a restless woman in bed staring at the alarm clock

Insomnia

This content originally appeared on 

tasteforlife.com

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is trouble getting to sleep and/or problems staying asleep.

What Causes Insomnia?

It can be caused by stress, health problems, nutrient deficiencies, or a busy mind.

How Do I fight Insomnia?

  • Lifestyle

    • Establish regular exercise and sleep routines.
    • Stop caffeine after 4 p.m. and screen time an hour before bed.
    • Also consider:
      • yoga
      • hypnosis
      • biofeedback
      • progressive relaxation
      • guided imagery
      • meditation

  • Body Work

    • acupuncture
    • acupressure

  • Aromatherapy

    Massage with essential oils:

    • lavender
    • bitter orange

  • Herbal Therapy

    • ashwagandha
    • chamomile
    • hops
    • kava kava
    • lemon balm
    • passionflower
    • rhodiola
    • St. John’s wort
    • valerian

  • Homeopathy

    • Arsenicum album
    • Coffea cruda
    • Gelsemium
    • Nux vomica
    • Rhus toxicodendron
    • Ignatia

  • Supplements

    • Calcium
    • magnesium
    • melatonin
    • omega 3s
    • vitamin B12

Click to See Our Sources

Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston and Steven Maimes ($18.95, Healing Arts, 2007)

“Do You Have Trouble Sleeping? More Magnesium Might Help” by Forrest Nielsen, USDA, www.ars.usda.gov, 7/9/07

“Exercise Is No Quick Cure for Insomnia,” Northwestern University, 8/15/13

“Magnesium Supplementation Improves Indicators of Low Magnesium Status and Inflammatory Stress in Adults . . . with Poor Quality Sleep” by F. H. Nielsen et al.,Magnes Res, 12/1/10

Medicinal Herbs by Rosemary Gladstar ($14.95, Storey Publishing, 2012)

“Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine),” 11/13, www.MayoClinic.com