is there a herbal remedy for insomnia?

Answer 1

Alternative approaches
In the Buddhist tradition, people suffering from insomnia or nightmares may be advised to meditate on "loving-kindness", or metta. This practice of generating a feeling of love and goodwill is claimed to have a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body[4]. This is claimed to stem partly from the creation of relaxing positive thoughts and feelings, and partly from the pacification of negative ones. In the Mettā Sutta, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, tells the gathered monks that easeful sleep is one benefit of this form of meditation.

There are a number of alternative cures for this disorder that are currently marketed. Often, a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes is claimed to be the most helpful approach. However, it should be noted the reason they are considered "alternative" medical treatments is the lack of empirical evidence to back up such claims. There are always studies going on to either confirm or deny the effectiveness of such medicine, but in many cases even if no effect is shown to exist in a treatment, proponents will still believe in their effectiveness.

Treatment for insomnia
In many cases, insomnia is caused by another disease or psychological problem. In this case, medical or psychological help may be useful. All sedative drugs have the potential of causing psychological dependence where the individual can't psychologically accept that they can sleep without drugs. Certain classes of sedatives such as benzodiazepines and newer non-benzodiazepine drugs can also cause physical dependence which manifests in withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not carfully titrated down.

Many insomniacs rely on sleeping tablets and other sedatives to get rest. The most commonly used class of hypnotics prescribed for insomnia are the benzodiazepines. This includes drugs such as temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam and midazolam. These medications can be addictive, especially after taking them over long periods of time.

Non-benzodiazepine prescription drugs, including Ambien and Lunesta, are quickly replacing benzodiazepines as a first-line treatment for insomnia. There are controversies over whether these non-benzodiazepine drugs are superior to benzodiazpines. These drugs appear to cause both psychological and physical dependence, and can also cause the same memory and cognitive disturbances as the benzodiazepines along with morning sedation.

The antihistamine diphenhydramine is widely used in nonprescription sleep aids, with a 50 mg recommended dose mandated by the FDA. In the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries, a 50 to 100 mg recommended dose is permitted.

Some antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin have a sedative effect, and are prescribed off label to treat insomnia. The major drawback of these drugs is that they have antihistaminergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties which can lead to many side effects.

Low doses of Atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine(Seroquel) are also prescribed for their sedative effect but the danger of neurological and cognitive side effects make these drugs a poor choice to treat insomnia.

Some insomniacs use herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and passion-flower. Valerian has undergone the most studies and appears to be modestly effective.

Alcohol may have sedative properties, but the REM suppressing effects of the drug prevent restful, quality sleep. Hangovers can also lead to morning grogginess.

Some traditional remedies for insomnia have included drinking warm milk before bedtime, taking a warm bath in the evening; exercising vigorously for half an hour in the afternoon, eating a large lunch and then having only a light evening meal at least three hours before bed, avoiding mentally stimulating activities in the evening hours, and making sure to get up early in the morning and to retire to bed at a reasonable hour. Pomegranates are also believed to be able to help insomniacs sleep.

Traditional Chinese medicine has included treatment for insomnia throughout its history. A typical approach may utilize acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle analysis, herbology and other techniques, with the goal of resolving the problem at a subtle level. Although these methods have not been scientifically proven, some insomniacs report that these remedies are sufficient to break the insomnia cycle without the need for sedatives and sleeping tablets[citation needed]. Warm milk contains high levels of tryptophan, a natural sedative. Using aromatherapy, including lavender oil and other relaxing essential oils, may also help induce a state of restfulness. Melatonin has proved effective for some insomniacs, mostly in regulating the sleep/waking cycle.

The more relaxed a person is, the greater the likelihood of getting a good night's sleep. Relaxation techniques such as meditation have been proven to help people sleep. Such techniques can lower stress levels from both the mind and body, which leads to a deeper, more restful sleep.[citation needed]

Helpful advice:

Avoid all stimulating substances/activities such as caffeine and exercise before bedtime.
Avoid distractions in the bedroom including excessive light and noise, television, alarm clocks, etc.
Avoid stressful thoughts and feelings before bedtime and while attempting to fall asleep.
Combat worries and preoccupations about the day ahead by tending to plans and schedules before bedtime.
Background noise, such as a fan or soft rhythmic music, can serve to ease some individuals into sleep.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I'm not sure but ,if anyone else wants to discover home remedies to sleep at night try Imforda Insomnia Expert Guide ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my mate got cool success with it.

Answer 4

Usually, Sleeplessness is caused due to various reasons such as stress, bad food habit, etc.,. Too much of sleep during the day time can make you go insomniac at night. Consumption of sleeping pills might put you to sleep for a while, but in the long run it will eventually spoil your health. Several studies have been conducted to find a natural remedy for insomnia, one of that is using nutmeg. Powdered nutmeg in milk or hot water can relax the nerves and induces peaceful sleep in a natural way.

Stay Healthy! Stay Happy! :)

Answer 5

I've heard of an Herb called Valerian Root working for some people. It helps you fall asleep. I've tried it, and it leaves a funny taste in your mouth. It's not a hard core solution, but you might want to give it a try. Melatonin also works sometimes, but it's not an herb, it's an OTC supplement.

Answer 6

As far as I know Valerian is meant to be a natural remedy. There is a product sold in the UK called Nightol which contains Valerian (I think). Try Nightol or finding Valerian in a health food store.
Good luck :-)

Answer 7

Melatonin is the best natural sleep remedy. It is actually the natural hormone that helps regulate sleep pattern. Many people who cant sleep have a deficiency of this. You can buy tablets in the health food store for around $20.

Answer 8

I find Nytol works for me. You take it 20 minutes before you want to sleep and you nod off easily and stay asleep. Totally herbal and not addictive, so can't be bad

Answer 9

Melatonin is good it's natural. Warm milk, Camomile tea, catnip tea (it works the opposite on humans than it does on cats!) Celesial Seasons has some good herbal teas.

www.celestialseasonings.com

Answer 10

Green Tea...an hour before bed, with a carb. But make sure its not over 200 calories...you don't want to eat too much before you go to bed. You will have a nightmare. Benadryl can help. You will never get addicted to it. Its mild...if you can handle the dryness in your mouth the next day.

Answer 11

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