Home Remedies for Treating Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition where a person has difficulty sleeping at night. Apart from the inability to fall asleep, insomnia symptoms include waking several times during the night.

Insomnia can be caused by improper diet, drinking excessive alcohol or caffeine and smoking. It can also be due to stress and anxiety.

Many people suffer from insomnia occasionally. If it becomes chronic, it is important to treat it right away. Not getting enough rest or sleep weakens the immune system, making you prone to illness and disease.

Doctors prescribe several medications for insomnia. If you want to go the natural route, there are plenty of home remedies and alternative treatments to help you sleep better.

Home Remedies

Drink herbal infusions or herbal teas about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to induce sleep. Many herbal teas calm the nerves, relieve stress and ease digestion, thereby acting like a mild sedative that helps you fall asleep faster and better. Chamomile, catnip and valerian root teas are very effective against insomnia. You could add some honey in your tea as well.
Consider taking nutritional supplements of passion flower, kava kava, hops, California poppy or skullcap. These promote better sleep. Many herbalists recommend regularly switching from one herbal supplement to another, rather than take one kind over a long time.
Meditation is helpful in curing insomnia. Meditate for 15 minutes before getting into bed. This releases tension, anxiety and stress, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed and rested.
Get an oil massage once or twice a week before taking a bath. This gets rid of stress and toxins that could cause insomnia and other sleep problems. Sesame oil and coconut oil are good massage oil choices.
Place a blue lamp beside your bed. Switch it on before going to sleep. Studies show that blue light induces sleep.
Change your bad lifestyle habits to combat insomnia. Avoid smoking, getting stressed and drinking caffeine-rich beverages. You should soon see an improvement in your sleeping habits.