by Nicole Evans M.D.

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: December 30, 2009

A good night's sleep is a wonderful thing. It's also something we all want but don't always get. Sleep disorders come in many forms: restless sleep, insomnia, unrefreshing sleep, restless leg syndrome, frequent awakenings, anxious dreams or full blown nightmares.

Homeopathy, combined with improved sleep hygiene, is a safe, natural way to find relief from sleep disorders. The most effective way to use homeopathic remedies is to find the remedy that best matches your individual symptoms.

Some individuals prefer to use pre-formulated homeopathic medicines. These homeopathic medicines can be found online and in most health food stores.

Common homeopathic remedies for sleep are listed below in their Latin name, followed by the author of the Materia Medica used, and then the common name.

Aconitum Napellus: (Boericke) (Monkshood) For relief of physical and mental restlessness and tension. For relief of anxious dreams, nightmares and long dreams. Insomnia of the aged. Relieves fear, anxiety, worry, anguish of mind and body.

Arsenicum Album: (Boericke) (Arsenious Acid) For relief of exhaustion. For disturbed, anxious, restless sleep. Sleeps with hands over head. Dreams are full of care and fear. Relieves great anguish, restlessness, fears, suicidal tendency, maliciousness, selfishness, lack of courage, disorderly, confusion.

Avena Sativa: (Boericke) (Common Oat) For relief of nervous exhaustion. Relieves inability to keep mind on any one subject.

Belladonna: (Boericke) (Deadly Nightshade) Acts on every part of nervous system. Crying out in sleep. Gritting of teeth. Screams out in sleep. For anxiety, fear, furiousness, delirium, frightful images, loss of consciousness, disinclined to talk.

Camphora: (Boericke) (Camphor) For relief of insomnia with cold limbs. For relief of extreme restlessness.

Cinchona Officinalis: (Boericke) (Peruvian Bark - China) For relief of drowsiness. Unrefreshing or constant stupor. Wakens early. Anxious, frightful dreams with confused consciousness on waking so that the dream cannot be rid of and fear of dream remains. Relieves apathy, indifference, disobedience, despondency, sudden crying.

Coffea Cruda: (Boericke) (Unroasted Coffee) Wakeful, on a constant move. Wakes with a start, sleep disturbed by dreams. Sleepless on account mental activity, flow of ideas with nervous excitability. Relieves comprehension, irritability, easily excitable, anguish.

Cypripedium Pubescens: (Boericke) (Yellow Lady's Slipper) For sleeplessness.

Hyoscyamus Niger: (Boericke) (Henbane) Acts profoundly on the nervous system. Relieves intense sleeplessness and great restlessness. For suspiciousness, talkative, jealously, foolishness, delirium, hilarity, low, muttering speech.

Passiflora Incarnata: (Boericke) (Passion flower) Has a quieting effect on the nervous system. Acts on insomnia, produces normal sleep. For restless sleep resulting from exhaustion. For insomnia of infants and the aged, and the mentally worried and overworked.

Pulsatilla: (Boericke) (Wind Flower) For relief of wide awake in the evening. First sleep is restless. Wakes languid, un-refreshed. For weeping easily, timidity, irresolute, fear of being alone, discouragement, highly emotional.

Valeriana Officinalis: (Boericke) (Valerian) Powerful remedy for hysteria, over-sensitiveness, nervous affections. Sleepless with nightly itching and muscular spasms. For irritability.

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