by Vanessa Anne

Created on: June 17, 2009

SOME USEFUL TIPS TO OVERCOME INSOMNIA

One often hears the saying that some people just need less sleep than others; this could well be true, but the body still needs adequate time to regenerate. Usually this is estimated at between six to eight hours sleep daily.

There are many reasons for sleeplessness or insomnia. Reasons include worry, anxiety, "racing brain"; which means you can not stop thinking, physical pain, neurological disorders and more.

Each person has a reason why they have difficulty sleeping; perhaps a self analysis could indicate the reason. Only you will know.

Melatonin: "Sleep Hormone"

In order for the brain to shut down and go into sleep mode, it needs to excrete the "sleep" hormone, melatonin. Melatonin is excreted naturally by the brain when the sun goes down; thus a darkened environment is needed to be able to sleep. However, modern lifestyles have changed this natural phenomenon, due to artificial lighting. Darkness may now be set in whenever we choose. Over a prolonged period of time, the brain could cease to produce melatonin, since the message that it is "sleep-time" has been scrambled. This could cause a disruption in natural sleep patterns.

Should a lack of melatonin secretion be the cause of insomnia, there are two alternatives to remedy the brain's behavior. Either use a melatonin supplement or train the brain into a natural sleep pattern, by turning the artificial lighting off earlier at night; thus allowing the natural secretion of melatonin to occur.

Also bear in mind that age diminishes natural hormone secretion, hence sleeping disorders in the elderly. In this instance a melatonin supplement would naturally be the best option.

A good melatonin supplement is made by Solal.

"Racing Brain"; You just can not stop thinking:

If you have problems shutting off at night; in other words, can't stop thinking. Try the age old remedy of counting sheep. I know this sounds stupid, but you're changing the focus on thought to something monotonous; which definitely stops that racing brain.

My preferred method is to imagine each limb of my body in different colors. For example; you'll start with bright colors, such as yellow (resembles sunlight/ day time), and imagine (literally see in your mind) that your feet are yellow, your ankles are yellow, lower legs are yellow and so you continue until you reach your head. Then start over in a less bright color, and eventually end in black; if you get that far. The idea

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