Insomnia: How to Get to Sleep More Naturally

Insomnia is an affliction that plagues millions of Americans––many are left wondering how to get sleep. The inability to sleep can be frustrating and debilitating––going without sleep has a profound effect not only on your day to day function and performance, but your long term health. Yet it is something many of us suffer from.</span

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up feeling unrested and experiencing tiredness throughout the day. There are many causes of insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, drinking caffeine or alcohol, using nicotine, changes in environment or schedule or medications. It is also more likely to become a problem as people age. Often, it is an acute condition, one that most people experience at some point in their lives for any number of reasons. For many, though, it is a chronic problem.

When seeking relief, the answer for many, of course, is usually a pill prescribed by a doctor. We’ve likely all seen the advertisements on TV for prescription sleep medicines. Despite providing relief from this very real condition, many pills are habit forming, and many do come with a list of side effects.

Only your doctor is licensed to treat insomnia, but before you make the decision to go on a prescription medication, perhaps see if he or she would be willing to let you try a few things.

There are, obviously, the sensible things to try first: Limit caffeine consumption and avoid using alcohol or nicotine. Keep phones, computers and other backlit screens out of your bedroom, as the light can interfere with your ability to go to sleep.

“there are some natural sleep aids that may be good alternatives to prescription drugs”

Next, try the Kaufmann Diet. Diet is thought to play a role in sleep, and perhaps there is a dietary component to your sleeping problems. Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Begin a sensible exercise routine; exercise is known to aid one in getting to sleep and sleeping deeply. If you are a coffee or tea drinker, try either cutting it out or ceasing consumption in the afternoon. Remember that on Kaufmann 1 of the Kaufmann Diet, you’re mostly sticking to just water, anyway.

If all of these things don’t help you get some shut-eye, there are some natural sleep aids that may be good alternatives to prescription drugs, such as melatonin and valerian root tea. Some magnesium supplements, such as Natural Calm, may be beneficial, as well. With these supplements, always make sure you have your doctor’s clearance––only he or she knows whether these supplements can interfere with other drugs you may or may not be on.

Finally, if stress and anxiety are part of the reason your sleep is suffering, try some supplements that may aid in helping your body cope with those problems more naturally. These include magnolia bark, L-Theanine, phosphatidyl serene, beta sistosterol, and fish oils.

While occasional bouts of insomnia will likely affect everyone occasionally, living with it chronically doesn’t have to be your plight.

Related Articles

The Importance of Circadian Rhythm

Is Melatonin Safe?

The Kaufmann Lifestyle: Getting Healthy Sleep

Still have questions?

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