by Laura Hinds

Created on: May 20, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

While many, if not most people, have sleepless nights now and then, insomnia is the inability to sleep for an ongoing length of time. Insomniacs may sleep for brief periods, but still feel exhausted as if they have not slept at all. Modern life is often the cause, due to stress, the hectic pace of life, and even physical pain.

If you believe you suffer from insomnia, the first thing you need to do is consult with your physician. You may need to have some medical tests run to make certain that there is not an underlying physical illness causing your sleep disorder. Some doctors will offer to prescribe short term sleeping medications to help you to break the insomnia cycle.

Medication is not for everyone. There are often side effects, which differ person to person, and vary by the type of medication. You may want to explore your options by looking into holistic and natural remedies for your insomnia.

There are many options to choose from. To reiterate, you should consult with your physician before taking any type of internal medication, even if it is herbal. It is better to be safe, than sorry.

Here is a list of the most common natural remedies available today:

1: Valerian Root, taken as a tea, extract or in capsule form. This is an herb, with calming properties and is non-addictive.

2: Melatonin, tablet or capsule form. It is a natural hormone, with a sedating effect.

3: Relaxation techniques are also recommended. These include soft music, visualization of yourself in a relaxing place, meditation, deep breathing, and Yoga.

4: Exercise may play a vital role in stopping insomnia. What could be more natural than gentle exercise. It is advisable to exercise at least two hours before bedtime to allow the body to once again slow down.

5: Diet is important for sleep as it is for many health conditions. Keeping the amount of sugar and caffeine you take in at a minimum will help. Start a journal, and log the amounts you consume each day and cut back accordingly. Eating foods with Trenton may also help. It is an amino acid, which converts to serotonin and eventually the hormone melatonin. You can find it in turkey (this is why people often fall asleep after a turkey dinner), and whole grain snacks. Another nutrient important to sleep is magnesium. This provides natural sedation, and deficiency can be a cause of insomnia. Eat plenty of legumes, seeds, almonds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables to name just a few sources.

There are many other natural remedies you may look into, if those listed above do not offer sufficient help. Suggested remedies include Aromatherapy, Light Therapy, and good old fashioned, soothing Chamomile tea. Lest we forget, Grandmother's and Mother's have suggested a cup of warm milk for many years now. That could be the easiest of natural remedies of all.

Why not give these a try and see what works for you? Please be sure to check with your Doctor before embarking on any Natural Remedy for Insomnia.

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