Beating Insomnia

Five Simple Tricks For Beating Insomnia

beating insomnia book

For individuals suffering from insomnia, sleepless night stretch endlessly and offer no relief to exhausted individuals. We as humans need sleep to recharge our bodies and minds after a long day of work, and when sleep does not come, our quality of life begins to suffer. Individuals suffering from insomnia often describe their days as foggy and often feel as if they are watching the world from afar instead of being an active participant.

If you are suffering from insomnia, there is hope! Do not simply submit to watching early morning informercials and becoming a virtual zombie during your waking hours. There are ways of beating this condition and regaining your zest and zeal for life. Look forward to going to bed instead of dreading when the sun goes down and for once avoid insomnia and get a restful night’s sleep.

1 Look for the Cause: Most individuals who suffer from insomnia have a root cause of the problem. Perhaps it is stresses or anxieties at home, school, or work. By finding the root cause of your insomnia, you can begin to address the cause and enter in to blissful sleep. Also, you may have an underlying emotional problem that is denying your body sleep. Consider speaking with a professional therapist to investigate this problem.

2 Start a Sleep Schedule: If you are unable to successfully fall asleep or suffer from insomnia, look at the time you spend in bed. The best way to receive the best quality sleep is to maintain a sleep schedule. Although it may be tempting, avoid sleeping in for excessive time. A disruption in your sleep schedule can often cause insomnia or trouble falling asleep.

beating-insomnia

3 Watch What You Eat: For individuals looking for quality sleep, what you eat or drink can determine how restful your night will be spent. Avoid foods or drinks with caffeine. Many individuals who consume excess amounts of caffeinated coffees, teas, or soft drinks experience sleep problems due to the build up of caffeine in your system. Also, alcohol and tobacco products can directly affect your sleep. Consider switching to a calming herbal tea or tradition glass of warm milk before bed to ease you into sleep.

4 Start an Exercise Routine: If you are having problems with insomnia or falling asleep, your body may be having a deeper problem. Consider beginning an exercise routine to allow you to receive quality sleep and have a better overall sense of health. Many individuals do not receive enough exercise and your body is not responding to this lack of movement, resulting in insomnia. Whether you join a gym or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood, exercising can directly affect your sleep.

5 Only Use Your Bed for Sleeping: Many individuals who have problems with insomnia or falling asleep find they use their bed for things other than sleeping. Instead of lounging, reading a book, or watching a television program, reserve your bed for sleeping. That way, when you go to get in bed, your mind and body know that it is time to go to sleep, thus stopping the insomnia cycle.

Medical Side Effects

Insomnia Medication Side Effects

Medical Side Effects

I seldom have a sleepless night but remember an occasion when I had difficulty falling asleep. Being awake when I should have been asleep was very annoying. Since I work at night, the problem may have been too much sunlight coming in through the window when it was time to go to bed. In the winter time the light isn't bright enough to bother me.

Light influences the production of a hormone that regulates when we get that sleepy feeling. Too much light tends to make us wake up. Unfortunately, light is only one of the factors that influences our ability to fall asleep. Stress, caffeine use and a host of other factors can also contribute to a case of insomnia.

Insomnia can be described as the inability to fall asleep, the inability to stay asleep or waking up too early. There are three categories of insomnia. Chronic insomnia is long term and happens most nights for a month or longer. Two to four weeks of poor sleep constitutes short-term insomnia and the transient form of insomnia lasts but a few nights.

Benzodiazepines could be prescribed to help one fall asleep on a short term basis. Long term use of sleeping pills can become addictive.

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for insomnia and anxiety relief. Lorazepam also goes by the names Lorazepam Intensol, Loraz, Alzapam and Ativan. In Canada you might find the names Nu-Loraz, Novo-Lorazepam or Apo-Lorazepam.

side effects insomnia

There are a number of side effects that a Lorazepam user might wish to be aware of. Among them are clumsiness, drowsiness and dizziness. Other possible side effects include, decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. There are more potential side effects, ask your pharmacist for more information.

The human body can be viewed as a system made up of other systems. There are a number of systems that work together to make up the miracle of human life. Whenever introducing an external force to one of these systems in the form of a drug, the potential to interfere with or cause problems in other systems always exists. For this reason, you should work closely with your doctor or pharmacist when taking any medication. If you are fortunate to have a doctor who is willing to entertain alternatives, this will broaden the arena of options that are available to you.

Keep in mind that many drugs are synthetic imitations of substances that occur in nature. Sometimes a doctor who is willing to utilize these natural alternatives can be of great benefit.

Consider that this article is for information purposes only. It is not intended to give advice. It is also not intended suggest treatment, diagnosis or prevention of any health condition. Consult your primary care physician for any health related issues you may be facing.

Sleep Aids For Insomnia

Herbal Sleep Aids For Insomnia And Other Sleep Disorders

herbal sleep aids for insomnia

Insomnia is defined as difficulty in sleeping, or disturbed sleep patterns leaving the perception of insufficient sleep. There are many herbs with reputations as being effective sleep remedies. The key to successful treatment of insomnia is to find the cause. If you do not want to take prescription sleep medication, then there are a plethora of holistic medicines available to you.

Often the key to successful treatments lies in the focusing upon some part or function of the body that is experiencing problems. Hypnotics and nerviness can be used within the context of such treatments. These can be selected based on the role they play upon the system in question. The following are, a list of systems and possible remedies.

1. The circulatory system responds well to Motherwort, Lime Blossom and Balm.

2. The respiratory system responds well to all types of hypnotics, if used in the right dosage.

3. The digestive system relaxants to use are Chamomile, Vervain, Balm, Hops and Valerian.

4. Hypnotics are important to use as a muscle relaxant for the urinary system. Pasque Flower and Black Cohosh have a high success rate on the reproductive system. Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian and Black Cohosh are excellent ingredients to relax the muscles and skeletal systems.

5. Chamomile and Cowslip are healing herbs for the skin.

Some of the medications are classified in the following way:

sleep aids for insomnia

Hypnotics are herbs with a reputation as easing the person into sleep. They are usually strong nervine relaxants. Nervine relaxants ease the tensions that often produce sleeplessness.

Anti-spasmodics address any somatic muscular tightness that may be involved. Nervine tonics are indicated if there is any suspicion that the insomnia is associated with nervous exhaustion.

Adaptogens will help in a similar way to the nerve tonics, but should only be used in the morning to help deal with stress.

The value of hypnotics is to ensure that the body has a good recuperative rest each night. By selecting herbs that address specific health needs that are compounding the sleep difficulties, better results are obtained than simply going for strong hypnotic.

An example of an herbal prescription for insomnia would be the following:

Insomnia associated with hypertension and headaches:

* Passion Flower
* Valerian
* Linden
* Cramp Bark

7.5ml of tincture 30 minutes before bedtime.

There are many herbal remedies suggested for curing insomnia. You may have to try a few before you find the recipe that works best for you.

NOTE! Always consult a qualified Herbalist for guidance about the correct herbs to use

Menopause and Insomnia

Menopause and Insomnia

Menopause and Insomnia

Insomnia is a very common symptom reported by numerous women at the onset of menopause. It is characterized by sleepless nights and often uncomfortable sleep such as tossing and turning in an effort to get comfortable. If you are primarily a mentally active person, it can become very difficult to calm the mind.  You feel restless and irritable.  Welcome to the change of life.          

Insomniacs sleep is chock-full of waking up at frequent times during the night, waking up too early, and light sleep where the ticking of a hand clock may jolt you awake. This condition occurs during menopause because it is a side-effect of other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and general physical and mental discomfort.   When your body is dealing with night sweats, it’s easy to have your sleep interrupted, which makes it even more difficult to be sharp and at your best during the day.

Consuming stress-inducing foods loaded with things such as caffeine can further stimulate tension, so it is important to maintain a caffeine-free diet. Avoid drinking coffee as late in the day as possible. Do not over stimulate your nervous system.  Release tension by learning hatha yoga postures or how to breath deeply and mediate.  Try altering your sleep arrangements. If you find that your pillow is not soft enough, or maybe it’s too elevated for your head, make adjustments. If you find that the polyester blankets you’re lying on does not relax the contours of your body – switch them. It takes effort to accommodate these changes and make yourself as comfortable as possible.          

Smoked almonds for insomnia

Exercise also preps the body for restful sleep. Scientific studies suggest eating fat loaded foods are not recommended before bedtime.  So a steady, healthy is a great plus. Insomnia can be treated by consuming foods that increase the serotonin levels in your brain so that your body relaxes. Serotonin is responsible for aiding with sleep by calming your brain. Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime to help calm your nerves.

There are many causes for insomnia that stem from menopause. Depression is characteristic of this transition and can negatively influence your sleep. Decreasing estrogen levels can cause the on-set of depressive symptoms. In the menstrual cycle, ovulation causes progesterone (which has soothing effects on the mind and body) to be released.

Irregular cycles may cause anxiety to build-up, as a result of the lack of this ¨happy hormone.¨ For some people, taking melatonin is enough to get a restful night. For others, a prescription sleeping pill is necessary. Some women swear by black cohosh to help with body flushes as well as natural sources of progesterone.

In any case, it is important to consult with your doctor in order to decide together what treatment is best for you.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Facts About Insomnia

Awakening Facts About Insomnia

insomnia facts

Not getting enough sleep is fast becoming a common problem among people who lead fast, busy lives. Sleeplessness is also a typical condition among the elderly.  However, being young is no guarantee that one would be free from the suffering brought about by sleeping disorders.

Almost all people have experience occasional sleepless nights. But not too many people realize the seriousness of not getting enough quality sleep. Based on research, as many as 25% of Americans report occasional sleeping problems.

The latest surveys indicate that insomnia is already a chronic problem for at 10% of the entire U.S. population. The cumulative impact of sleeplessness on a population has a bearing on personal health as well as productivity in the workplace. Lack of restful sleep impairs the person's ability to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities.  Aside from feeling tired, people who lack sleep have trouble concentrating and tend to get very irritable.  Imagine having those feelings or low level of physical strength while driving on a busy highway or being in the middle of an important business meeting.  The results could be outright disastrous for one's career or even life-threatening. Conversely, people who get enough continuous and quality sleep are more able to perform at work or in other activities the following day.

But how much sleep do we really need?

Sleep requirements vary over the life cycle. Newborns and infants need a lot of sleep and require several periods of sleep throughout a 24-hour time period. Naps are important to them as well as to toddlers who may have need for naps up to the age of 5. As children enter adolescence, their sleep patterns shift to a later sleep-wake cycle, but they still need around 9 hours of sleep. Throughout adulthood, even as a person gets older, they still need 7-9 hours of sleep. Sleep patterns may change, but the need for sleep remains the same. Most adults do best with about 8 hours of sleep each night until age 60, after which 6 hours may be adequate. Even though the elderly need less sleep, almost one half of people over 60 experience some degree of insomnia.

Facts About Insomnia

Insomnia is not a disorder, it is a symptom and not a stand-alone diagnosis. In simple terms, insomnia is  difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, or both. It is a term that is used to indicate any and all stages and types of sleep loss.
Although most of us know what insomnia is all about, very few people actually get to seek medical advice and treatment. Many people are actually unaware of the behavioral and medical options available for treating insomnia.

However, there are various medications that supposedly effective for dealing with insomnia. Over-the-counter sleeping pills and long-acting or high-dose sedatives can be purchased easily, but it may make the problem worse. Many of these sleeping aids contain antihistamines as the main ingredient. Antihistamines are known to cause sluggishness and, if used for long periods, could possibly cause memory impairment.

Strong, prescription sedatives do not produce a natural, restful sleep. If used for extensive periods, a patient may even develop tolerance or dependence on these drugs. However, suddenly stopping the use of the medication may cause rebound insomnia and withdrawal. If insomnia has been interfering with one's daily routine or quality of life for a month or longer, it is already time to see a doctor to determine what might be the cause of the sleep problem and how it might be treated.

Curing Insomnia

Tips For Curing Insomnia

Curing Insomnia

Throughout our lifetime it is surely inevitable that we will each battle with insomnia at one time or another. Insomnia – the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep – can have disastrous ramifications; ongoing sleep deprivation can interfere with daily life making us unable to concentrate and even instigating far greater health concerns such as depression.

For those who suffer nightly, curing insomnia can mean the difference between days spent in an exhausted fog and a productive, healthy life. Subsequently, there are more and more products hitting retail shelves that claim to hold the secret for curing insomnia. And while there are many fantastic prescription and over-the-counter medications that will help you sleep in the short term, there are alternatives that are worth trying beforehand.

Curing insomnia may begin with simply making some changes in your bedtime routine. It may be of benefit to build new habits surrounding sleep. Try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day to encourage your body to adopt this schedule. Make your bedroom a haven for sleep; don’t watch television or read in bed. Instead, come to bed when you are ready for sleep. Make your bedroom dark and comfortable and use music or white noise to help soothe yourself to sleep.

insomnia cure tips

In the spirit of curing insomnia, you may even begin to implement some pre-sleep rituals as well. Eliminate exercise, alcohol, and heavy foods prior to bed; try stretching, deep breathing, or simple yoga poses; meditate for a period of time before bed; or sip some caffeine-free tea. If you find that you’re unable to fall asleep, then leave your bed until you feel sleepy enough to try again. Do not make your bed a place you associate with tossing and turning.

For ongoing sleep issues, it’s important to work towards curing insomnia even during your waking hours. Limit alcohol and caffeine during the day – both of which can work to interrupt sleep during the night.

Curing insomnia may take some trial and error. If you find that even after some lifestyle adjustments that you are continuing to struggle with sleep, then it’s best to see your doctor.

Trouble sleeping

Insomnia – Trouble sleeping?

 trouble sleeping

The English proverb says: ‘Six hours sleep for a man, seven for a woman and eight for a fool.’ but even a fool is better off than someone who cannot sleep at all.  An insomniac may have difficulty in falling asleep or in staying asleep, both of which can increase daytime fatigue and irritability.

What causes insomnia? There are many reasons why you may have insomnia, chronic insomnia can itself be a symptom of another condition; some include receiving bad news, running out of time in an over burdened busy schedule; there are physical disorders such as ‘sleep apnoea’, restless legs,  heart disease, lung disease, hot flashes, or diabetes, therefore it is wise to consult with your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping; the environment may also be a factor, like noise and light or lack of exercise during the day, lifestyle or the miss use of sleeping drugs can be another factor for having insomnia, or it can just occur for no apparent reason.

Insomnia can also be a symptom of psychiatric illnesses like depression and anxiety attacks.  In all, we should be sensitive to those who spend the night trying to count all of the sheep in the world and never getting to sleep.

Alternative medicine or the use of alternative medicine types and natural remedies can be a very successful way in treating those suffering with insomnia - when administered properly by a qualified health specialist and therapist, they encompass a wide variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes.   You may find one or more of the following alternative medicine types helpful to you.

The learning of relaxation techniques can help you to fall asleep faster and increase your sleep time, there are lots of things that you can do to improve your relaxation such as visualization which helps you relax by imagining a relaxing scene for you to sleep on.

Another alternative medicine type is meditation which essentially involves you focusing your mind on the present.

Some have found Yoga to be very relaxing and to encourage sleeping, Yoga develops the relationship between deep breathing, meditation, and stretching; There are many gentle styles of Yoga available that maybe helpful.

Acupuncture is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cases of insomnia and is becoming a more popular practise in the western world.

A careful look and adjustment to your diet can make a huge difference too, particularly if you can cut out caffeine from your diet which can have a pronounced effect on sleep, in addition eliminating the drinking of tea and soft drinks at night time, can be beneficial.

Avoiding sweets or high sugar foods at night time that give you a short burst of energy will also help; because these type of high sugar foods can often cause uneven blood sugar levels, they can disturb your sleep in the middle of the night as the blood sugar level falls.

Apparently, it is proven that regular exercise deepens sleep in young adults with or without sleep disorders, therefore, increasing your personal exercise plan may also be an advantage in getting a better night sleep.

Alternative remedies such as using the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and using herbs such as chamomile, passionflower, hops, ginseng, lemon balm and skullcap are all alternative medicine types that have been successfully used in treating people with sleep disorders. It is to be remembered that natural remedies are not always benign, some herbal therapies can interact with other medications you may be taking, therefore is it good practice to always consult with your doctor or health care provider before you change or adjust your current medication.

Many have found that taking a warm bath with appropriate aromatherapy oils added can relax the body and reduce a stressful mind to help you enjoy a comfortable rest through the night.

Insomnia And Hypnosis

Insomnia And Hypnosis

Insomnia is the condition that keeps people from getting valuable sleep each and every night. Sleep is more valuable than most people realize, as it not only helps you recharge your energy, but allows the body to heal from the day before. Without the proper sleep schedule, the body does not function at its most efficient level. Over the long term, this can lead to big time physical, mental, and emotional problems. Insomnia is something that most people feel that the have no control over. They usually want to sleep, but they have gotten so used to not being able to, that they just quit trying.

Some of the negative impacts of sleep deprivation and insomnia have been noted in studies over the years. Without the correct number of hours of sleep, a person’s chemical balance goes haywire. This can cause huge emotional problems and can cause large stress levels. Those things are never positive and can eventually lead to even greater physical problems. In addition, insomnia effects people who have early morning jobs. If you can’t sleep, there is no way you will be fresh when that shift rolls around in the morning. For those with families, not being able to sleep can create problems. Insomnia has been the cause of many divorces, so it is best to simply nip the problem before it becomes extremely serious.

blurred blue hypnosis

In the end, insomnia is a mental problem that afflicts people. Their brain is controlling their body’s sleep functions. In order to shake insomnia for good, there needs to be some changes within the mind. There are a few different ways to achieve this, but one of the most reliable is hypnosis. Over the past decade, hypnosis has become a much more highly accepted form of treatment for problems like insomnia, along with a host of other problems. In my time as a hypnotherapist, I have treated patients for insomnia as well smoking, blushing, alcoholism, and some other things.

If you feel like you want to get to sleep, but you just can’t do it, then maybe hypnotherapy is for you. In the least, you owe it to yourself to find out what hypnosis is all about. With so many people having positive results with the technique, what’s to lose by giving it a try? Perhaps after doing some reading, you will discover that hypnosis or self hypnosis is the catalyst that could set you free from your problems.

Insomnia Causes and Cures

Insomnia: Causes and Cures

insomnia causes graph

If you've been counting sheep till the wee hours of the morning quite regularly, you're a victim of insomnia. This condition can not only make you dread the night, but also disturb your normal flow of life. And it’s common enough to afflict around 3.5 million people in the US alone!

What causes Insomnia?
There are some known causes of insomnia, like chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturnal disturbances, too much coffee, and the like. But, today, mental stress is one of the main culprits for this problem. Worries and tensions keep the mind engaged at night, keeping you wide awake. If you're stressed only for a few times, you can cope with sleeplessness. But, if you're a chronic worrier, chances are you're an insomniac too.

How it can be cured?
Of course, there are sleeping pills to put you to sleep. But, you know how harmful they can be, if taken in excess. These over-the-counter pills do more harm than good, because of their terrible side effects. However, certain alternative therapies and exercises have proven effective against sleep disorders caused by stress, depression or other psychological factors.

A non-drug therapy, showing promising results, is called cognitive behavioral therapy. The therapy basically trains the patients to calm their mind and regulate their thought patterns for a sound sleep.

There are many breathing and relaxation techniques too that can promote relaxation and relieve stress. These techniques teach you how to breathe deeper and slower to become more relaxed and sedated.

insomnia-pill

However, the cure making waves is a product called the All Natural Sleep Patch Rest Quiet™. This new approach to getting a peaceful night's sleep is really a godsend for insomniacs. Read what one of the users has to say, “The sleep patches are nothing short of amazing. They are going to help millions who, especially after the age of 35, have trouble sleeping. I used one. I slept more deeply and soundly than I have for years. I could not be more enthusiastic about them.”

The method allows natural organic material to interact with the human body to improve relaxation and well being. The good news is it’s non-invasive, that is, nothing enters the body. Its new organic nanotechnology structures allow energy transfer between you and the patches. It’s believed that Rest Quiet™ helps the body in balancing its own natural meridians by the application of the Rest Quiet™ Patch to specific acupuncture points. And the result is a quiet, restful sleep!

Conclusion
Insomnia affects millions of people around the world.  There are many causes and solutions but for those interested in natural organic solutions, Rest Quiet™ is safe, effective and without any side effects. You may also try natural ways but don’t forget to consult your physician before you opt for any such remedies.

Tips To Falling Asleep

10 Tips To Put Your Insomnia To A Rest

Tips To Falling Asleep

Do you feel tired and un-refreshed on waking in the morning?

Do you stay that way throughout the day?

Do you have difficulty concentrating during the day?

The World Health Organization says that one-third of the world's population experience insomnia at some stage in their lives, with approximately five per cent needing medical treatment!

To avoid medical intervention, try these natural techniques and remedies, and help put your insomnia to rest.

1. Relaxation
Relax before going to bed. Do some deep breathing, listen to soft music. According to Dr. Timothy Sharp from Sydney University, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine will also help.

2. Bedtime routine
Develop a bedtime routine so your body knows it's time to go to sleep. By winding down your physical activities and following a set routine prior to bed, your body will start to associate some of these actions with going to sleep. Start with a cup of hot milk. Milk contains a protein called tryptophan, which helps to promote sleep. This can be substituted with chamomile tea, which is known to calm the nerves. Follow this with a hot bath or shower, the heat will help to lower your internal body temperature, again telling your body to go to sleep.

3. Your bedroom is for sleeping only
Make your bedroom your sleep-room. Turn the lights off as soon as you get into bed. Don't read, eat or watch television in your bedroom, or do any activity that is not sleep related. Make sure the room is dark and cozy; include extra pillows on the bed and even some teddy bears. Make your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary, a room that you will instantly feel secure and comfortable in, and best of all, a room that you will crave to sleep in.

4. Calm down and clear your mind
Clear your mind of the day's activities or things that are due to be done tomorrow. Write a 'to do' list for the following day. Organize uniforms, lunches, etc ... the night before. Make arrangements earlier than usual so you don't worry.

5. Give time back to yourself
Instead of trying to cram as much as you can into the day then find you haven't left much time to sleep, try to find short cuts or solutions to give a little time back to yourself. Make a double casserole and freeze half for another night. Spot clean the house as you go. Have more barbecues, using paper plates (less washing-up). Offer to pay the kids, or the neighbour's kids, to do some extra chores.

6. A balanced diet helps to make a balanced mind
If you're lacking in essential vitamins and minerals your body cannot operate at its best. Throw out the junk food and fizzy drinks, and make a new start to good physical and mental health. Add in some regular exercise and watch your body respond with some improved sleep.

7. Don't lie in bed if you can't sleep
If you don't feel sleepy enough to drift off, your mind will probably anguish over the fact that you can't get to sleep. This will only make it harder to get to sleep each time you experience this. Get out of bed and go into a different room. Do something to distract yourself until you do start to feel sleepy and then try to sleep again later.

8. Medications may interfere with your sleep
It has been shown that some of the medications below may cause sleep problems. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing insomnia and are also taking any of these medications - amphetamines (diet pills), antidepressants, beta blockers (heart and blood pressure), cimetidine (ulcers), clonidine (blood pressure), cortisone, diuretics (fluid), levodopa (parkinsons), methyldopa (blood pressure) and ventolin (asthma).

9. Above all: de-stress
Sharp says that stress is the worst cause of insomnia. Use some of the techniques above and try to remove as much stress out of your life as possible, and finally put your insomnia to rest.

Alcohol Insomnia

Alcohol Insomnia Can Be Eliminated

Alcohol Insomnia

Insomnia is many times mistaken for a sleep disorder, when in fact it is basically a complaint about the difficulty of falling asleep, trouble staying asleep or unrestorative sleep. There are many reasons that people suffer from insomnia and there is usually an underlying clue to determine the cause of the problem.

Insomnia resulting from alcohol is one of the problems that can be eliminated. Most people think that drinking alcohol is comparable to a sedative, but actually it may put you to sleep for a few hours only to wake you up in an alarming state. Alcohol insomnia will then make you restless throughout the remainder of the night. A nightcap before bed will have the same effect; however, you may have a quick nap and then a fitful sleep throughout the rest of the night.

Combating Alcohol Insomnia

An individual who is very stressed may use alcohol as a way to calm the anxiety they are suffering from. This eventually turns into a cycle and the pattern of alcohol insomnia will begin to take effect. Two or three hours of sleep and then wakeful, tossing nights, usually with vivid alarming dreams is what alcohol insomniacs are accustomed to. Eliminating the alcohol before bedtime is the key factor in reducing alcohol insomnia.

alcoholic insomnia

Teaching the individual different ways in which to handle his anxiety before bedtime is very important. Sleep disorder behaviorists call this proper bedtime hygiene. In other words, preparing the brain and body for sleep is the proper bedtime hygiene. Eliminating alcohol from an individual’s diet or at least limiting it to one cocktail or glass of wine before dinner will begin the process of proper bedtime hygiene. The process will go deeper to find out the reason behind the anxiety. Sometimes it is just a transient sleep insomnia, which means that an individual is stressing over an upcoming job review or wedding or some other similar event in their life. This stress will pass soon, but anxieties for other people reach much deeper into their souls.

Some individuals have inner conflicts, fears and phobias which can only be resolved with proper psychiatric counseling. These people will use alcohol as a crutch to help them sleep and in fact are only making their alcohol insomnia worse. Convincing these people that they do indeed have a serious anxiety that needs psychological counseling and not alcohol to remedy their troubles is their first step in reducing their alcohol insomnia. http://www.about-sleep-disorder.com

Dealing With Insomnia

Dealing With Insomnia – Get A Good Night’s Sleep

insomnia pills

Among the most frustrating of sleep disorders, insomnia can be particularly maddening. The persistent inability to fall asleep, especially when you are tired, can leave you stressed and wound up and wondering what is wrong. Yes, an inability to sleep will occasionally occur, but persistent insomnia is no laughing matter.

Most everyone experiences some minor episodes of insomnia lasting from one night to intermittent episodes of sleeplessness for a few weeks. This form, called transient insomnia, is not unexpected and almost everyone will face it at some point in their lives. For instance, a particularly stressful week at work might leave someone unable to sleep for a few nights. But, once the week is over, they can get back to sleeping normally.

Some people may also experience acute insomnia, which is a form of short-term insomnia that can strike at some points in peoples’ lives. For instance, if someone is suffering through a job loss or a difficult divorce, they may experience a persistent inability to get good sleep for anywhere from three weeks to six months. Notice that, in the case of acute insomnia, this is not a nightly occurrence and the sufferer is still able to get good sleep on some nights.

The most severe form of insomnia is chronic insomnia, which occurs almost nightly for a month or longer. This form of insomnia often seems to arise from seemingly nowhere and leaves the sufferer almost no reprieve. Oftentimes, this can leave the person fatigued, but not actually tired enough to fall asleep. This situation can lead to depression, anxiety, an inability to concentrate, and a feeling of just “being in a fog” all the time. Obviously, this is a bad state for a person to live in and they need to find relief.

While the temporary forms of insomnia can be relieved by relieving the temporary causes of insomnia, this is not a solution for people who suffer from chronic insomnia. Thus, people with chronic insomnia need to find solutions that address insomnia specifically.

dealing with insomnia

Many people turn to sleeping pills in these situations, but these are problematic in some ways. Sleeping pills can be addictive even in their most benign forms and, oftentimes, people will become permanently reliant upon sleeping pill to get their nightly rest.

Other people seek herbal treatments, such as valerian, chamomile or lavender, for relief from insomnia. Many of these herbal remedies are fairly benign, but they can still leave people reliant on them to fall asleep at night.

More traditional remedies for insomnia include exercising in the afternoon, drinking warm milk before bed, avoiding anything mentally stimulating in the evening, and just going to bed early at night and waking up early in the morning. Obviously, it is preferable to start with traditional remedies such as this and move toward herbal remedies or sleeping pills if these do not help.

While insomnia is frustrating for people who suffer from it, it is treatable. There are many remedies out there and people should not be afraid to try them. In most cases, people can simply wait out the circumstances that are causing their insomnia and they will be fine. However, if insomnia is an almost nightly occurrence for a month or more, it is time to talk to a doctor and see what remedies might be suitable.

Insomnia Natural Cures

Insomnia Natural Cures

Insomnia Natural Cure

Sleeping is a natural state of resting.  People spent about third of their life sleeping.  The amount of sleeping hours and their quality is different for every person.  Insomnia as a phenomenon is not considered a problem unless it last long periods of time.  When this happens we just might want to find the root of the problem and a cure.  Not just a cure but natural cure that will last long without sleeping pills addiction as a side effect.  

There are two important stages for healthy refreshing night sleep:

Orthodox –
No eye movement, dreamless sleep.

Paradoxical –
This is the dream stage which is characterized by rapid eye movements.      

In order to have a good night sleep these two stages must take place.  Most sleeping pills depress the paradoxical stage, this lead to a long dreaming stage. In most of the times long dreaming stage is accompanied by restless sleep and nightmares.  When this happens people get back to pills and this is how the circle of addiction never ends, instead it gets worse.

Moreover, when taking sleeping pills the following considerations must be taken into account:
• They might lead to unwanted dependency on them.
• As with alcohol taking too many might be poisoning.
• The body gets use to the pills and, in time, needs more of them to gain the same effect.
• Sleeping pills could cause other organs to functionality disorders.  

Insomnia Natural Cures

Seeping pills are better being avoided.  Here are natural advises which may help you sleep better:

1. Moderate exercise such as walking before bed time.
2. A hot bath, an hour before getting into bed.
3. Reading a book.
4. Avoid heavy late meal for dinner.
5. Avoid coffee and cola especially from the afternoon.
6. Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
7. Use relaxation techniques half an hour before you go to bed.
8. Drink green tea before bed time.
9. The bedroom should be quiet and dark, and with fresh air.
10. Try writing down what keeps you from sleeping.
11. The bed should be used only for sleeping and no other activities.
12. If you fail to fall a sleep do not fight it. Get up, do something quit like reading a book and get back to bed when you feel tired again.
13. One bad night is not a sign for another bad night, think positive that the next night is going to be better.

These are all natural ways of getting a better night sleep.  It is preferred to find the natural cure instead of getting addicted to sleeping pills.  And one last thing – have a very good night.

How To Cure Insomnia

Healthy Eating To Cure Insomnia

cure insomnia

Not being able to fall asleep is a problem that has plagued almost everyone at some point in their lives. You toss and turn while you watch the clock slowly tick the minutes away. Just as you feel the tug of sleep, you hear the sound of the alarm clock and you have to get up and face your day without any rest.

There are many contributing factors to the problem of insomnia. One of those factors might be what you are eating during the day. Your breakfast, lunch or dinner could be the culprit behind that insomnia. Our bodies absorb certain foods and those foods could be working against your desire to sleep.

Changing our diets is one of the healthiest ways to fix a sleeping problem. Choosing foods that enhance the body's ability to relax and fall asleep is the most natural cure you can find.

There are foods that naturally work with the body's chemistry to promote sleep. If you find yourself struggling to get a full night's rest it might be worth considering adjusting your diet to incorporate some of the foods listed below.

Fruits - one fruit that seems to have a stronger effect on treating insomnia is lemons.

Breads - any type of bread including muffins and bagels seem to be effective, but whole grain breads are preferable over other types.

Milk - a glass of warm milk has been said to help a person fall asleep and that is true, there is a chemical found in milk that actually promotes sleep.

Healthy Eating To Cure Insomnia

Everyone's body chemistry is different. Therefore each individual person has to do their own research into what foods work for them. If having a bowl of strawberries before bed makes you sleepy, than you need to consider that strawberries might be a trigger for you. If however, you have an apple and two hours later you are tossing and turning in bed, the natural sugar in the apple might be the reason you are suffering from insomnia.

A good way to keep track of what foods you are eating and how they impact your sleep pattern is to keep a journal. The premise is simple - you just write down each thing that you eat during the day and the time that you ate it. Then each night you mark down what time you go to bed and after waking jot down a quick note or two on how you slept and how long you slept.

Before long you will probably notice a pattern developing - your body will react to certain foods and after consuming them, you may experience insomnia. At the same time you will see clear patterns developing that tell you what foods are helping you to sleep better. With this knowledge you'll be able to carefully plan your meals and snacks while taking into consideration what foods you need to avoid and which you should include in your diet so that you get a full and restful night's sleep.

Banish Insomnia

Banish Insomnia - Sleep Safe With Amino Acids

banish insomnia

There is something most uncivilized about living in a civilized world. What is it? It’s hard to get good night’s sleep.

Some of this punishing sleep deprivation is voluntary. Too much to do. Too much to see. Too many responsibilities. Not enough sleep.

For many people, sleep is a desperate need. People toss and turn, but sleep does not come. Others get to sleep only to awaken later in the middle of the night. In the morning, thousands (millions?) head off to work bleary-eyed, trying to be productive. It’s a vicious cycle.

Eventually exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the sleepless person gets some much needed relief.

However, the real nightmare is about to begin. After awhile, the sleeping pills stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests drug manufacturers aren’t giving doctors the whole story. There’s big money in having a “non-addictive” sleeping pill. As the saying goes, “Money Talks.”

It turns out that there is another way, but not one health insurance will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies standing behind this alternative, health insurance companies don’t recognize it as a therapeutic choice.

Contrary to what doctors usually are taught both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large role in getting a good night’s sleep. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that support sleep. An internet search for “insomnia vitamins” and “insomnia minerals” provides a wealth of information about these nutritional supports.

Staying away from nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in getting a good night’s sleep, as does having a good diet and getting regular exercise

Amino acids are lesser known for their importance in being able to get enough sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called “essential” for a reason. People can’t live without it.

Banish Insomnia

Without enough L-Tryptophan, or its easier-to-get cousin, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Sound familiar? Usually, about 100 mg of 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult. Experimentation to discover an appropriate dosage is safe and easy.

Sleep becomes an option with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It’s a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bed time is a good starting place.

Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people. Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA. Unfortunately, for technical reasons, just taking GABA does not always work that well. Trying 200 mg at bed time is a good starting place. It may or may not work.

Anyone having trouble getting a good night’s sleep can leave the sleeping pills in the cabinet. Instead, trying some 5-HTP, L-Theanine and GABA is an inexpensive option. These supplements are a safe and non-addictive alternative.

How To Treat Insomnia

Treating Insomnia Naturally

How To Treat Insomnia

Sleep is something that every human being requires. For some people they only need a few hours of sleep every night, but for others if they don't get at a minimum eight hours, they cannot function properly during the day. Their work, their relationships and their life is impacted. Sleep in fundamental to a healthy and happy life.

Insomnia is a problem that affects millions of people each night. If you are one of these individuals and you've spent a night filled with sleeplessness, you would most certainly welcome any method that would guarantee sleep. Having first hand knowledge of how difficult it is not to be able to sleep, gives a person an appreciation for how valuable resting our bodies is.

Insomnia can be a chronic condition for some people. It may begin as a symptom of an illness or during a particularly stressful time in someone's life and it causes such a drastic disruption in the individual's sleep pattern that they struggle to find a way to regain a normal sleep pattern. Spending years struggling to find a method to sleep is a frustrating experience.

Traditional medicine offers many alternatives for people who have suffered from serious insomnia. Sleeping pills are a commonly prescribed remedy. Although they do adequately treat the insomnia, they also often have serious side-effects. One of the most serious side-effects is that they are often addictive. It becomes a trade-off for those who choose this approach. Although their insomnia is treated, they become dependent on medication and in some cases have to stay on that medication for the rest of their lives.

There are natural alternatives that a person can take to treat the insomnia. Some of these are in the form of a pill or a tablet which consists of a combination of herbs. Herbal teas are another popular choice for people who suffer from sleep problems. You simply brew a pot of the fragrant tea and sip it shortly before bed. The soothing effects of the tea lull you to sleep without the chemicals associated with traditional sleep medication. There are a variety of these types of teas available and the taste is very welcome and pleasant.

An old stand-by that many people turn to when they suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia is to warm a glass of milk. There is a chemical that is released in milk once it is heated. This chemical is called tryptophan and it works to relax the body and help you to drift off to sleep. Besides being a natural remedy for insomnia, milk also has the added benefit of being a significant source of calcium.

Suffering from insomnia can change a person's life in many ways. Without the foundation of a steady and regular pattern of sleep, they aren't able to function to the best of their ability. By researching natural remedies for insomnia, the sleeper will once again find the rest they need and do so in a way that is healthiest for their entire body.

solution to Insomnia

Affordable Non-Drug solution to Insomnia

solution to insomnia

Up until recently, there were four choices for persons with Insomnia.  These were:

1.  Do nothing, suffer and hope it'll get better with time.  This is the sad choice of many, and it doesn't work.  They most often get worse.

2.  Start taking one of the huge advertised array of drugs, and then often taking other drugs hoping to solve the side effects as they show up.  This is known as the drug “side effect chain”.  (My ex-wife once ended up taking six different drugs in this way, and the end effect was that she got worse instead of better - a not uncommon result)

   

 3.  Pay exorbitant amounts of money for EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) training.  This has been the best solution up to now.  The overall success rate (with good and bad clinicians) is considered to be about 85%.  But, the cost of 60 (recommended) half hour sessions with a "professional" at $4500 to over $10,000 is above the ability of most mid and low income families.

4.  Try various allergy clinics to try to find the allergy/sensitivity responsible, and also do all the various tests for mineral toxicity (mercury, copper, arsenic, cadmium, etc.  This is also pretty expensive, with the very best system (End Point Titration) costing upwards of $10,000.  (For more info on EPT, see http://www.Alternate-Health.com/allergy.html).

Now, there's another choice.  I invented a new method of changing brain wave amplitude (up or down) that is similar to EEG BF, but is inexpensive enough to give mid and low income families a choice besides expensive and dangerous drugs.  It's auditory messaging used mostly during sleep.  Instead of changing behavior as is "usual" with this technique, it does the same thing that EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) does, i.e. it raises the SMR brain wave (12-14 cycles per second - Hz), while lowering the Theta brain wave (4-8 Hz) at the same time.  

For those who aren't familiar with EEG BF, this is the most effective brain training mechanism that best solves this particular brain problem.  (It also solves ADHD, insomnia, IBS, epilepsy, and even many cases of schizophrenia.  There is substantial proof of this effectiveness of EEG BF, and a summary of professional papers can be found at:  

<http://ADHD-biofeedback.com/proof.html> ).  

In my former practice as an Orthomolecular Psychologist, I had used auditory messaging with good success, and in 2004, I realized that it should be possible to use this technique to do the same thing that was done by the expensive EEG Bf units and a computer.  Instead of going thru the conscious mind of the "trainee" to affect the unconscious, why not go directly to the unconscious mind?  

After more than two years, three clinical trials, and extensive testing utilizing volunteers who paid for the right to participate, I proved the following:

1.  The Bate Auditory Brainwave Training (Patent Pending) Is very similar to EEG BF and accomplishes the same “basic brain training” with these following minor differences:

a.  It compares with one night sleep being almost equivalent to one half hour session.  Individuality is part of the picture of course, but in our tests of 11 persons suffering from insomnia, all except one got dramatic results within a few weeks, and in some cases a few days.  That one was in the original tests, and was frightened by the Hawthorne Effect (see below), and quit using the system.  

b. It seems that there is more possibility of a Hawthorne Effect in this training than in EEG BF training.  For more info on this Effect see:  <http://www.Subliminals-Training.com/hawthorne.html> .

In the last test, this possible effect was discussed beforehand and warned about, and while it occurred in a few cases, it did not deter any of the volunteers, as it had done in earlier testing.  (This is NOT a dangerous "side effect" such as can be caused by all drugs!  It can cause minor discomfort in a few individuals for only a day or so at worst.)     

c.  Motivation is no longer a huge factor as it is in EEG BF.  Both the parents 

and the child have to motivated to continue long weeks of training, and if the training is                               stopped before an end point, some, or most, of the gain is lost.  

2.  This system costs under $200, and that is a one-time fee only.  It can be used for as long as it takes.  (With Autistic children, it can take up to 200 EEG BF sessions).  The system is composed of two basic CD's.  The first is the actual Audio Training program, playable on any CD player, boom box, etc.  The second CD is a computer disk that has several other programs useful as adjuncts to this training.  This includes a free allergy/sensitivity test, a free bottle of amino acid supplement that has a calming effect, and several articles on alternate health therapies that have been shown to be of help for all types of brain problems.

3.  There is also a year's full money back guarantee of success.  If any person tries this for at least 60 days, and then states that there has been no significant improvement they will receive a full rebate including shipping and handling (which is included in the price).

Now, even the low and mid income families have a choice that doesn't force them to do nothing or to try and/or use dangerous drugs.  

Phil Bate PhD - Retired Orthomolecular Psychologist

Inventor and Patent Pending Holder for

Brain Wave Amplitude Changing via Auditory Training

http://Subliminals-Training.com

http://BateAudio.com

Fight Insomnia

10 Methods You Can Use Today to Fight Insomnia

Fight Insomnia with potatoes

1. Drink Warm Milk - Drinking warm milk 15 minutes before bed has been known to soothe your nervous system.

2. Take a Warm Bath - Taking a warm bath can be a great way to relax your body. Don't exhaust it however. Staying too long in hot water can drain your body of vitality. Throw in a cup of baking soda or bath salts to drive the toxins out of your body.

3. Eat a Bedtime Snack - Foods with large amounts of the amino acid L-tryptophan helps us sleep better, according to a study. This includes eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, turkey, cashews and warm milk as I talked about before.

4. Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco in General - Most people think coffee is the only beverage which contains caffeine. Wrong. Non-herbal tea such as black tea, Cola beverages and even chocolate are high in caffeine. Research has shown that alcohol upsets sleep. This is the same with Tobacco.

5. Sleep on Your Back - Some people sleep the opposite way. Sleeping on your stomach causes pressure on all of your internal organs. This can also cause a stiff neck. Try sleeping on Your Back. It is the best sleeping position to allow your internal organs to rest properly. If you are used to sleeping on your side though, sleep on your right side and not your left.

6. Sleep in a Well Ventilated Room -  A room temperature between 60-65 degrees in Fahrenheit is the optimum temperature for sleeping. Use more or fewer blankets to adjust your body to the room temperature.

7. Drink Herb Tea - If you have to avoid drinking Warm milk or any other dairy products, try a cup of herb tea (camomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea). This will help you sleep better.

8. Get Some Exercise During The Day - White collar workers (office workers, non-manual workers) are more known to have insomnia than blue-collar workers, who get physical exercise during their work. 15 Minutes of exercise or at least 30 minutes before going to bed will give your body work and oxygen it needs to get your body to relax and sleep better.

9. Avoid Naps - Skip naps if you take them. If you can't get yourself to sleep at night, naps will stop you from sleeping properly. By skipping naps your body will be tired to fall asleep at night.

10. A Reflexology Technique : Toe Wiggling - Lie on your back, and wiggle your toes up and down for about 12 times. This will relax your body, both inside and out. "Meridians" are channels of energy treated by acupuncture. The meridians in your feet connect with every organ and every part of your body. Toe wiggling helps to bring about a relaxing energy within your body.

Now there they are, 10 ways to fight insomnia. Have a good night's sleep!

Causes Of Insomnia

5 Top Things That Cause Your Insomnia

Causes Of Insomnia

Millions of people out there suffer from insomnia almost every night. Many are trying to cure it with drugs. Why should you use drugs if you can find the causes and manage to overcome them?

Yes, there are some simple solutions that you can try. You only need to find the cause, and, zap! You can cure your insomnia almost effortlessly.

Here are some top causes:

• Your bed room

Is it messy? Is it too crowded? Did you choose a calm color of wallpaper or paint?

Yes, all should be put into considerations.

Sleeping is a process to relax your body. And, you can never get relaxed if you’re not comfortable with the condition of your bedroom.

• Your bed

Make sure that both the bed and pillow are comfortable and clean. Remember, it will be hard for you to shut your eyes if you’re not comfortable.

Also, avoid doing other activities than sleeping in your bed. If you’ve been watching TV while lying in your bed, you’d better stop it. That might be the cause of your insomnia. It’s better to move the TV out of your bedroom.

Bed should only associates to sleep, not to other activities.

• Clocks

How come a clock can cause insomnia? You might ask.

Let’s see it this way. You’re having an exam or job interview tomorrow and of course, you wouldn’t want to be late for that.

So, before sleeping you go checking you clock placed on the table next to your bed, once. Then, you check it out again. That makes it twice. And again, and again. Not only it takes too much of your sleeping time, but it also adds to your nerves.

Stress will avoid you from sleeping. So, put your clock somewhere else.

• Too many thoughts

If your mind goes to several directions such as jobs, family, health, etc, you’ll never be able to get yourself relaxed.

Try to avoid thinking too much when you already get in your bed. To help, you can count sheep.
Yes, that might sound silly but it helps you get your mind into one single direction. Soon, you’ll be sleepy and close your eyes.

Just try and prove it.

• Alcohol

The alcohol works as a stimulant and regardless of how tight you close your eyes or how deeply you long for sleep, it doesn't happen.

Causes Of Insomnia statistics

The way to avoid alcohol induced insomnia is to either not drink in the evening or choose a drink that works to relax you instead of stimulate you.

If those are the things that cause your insomnia, follow all the tips to get a good night sleep. I believe, soon, you’ll be sleeping like a baby.

Have a nice sleep!