Natural Remedies For Insomnia

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia is not an independent disease or a medical disorder. It usually is a symptom of other underlying medical problems. Insomnia basically refers to the inability of an individual to fall asleep or maintain sleep or even both in some cases. Insomnia is classified into three main types depending on the duration of sleep. Transient insomnia is one wherein the symptoms last for less than one week whereas an insomnia wherein the symptoms remain for between one to three weeks is known as short term insomnia. The last type of insomnia which lasts for longer than three weeks is known as chronic insomnia. The after effects of insomnia may range from anxiety to lack of concentration.

Home Remedies For Insomnia

Some natural remedies for insomnia will include modifying ones daily diet to include foods like yogurt, bananas, salads and green vegetables. Milk and milk products like butter, cheese, clarified butter and the like should be consumed before going to bed as they are known to relax a person and induce sleep. Foods like refined sugars, chocolates, salts, oily foods and so on should be minimized by those suffering from insomnia as they tend to interrupt one’s sleep or delay sleep. Similarly sleeping for long periods of time during the day should also be avoided. Smoking and alcohol tend to reduce bodily fluids and hamper with one’s quality and quantity of sleep and hence should be avoided especially just before bed time. Food rich in zinc, Vitamin B, Calcium, Vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals are known to maintain one’s good health and cure sleeplessness. Physical activities like running, exercising, swimming and other such sports tend to soothe the nerves and hence help in inducing sleep. However, care should be taken that strenuous physical exercises are avoided 4-5 hours before sleeping. Stimulants like nicotine and caffeine should also be avoided before going to bed as they interfere with the sleep. Another natural remedy for insomnia involves having a warm water bath at night or even simply soaking one’s feet in warm water for 10 – 15 minutes just before going to bed. This helps the body relax and results in inducing quality sleep.

Additionally, insomnia is also triggered by psychological reasons such as excessive stress and depression. One should try and maintain an ideal work life balance and avoid bringing work at home. Alternate therapies like meditation and yoga also help in soothing an individual and thereby preventing insomnia and thus resulting in overall good health.