Living with insomnia is one of the most challenging health conditions there is. The side effects are dramatic and touch nearly every aspect of life. The good news is that most conditions respond very well to a natural insomnia treatment.
My intention is certainly not to be a medical authority, serious conditions that have chronic symptoms and neurological causes need medical treatment. Yet even such cases are often helped by natural remedies.
Few things in this world can weaken us faster than insomnia. Besides the obvious fatigue, there is the lack of concentration, memory lapses, irritability, and weakened immune system, just to mention a few symptoms.
A lack of sleep has the effect of bringing out the worst in us. The ability to cope simply goes down the drain. Life becomes like an endless stream of event in which we are required to participate; hopefully without making too many mistakes.
Insomnia can take the zest out of everyday life and dull our senses. To top it off, you just can't store up sleep, like food for the winter. Talk about something to bring on stress!
What is insomnia?
Everyone experiences the inability to sleep soundly once in a while. It is when it occurs often that the problems arise. Generally, it is defined as:
1. Trouble falling asleep
2. Waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep
3. Waking up too early in the morning
4. Having un-refreshing sleep, even after 7 or 8 hours of sleep
Losing sleep can cause problems during the day, such as fatigue, trouble thinking clearly or staying focused, or feeling depressed or irritable. It is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. Although the amount a person needs varies, most people need between 7 and 8 hours a night.
It is not necessary to lie awake at night, your mind marching through endless scenarios of sleep-depriving worry. There is a way to find the rest and peace you need!
Types of insomnia and their causes
1. Short Term- Lasting from a few nights to a few weeks.
2. Intermittent (on and off)- Short term , which happens from time to time.
3. Long Term or Chronic-Occurs at least 3 nights a week over a month or more.
4. Having un-refreshing sleep, even after 7 or 8 hours of sleep
Chronic insomnia is either primary or secondary. Primary means that it is not caused by any other health problem. Secondary means that it is caused by a medical condition, such as arthritis, cancer, depression. It can also be caused by a partner who snores loudly or poor sleeping conditions, such too much noise or light.
Women and men
Women are much more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Some research suggests that certain social factors, such as being unemployed or divorced, are related to poor sleep and increase the risk of insomnia in women. Pregnancy and menopause may also disturb sleep. The well known symptom of hot flashes can cause sleeplessness as well. Menopause insomnia can make your days pretty long, fortunately there is a lot you can do to help yourself.
The inability to sleep well can also increases with age.
Are there any solutions that are safe and effective?
If your inability to sleep is primary, that is, not caused by another medical condition, then there are numerous ways to find some well needed rest.
Many old remedies are very effective and totally safe. For example, the warm milk drink before bed often works wonders.
Various herbal drinks such as chamomile are also very good, and there are many other herbal remedies that are non-addictive and have no harmful side effects.
One technique I have used many times is playing soothing sounds such as a rainstorm or even the purring of a cat. These products are designed specifically as sleep aids and have the added benefit of drowning out unwanted noise.
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