Many people spend every evening trying to find an elusive good night's sleep. While continued sleeplessness could indicate a problem that needs to be discussed with a doctor, there are a few natural sleep aids that can be tried first.
Slow Down the Mind for Sleep
One problem faced by many people is the inability to shut off the mind at night. Today's world is fast-paced and technology driven and it is no wonder that sometimes it is hard to slow down at night. An hour or so before bedtime, turn off the cell phone, computer, and television. Do an activity that is relaxing like taking a bath, reading a book, or meditating.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Parents are told to establish a bedtime routine for their children so that their bodies will learn when it is time to go to sleep. The same can be said for adults. Try to do the same thing every night so that the mind and body will know that it is time to go to sleep.
Lavender for Sleep
In his 1997 book, The Green Pharmacy, Dr. James A. Duke recommends the use of lavender essential oil to get a good night's sleep. He says that it can help to slow nerve impulses, reduce irritability, and it has an anesthetic effect. Lavender essential oil can be found at many health food stores. Be sure to ask the expert at the store if it is the type of lavender that is soothing because some species can actually have the opposite effect. To use it, add a few drops to a warm bath, put a few drops on a tissue and place it by the bed, or make a pillow spray by adding a few drops of the oil to a spray bottle of water and then spraying it over the bed. Never take lavender essential oil internally as it could be toxic.
Natural Herbal Remedies for Sleep
There are several herbal teas that are good natural sleep aids. Dr. Duke recommends both chamomile and catnip. In her book, 1001 Natural Remedies, Laurel Vukovic recommends a passion flower tea for sleep. Check out a health food store or the grocery store for a tea that contains one or a combination of these three herbs. Valerian is a natural sedative and sleep aid. It can be found in a supplement form. The American Family Physician says that "there are several clinical studies that have shown valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia." Take according to the package's directions.
Sources:
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. Rodale Press: Emmaus, Pennsylvania. 1997
Vukovic, Laurel. 1001 Natural Remedies. D.K. Publishing: New York. 2003
Honey Denson - I the mother to three wonderful children and five years ago I left my job as a full time English teacher to spend more time with them. Now ...
