Restful Sleep Naturally

Do you suffer from insomnia?

I am truly surprised at how many people suffer from insomnia. At one time or another, 30%-50% of the population suffers from chronic insomnia. Insomnia could be a sign of possible medical conditions or psychological problems.

Insomnia may be caused by physiological issues such as pain, congestive heart failure, heart disease, GERD, COPD, menopause, asthma, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s or other degenerative diseases. Possible psychological problems can trigger insomnia, such as depression, anxiety, stress or bipolar disorder. Other causes of insomnia can be over-the-counter medications, i.e. cold medications, or prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from insomnia to rule out all these possible issues.

If you decide to take a prescription drug for insomnia, it is very important to understand that taking sleeping medications regularly increases your chances to be in an accident by 50%.

Here are some tips and solutions to help eliminate or reduce insomnia:

Keep your bedroom as dark as possible.
Do not watch TV; instead read a book for pleasure.
Use your bedroom for sleeping or sex; no other activities.
Set a schedule for the time you sleep; also, set a time to wake up.
Do not take a nap in the afternoon or evening.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages prior to going to bed.
Do not smoke before sleeping; cigarettes stimulate the body.
Do not engage in strenuous exercise before sleeping; exercise heats up your core causing insomnia.
Do not eat before going to sleep; this causes indigestion which causes insomnia.
Clear your mind before going to sleep; listen to relaxing music or read a pleasant book.
Do not watch scary movies before going to sleep; if you are frightened, your cortisol levels can increase causing anxiety and insomnia.

But wait! Here are more healthy alternatives for insomnia:

Place lavender oil on a cloth near you on your night stand, or use a diffuser with lavender.
Drink chamomile or sleepy time teas; no caffeine.
Take supplements such as magnesium, Acetyl Glutathione or CO Q 10.
Have acupuncture treatments by a licensed acupuncture physician.

I have had many patients who suffered from chronic insomnia, and we were able to resolve their insomnia.
Please call my office at 352-340-7471 if you have any questions regarding this article. At Dr. Laura’s Acupuncture and Holistic Practice, our services include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy Aromatherapy, Nutritional Counseling and Reiki.

Laura Bertoncini, AP, DOM