Millions of people worldwide suffer with insomnia. Insomnia not only affects your work and social life, it also wreaks havoc with your immune system and causes premature aging. As we get older, the effi ciency of our kidneys becomes depleted.
Studies have shown that insomnia may be associated with a deficiency of endorphins, so it’s important to maintain healthy kidneys.
People with insomnia tend to experience one or more of the following: difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking throughout the night and waking early in the morning. Scientific research has shown that insomnia can stem from a disruption of the body’s Circadian Rhythm–an internal clock that governs the timing of hormone production, body temperature and other bodily functions, e.g. menstruation, menopause and hormonal changes.
Excessive stimulation at bedtime is known to cause disruption of the Circadian Rhythm, so caffeine in the evening should be avoided. I also avoid sleeping near a cellphone since cellphones emit a great deal of electrical noise, you don’t realize the amount of noise a cellphone can make during the night (if it’s not the electrical noise, it’s the constant pinging as emails are received and friends post on Facebook).
Exercise and diet play a factor so it’s important to exercise regularly but avoid exercising in the late evening. Some people tell me meditation helps them and others swear by breathing techniques. Diet can make the difference between a good night’s rest and a sleepless night, so avoid drinking too much liquid before bedtime and eating rich foods. Fatty foods boost the production of melatonin and serotonin, both of which are associated with sleep. If you are hungry at bedtime and need to eat something, then try eating turkey slices, sheep’s yogurt or drinking goat’s milk. Foods which are high in tryptophan, such as seeds and nuts help restore proper serotonin levels during the night.
The holistic treatment for insomnia is multifaceted and incorporates many techniques, including herbal medicine. One herbal medicine I take from time to time is called Trance. It is available online. Typically, I combine it with omega-3 fatty acids during the day and L-theanine. I find it helps calm my nervous system. Coupled with this, I may use homeopathy for better results. I tend to prescribe based on the ancient constitutional type and mental, emotional and physical states. One great homeopathic remedy for insomnia is Coffea. Other remedies that also help are Ignatia, for those brooding over upsetting situations and Arsenicum for those who stay up worrying and fretting.
Insomnia can also be treated using traditional Chinese medicine. Some practitioners believe that insomnia is as a result of excess conditions such as liver fire, heart fire and food stagnations. Certain acupuncture points have strong affinity to sleep and can sedate a patient. For those with a chronic condition, an herbal therapy protocol may be needed to address the underlying condition and usually these focus on nourishing the heart and calming the spirit.
Oussha’s Upcoming Book: Oussha’s Pure Cure – The Whole Family Guide to Whole Life Wellness