Cures for insomnia?

Question

For the past week I have had no more than five hours sleep (though most nights it has been more like three), and it always takes me at least an hour to get to sleep. I've done a little research and I think I'm suffering from insomnia. I've tried a few things, but no matter how early or how late I go to bed, I still can't sleep.

If this goes on for much longer I'm going to try and see a doctor, but I'd like to know if there is anything I can try at home (though I'm not keen on taking any pills unless I have to).

Thanks!

Also I'm a teenager, and I've heard that teens can have different sleep cycles than adults, so is this anything to do with it?

Answer 1

Exercise.during the day.don't drink caffeine,eat right ,no sweets especially.don't drink Valerian tea. as it stinks terribly..take 3 capsules,half hour before bed time.also a b vitamin complex is good for stress.as you lay their, give all your worries way,just let go, of everything,say to yourself ,I am going to have a nice sleep tonight,try to go to the alpha state which is the dream state of mind by visualizing some place in your mind that's peaceful, I consciously visualize myelfs being an eagle flying in the sky,feeling the sun on my back looking at all the nature below me.before I go to sleep sometimes to get me to sleep. read some positive thing type books, and follow the methods.try to not worry or have doubt, have faith,sweet dreams

Answer 2

I nuke some milk and drink it like I would tea or coffee. Also, keep off caffeine after 12 noon, and don't watch television or play video games for at least a half hour before bed. Music is ok provided it's soothing. I follow these guidelines pretty regularly and still only get 4-5 hours a night. There's another dimension to insomnia called premature waking, which you might find will happen, too. If it does, try the milk thing again.

Good luck. It's a real drag, I know, but I keep telling myself it could be worse, so I'll tell you the same: it could be worse.

Answer 3

It is true that teenagers and children need more sleep than an adult (between 8-12 hrs, compared to 6-7 hrs in adults) however, everybody is different.
If you are finding it hard to sleep at night what you could do is try dabbing a little neat Lavender essential oil behind the ears and on the wrists about 10 - 15 minutes before you go to bed. Lavender is well known for its calming and soothing properties. You could also put a few drops into your bath tub in the evening or invest in a good bubble bath containing Lavender or Patchouli as Patchouli too, has a sedative effect on the bodys' systems. I find that all these methods work for me every time.
Cutting down on stimulants ie) cola, nicotine (if you smoke), chocolate, coffee and tea in your diet will be greatly beneficial for you.
If the insomnia is stress related then it is worth talking to a family member or friend who will be able to help you - problems shared are problems halved.

Answer 4

Insomnia is a huge problem! Many people suffer from it. The good news is that most people's insomnia takes care of itself over time. Only a few of us are true insomniacs. Several things you can do to help you get back on a good sleep cycle:
1. Exercise - it really helps you to relax and get a good night sleep.
2. Diet - avoid caffeine products (coffee, tea, colas, chocolate) - if you must have it - have in moderation and never ever ever after 4 pm. Eat foods that are easy to digest (fruits, vegetables, lean meats, grains). The more healthy your diet - the better it is for your sleep pattern.
3. Drink warm milke before going to bed. Milk has tryptophan - a natural sleep agent. (So does turkey - one of the reasons people are so tired after Thanksgiving dinner is because of tryptophan from all the turkey and milk!)
4. Go to bed at the same time every night and make sure to wake up the same time every morning.
5. If you can't sleep - don't get stressed out about it. Get up and do something constructive - reading or a crossword puzzle. Don't do anything that will make sleep less likely - like watching a scary or violent movie.
Remember that it is most likely not at all a chronic problem and will take care of itself over time.

Answer 5

Try drinking a glass or two of milk and take a calcium tablet 600mg , Calcium will make you sleepy, if that doesn't work see a doctor, however because of your age a doctor might not prescribe anything. Do some breathing exercise before you go to bed or while you're in bed, 4 breaths in slowly, hold your breath to the count of four and release slowly to the count of 4. Literally tell your body to relax, start with the toes, say toes relax, your brain will get that command and work your way up left and right side. While you're saying this, your brain will not wander to something else. It's an old yoga practice and it just takes a while do to it. Another thing is Lavender Oil, rub a drop on the tip of your nose and breathe in. Sounds strange, but it really works.
I have the most fantastic sleep after I do that, really deep.
Try it, I hope it works for you.

Answer 6

Yes, teenagers' sleeping hours are peculiar, but, before you reach for the pills, try a few games in your head. You can invent your own, but some I've found useful are imaginary journeys, using the alpahabet. You set out from somewhere beginning with A. Let us say Aberdeen, and you travel to somewhere beginning with B. Now, you could travel to Birmingham - it would be quite possible - but it would be better to find somewhere nearer Aberdeen, so how about Berwick on Tweed ? And so on. Or you can use the same letter. Another one is paintings - Angela Lansbury by Annigoni (give yourself a moment to visualise it) - Beyoncé by Botticelli - Charlie Chaplin by Caravaggio - etc., etc. You'll be asleep long before you get to Z.

Answer 7

Physical work tops my list and almost always worked at your age.
Valerian root (capsules because of the taste) and lavender oil (aroma therapy or just keep smelling it - a friend uses candles) both help.
If it is actually from muscles the best book is for individual use but can be used in conjunction with a massage therapist (my preference) The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
If you go in for religion reading the words of wisdom.

Answer 8

Home Remedies for Insomnia
1.Eat at least 3 cups of curds daily.
2.Mix 2 tsp of honey to 1 glass of warm water. Drink just before sleeping. Give half the amount to babies it will help put them to sleep.
3.Drink warm milk with honey.
4.1 tsp juice of celery leaves with stalks and 1 tsp of honey.
5.Have raw onion salad.
6.2 tsp of fenugreek leaves juice with 1 tsp of honey at bed times daily

Herbal Remedies
-Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that has been long used as a remedy for insomnia. Today, it is an accepted over-the-counter insomnia remedy in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.Some studies suggest that like conventional sleeping pills, valerian may affect levels of the calming neurotransmitter GABA.
Unlike many other sleep medications, valerian is not believed to be addictive or cause grogginess in the morning.
-Melatonin is a popular remedy to help people fall asleep when the sleep/wake cycle has been disturbed, such as in shift workers or people who with jet lag. Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. The pineal gland in the brain makes serotonin which is then converted into melatonin at night when exposure to light decreases.
-Kava is an anti-anxiety herb that may be helpful for anxiety-related insomnia. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava.

Relaxation techniques are one of the most effective ways to increase sleep time, fall asleep faster, and feel more rested in the morning. They require a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed. There are many different techniques

Answer 9

Go to a herbalist or herbal dispensary
and get them to make you up some valerian
and lavender tincture
the alternative tincture is wild lettuce

if your mind is very active then I suggest scullcap tincture and passiflorer tincture combination
natural remedies are better than anthing a doctor can prescribe as a phamacuetical alternative is always harsh on the system and you feel jaded the next day
i wish you well and a peacefull mind

Answer 10

Have a go at this. When you can't sleep go and run your hands under the cold tap until they're as cold as you can stand 5Min's. Then jump back into bed get comfortable and put your hands under your arm pits. The reaction of the warm and cold is supposed to send messages to the brain to relax down. Don't over do it and put your hands in the freezer because they will drop off.