by Ifediba Nwokedi

Created on: October 30, 2010

Tired of not getting a decent night’s sleep? Many people find it very difficult to sleep, and managing a hectic lifestyle is not easy for many people at the best of times.  Drifting into sleep naturally and waking up well rested is a luxury for many, resorting to prescription drugs is often the first step. Prescription drugs from the doctor are effective, but there is a risk of becoming dependant on such powerful drug to induce sleep. So, it does not come as a surprise, that there is an increase in the demand for natural remedies to help induce a healthy sleep pattern.

Empirical research provides us with a better idea of how the body works, including research on sleep patterns and how the brain works. Neurologists have mapped out that we go through phases 4 phases of sleep and are able to sleep deeply between the 3rd and 4th phase that occurs between 10pm and 2pm at night. Sleep disruptions tend to occur when we are unable to go through the 4 phases of sleep in order to be sure of going into a deep sleep between 1pm and 2pm. Nevertheless, sleep disruptions are caused by various factors, including stress, alcohol or specific emotional worries. This means that sometimes the body and the mind may need some natural help to find a moment of calm despite any turmoil or stresses of life.

The quickest and most natural means of getting the mind and body to rest are to exercise and tire out the body. We live in a world that expects us to be constantly alert. Unfortunately, matching this with hard physical work or exercise is limited. This lack of physical movement stores up a lot of nervous energy in the body. In addition, we condition the minds to be constantly alert instead of alternating between phases of activity and calm. History has shown that previously mankind may have had a harder physical existence, but on the up side, the hard-working farmer rarely suffered from a sleepless night or insomnia.

Here are some basic natural remedies to help speed up the process:

Comfort and Support:

Wind down with a warm glass of milk or a malt drink. Getting into a comforting routine and reflecting will go a long way to help switch off and get a pleasant night’s sleep.

Herbal Remedies:

Lavender and chamomile have effective relaxing properties, and they are often used in massage oils and aromatherapy treatments. Chamomile tea is extremely calming and settles your digestive system. Infusing your surrounding with the smell of lavender is a highly effective way to induce natural sleep.

Natural Herbs:

Valerian is known to induce deeper sleep and is particularly beneficial for people who experience sleep disruptions due to stress and anxiety. Research has also shown that Valerian works in the same measure as any antianxiety drugs such as Oxazepan or any placebo that is meant to promote good sleeping patterns. St Johns Worth supports mood disorders and depression because it works on serotonin and melatonin receptors in the brain. It is essential to get advice from your doctor before taking St John Worth as it can have some side effects. It is crucial not to take St Johns Worth while on the contraceptive pill because it can make it ineffective.

Sleep is an indispensable part of life that can only be maintained with a balanced life. The best remedy for wakeful nights is to maintain a healthy diet, exercise and prioritize time to rest and recuperate.

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