contraindications and possible side effects, which is why it is better to consult a doctor before taking them. Some of the herbs that promote a good night’s sleep are valerian root, kava kava, chamomile, peppermint, jasmine and passion flower.
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