Does anyone have any natural alternatives for dealing with sleeplessness?

Answer 1

"Sleep hygiene" seems lame but you build up a tolerance (if not an addiction or habituation) to any drug you use. Watch a dog. It circles around and has a little routine before it lays down to sleep . You get kids ready for bed by doing the p.j. and story thing. They have routines, so should you. Get a routine. If it includes a herbal tea, make sure you have a good supply or you may loose sleep if you run out. I listen to the same audio tape each night. Sometimes counting back from two hundred works well and hopefully you will always be able to do it. It is probably a soft form of hypnosis. Don't "Hypnotize " yourself into thinking you need a pill to sleep with.
P.S. Kill your television, flush the soda pop.

Answer 2

Skimming the 20 answers here so far a lot of good ones- and I'm partial to Bristi's (hope I spelled your name right hon)- girl, I know it is too true, smiles...

But I have also found Melatonin is a natural aide, something some of us night owls don't produce enough of some times and taking one about an hour before your desired bed time helps remind you it is time to shut down for the night-

Seriously I did not think anything natural or non habit forming could work, my sister gave me half a bottle and I waited almost a year to try it, but take it from one who has a habit of staying up way too late it does seem to help a lot.

But remember to take it BEFORE you need to sleep not at five a.m. if you need to be at work in three hours- while it just emphasizes your natural desire to sleep and it is not something that will knock you out, you will really not want to be hitting the snooze alarm when it takes its natural course. Good luck!

Answer 3

Have you tried going to bed at the same time every night? Sometimes it helps to get into a night-time routine. A warm bath, reading a book and relaxing without too much noise, stress and planning tomorrow's agenda can help. Some want to pray with their kids or spouse, but I think it's better to pray alone than to not pray at all. Don't go to bed angry at someone. Don't drink any caffiene in the evening and at night, and try to exercise about 2 hours before bed if you can. I don't know why but I like the smell of lavender so much and it makes me sleepy. If you can't do all of this- LOL- do what works for you and see a doctor if necessary. Just tell him you'd rather not be on meds and see what he suggests.

Answer 4

Psychological cures:
If you go to bed telling yourself to fall asleep, thinking about how much you need to sleep, and how important it is that you sleep, you won't be able to sleep. Think about something else; your day, that weird-looking guy you saw and what he might look like shopping for lettuce, etc. Let your mind wander.
Don't count sheep; counting is an awake activity and will not help you fall asleep.
Physiological cures:
This is a no-brainer, but obviously no coffee or tea before bed. But in addition to that; no exercise or exciting activities before bed either; they'll stimulate production of hormones that will keep you awake.
If your comfort is in question, make sure to correct it; itchy sheets and uncomfortable pillows are easy to fix, as is surrounding noise (just ask them nicely) and light.
Other considerations:
Reading has been suggested and works for a lot of people. Computers are not recommended, though.
If you still can't sleep, think about seeing a doctor; s/he may be able to pinpoint the reason for your insomnia and help you.

Answer 5

regular exercise,.....I'm a borderline insomniac and i read on a health page on CNN.com that regular exercise helps, and from personal experience it has helped allot, i still wake-up and toss and turn but not as much,.....you probably have a lot of pent-up energy that you need to get rid of, and a light workout in the afternoon, or whats better is if you workout first thing in the morning to boost your metabolism early in the day, you'll burn off all that excess energy by the time your ready for bed,.......also try stop taking stimulants 6-8 hours before bed, ie coffee, smoking, tea, etc....

Answer 6

I agree with valerian root. Also, try lavander sprays in the bedroom, on the sheets or pillows, or fresh lavander in your bedroom. A lot of companies make oils with it in them to help with sleeplessness.

Answer 7

Try reading at night before bed. Also orange juice is supposed to be a natural depressant. Also try to be active during the day so you'll be tired at night.

Answer 8

when you decide you want to sleep...do shavasan. the 'asan' of the dead. it is a yoga asan wherein you lie flat on your back (no pillow) arms by your sides, palms up. legs relaxed. slowly guide your mind to each part of your body. start with your toes, then, feet and heels and ankles and so on until you reach your head. in your mind consciously ask them to relax. stay put until you feel like it, or you fall asleep! take your time doing the asan. have fun and sweet dreams... should be a gap of at least 45 mins from you last meal/drink to doing shavasan.

Answer 9

10 Tips to Sleep Well
http://www.askaquery.com/question/10-Tips-to-Sleep-Well.html

Insomnia - Treatment http://www.askaquery.com/question/Insomnia--%28dash%29--Treatment.html

Answer 10

CAmameal tea
warm milk
an active/aerobic activity
read a book