If you want to keep your body healthy,Good Sleep is one of the most important things. In fact, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, a lapse in adequate sleep time(at least seven hours a night) can lead to increased weight gain and increase your chances of getting sick. It can also lead to a decreased attention span, depressed feelings and difficulty processing ideas. And there are financial repercussions of insomnia or trouble sleeping as well — as this condition is related to lost productivity, absenteeism, work-related accidents and high health care costs.
What Is Insomnia?
Did you hear that one in five people have suffered from insomnia at some point in their lives? In fact, one of the most common concerns that doctors hear from patients is “Doctor, I can’t sleep.” As a sleep disorder, Insomnia can reduce your quality of life and overall health. Some people with insomnia have trouble falling asleep and others have difficulty staying asleep for multiple hours.
Types of Insomnia
There are different types of insomnia that are characterized by their symptoms and causes. The types of insomnia include the following:
Comorbid insomnia: Comorbid insomnia is when sleeping difficulty occurs with another health condition that’s associated with changes in sleep. Some medical conditions, like depression, can cause insomnia, and pain or muscle conditions, like back pain or restless leg syndrome, can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. A similar insomnia category is what’s called psychophysiological insomnia, which is when insomnia symptoms are caused by cognitive, behavioral and psychological factors.
Chronic insomnia: Chronic insomnia lasts for a longer period of time, as it’s usually defined as sleeping difficulty for at least three nights per week that lasts for three months or longer.
Acute insomnia: Acute insomnia is characterized as a brief episode of difficulty sleeping and it usually resolves without the need for treatment. This type of insomnia can be caused by a stressful or traumatic event.
Sleep onset or initial insomnia: This is when a person has trouble falling sleep initially, but doesn’t tend to wake up in middle of the night.
Late or terminal insomnia: This is when a person wakes up too early in the morning and cannot go back to sleep.
Maintenance or middle insomnia: This is when a person has trouble maintaining sleep and is often waking up in middle of the night.
We don’t realize how precious those resting hours are until we stare up at the ceiling in total tossing and turning frustration. Whether you have trouble sleeping once in awhile or you are seriously in the midst of total insomnia frustration, I know you are desperate for help.
And those of you with very serious sleep-related troubles like sleep apnea – you can benefit from these tips too.
These 20 sleep remedies are just for you. And here’s what makes them so fantastic – they are all 100% natural. This means no nasty side effects and no sleeping pill dependency.
1.Use an air purifier
An air purifier can eliminate dust,pollen, pet dander, Mold spores,Bacteria and Dust Mites from the air in the room. This can held provide an clean environment in your bed room. As we know, a good environment is very import for your sleep.
2.Take 15 minutes body massage before going to bed
According to Chinese massage therapy,Massage helps reduce symptoms of anxiety. It can calm the mind and relax the body,reduce muscular tension and can alleviate muscular aches,detoxify the body and improve cardiovascular health.
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- Use essential oils
Incorporating essential oils, or aromatherapy, into your nightly routine is a safe, natural and therapeutic way to encourage your body to wind down. I especially love using lavender essential oil and Roman chamomile oil to get me in a drowsy mood on those nights I can’t sleep.
Studies suggest that lavender oil can improve your sleep quality and works as a natural sedative. And chamomile, whether in tea, tincture or essential oil form, is one of the best medicinal herbs for fighting stress and promoting relaxation, according to research from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review. Inhaling chamomile vapors is often recommended as a natural remedy for anxiety and general depression, which is one reason why chamomile oil is a popular ingredient in many candles, aromatherapy products and bath-soaking treatments.
I recommend diluting the pure oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oils and then spritzing the combination on your pillow or rubbing it on your neck. Or add just a few drops to an essential oils diffuser to fill the room with a relaxing scent. Learn more about the power of essential oils and diluting them in my essential oils guide.
4. Set the right temperature
A too-warm room makes you sweaty, while super cold temps leave you shivering. Opt for a range between 60 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. A slightly chilly temperature helps decrease your body’s internal thermometer, initiating sleepiness and ensuring that you stay comfortable throughout the night.
5. Unwind your mind
Settle into bed with a good novel or a spiritual growth book a half hour or so before bedtime. This practice gives your body a chance to unwind instead of forcing it to try and head straight to sleep. But steer clear of thrillers or other brain-jarring reads — you want to lull yourself to bed, not stay awake with a page turner!
The key is to reduce stress, especially right before bedtime. For most people, along with diet, this is a major culprit for keeping you up at night — your mind starts racing with ceaseless thinking and you’re seemingly unable to shut your brain off.
6. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Keep your circadian rhythm in check by adhering to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible — yes, even on weekends! As your body becomes used to getting into bed and waking up at the same hours, you’ll find it becomes easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Aim for an average of eight hours of quality sleep a night.
7. Skip late night sugar and simple carbs
Avoid eating sugary sweets, chocolate, simple carbs, juice or high-glycemic fruit just before bed, as it can spike blood sugar, boost your energy and you can wake up feeling hungry. Instead, try a little bit of protein with vegetables or a small amount of complex carbohydrates with protein, which can boost melatonin and help you fall asleep fast!
Some people can tolerate some fruit before bed, but make your snack with a combination of melatonin-forming foods and high-protein snacks so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night. Some good bedtime snacks are:
*half a banana with almond butter on a slice of sprouted grain bread
*hummus with carrots, cucumber or celery
*apple chips and sunflower butter
*a small handful of cashews, 1/4 cup dried fruit with some seed-based crackers
8. Keep electronics out of bed
Watching television in bed and answering late-night work emails can trick your brain into thinking that your bed is just another spot to get things done and not the place to settle down after a long day. (It’s also a sign of nomophobia.) Watch your evening programs in the living room and keep that space sacred by eliminating electronics.
9. Eat melatonin foods and melatonin-producing foods
Melatonin is one of the major keys to a natural, healthy sleep cycle. So eating a combination of certain fruits and carbohydrates that support melatonin or contain tryptophan, which contributes to melatonin production, will help you sleep and stay asleep.
I don’t recommend having a heavy meal right before bed or eating a large amount of sugary fruits, but include these items during your dinner or an hour before bed as an evening snack, to increase your melatonin production and ensure a sound sleep.
Melatonin-rich foods:
*Bananas
*Morello cherries
*Porridge oats
*Rice
*Ginger
*Barley
*Tomatoes
*Radishes
*Red wine
To further spur the production of serotonin and thus melatonin, it’s recommended that you eat these tryptophan-containing foods in the evening.
*Grass-fed dairy products
*Nuts
*Fish, chicken, turkey
*Sprouted grains
*Beans and pulses
*Rice (black, brown or red rice are the best)
*Eggs
*Sesame seeds
*Sunflower seeds
NOTE: Most people notice a better sleep when they combine 15–20 grams of carbohydrates in their evening snacks; however, some people do better without carbohydrates later at night. So, listen to your body. If snacking late doesn’t sound good, then just incorporate these foods into your dinner.
10. Work out in the morning
That rush of endorphins you feel after a solid workout is awesome — until it’s the reason you can’t sleep at night. Try shifting your workout schedule to the mornings. You’ll feel great having completed your exercise session bright and early, and it’ll be easier to unwind at night. Plus, research shows that exercise is known to effectively decrease sleep complaints and treat symptoms of insomnia.
11. Limit caffeine after 12 p.m.
Did you know caffeine’s effects can last up to 12 hours? If you can’t sleep at night, your mid-afternoon cup of joe and even a caffeine overdose might be to blame. In fact, a review of two randomized control trials showed that eliminating caffeine for a whole day was able to improve sleep quality and lengthen sleep duration. (18) Instead of turning to caffeine, try an alternative, caffeine-free drink for a daytime jolt instead.
I love this Cilantro Ginger Smoothie. Filled with refreshing cucumber and ginger, it’ll give you a boost of energy without the sleep-depriving effects of caffeine.
12. Journal before bed
When you can’t sleep, oftentimes, it’s our own thoughts preventing us from falling asleep. Instead of running through situations or problems in your mind after lights out, try journaling before bed. It’s a therapeutic way to address what might be troubling you and chronicle your day before drifting to sleep.
13. Don’t count sheep
If you find yourself having trouble going to sleep for over 20 minutes, and you still feel restless, don’t just lay there trying to force yourself to sleep. It’s better to get up and do something else for a few minutes, rather than lay there worrying about the clock. Again, avoid technology, watching TV or doing any work, but try reading a book, journaling or any lower light activity.
14. Add magnesium food or supplements
A magnesium deficiency can lead to sleepless nights. While there are plenty of magnesium-rich foods you can eat naturally, adding a supplement can help jump-start your levels and help you sleep better. In fact, one study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that magnesium supplements improved insomnia and sleep efficiency. Opt for 500 milligrams daily.
15. Get some sunshine
Starting your day with natural light exposure helps reset your biological clock. It also balances your body’s melatonin and cortisol levels, and serves as a natural source of vitamin D. In fact, research shows that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to sleep disorders. Try going for an early morning walk or leaving the office during your lunch hour to get your dose of sunshine.
16. Sip on chamomile tea
If you’re the type who likes curling up with a warm beverage after dinner, cozy up to a mug of chamomile. Not only can sipping on a warm drink before bed make you feel drowsier, the naturally caffeine-free tea has a calming effect on the body.
17. Relax with a detox bath
Instead of taking a rushed shower, try a Detox Bath instead. It’ll help relieve your body of toxins, release the power of essential oils, and soothe both your body and brain. The lavender bath is my favorite to bring the body into balance and help it feel relaxed.
18. Meditate with breathing, prayer and thankfulness
Guided meditation, mindfulness and healing prayer can help to reduce stress and put you into a positive space that improves your sleep quality. Take several deep breaths, and let it all out. Let your thoughts rest, and focus on relaxing each part of your body. Then spend a few minutes reflecting on what you’re thankful for, praying or just spending some time alone with your thoughts. Always dwell on the positive parts of your day and the bright things you have to look forward to, as it can have a powerful effect on easing your mind into a restful state.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that mindfulness meditation significantly improved total wake time and sleep quality in patients with insomnia. Researchers suggest that meditation may serve as a supportive and complementary treatment for sleep complaints.
19. Invest in a good mattress and weighted blankets
All these strategies are null and void if you’re sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress! Your health depends on getting a good night’s rest, so you want to be sure your mattress is up for the challenge. Check out my tips to choose the right mattress to ensure great sleep every night.
Lastly, consider using a weighted blanket in order to calm down sleep anxiety, as a study in Occupational Therapy showed that these blankets are effective for many types of anxiety-related conditions. The blanket can weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds and is weighted down by beads lined inside the blanket that work like a deep tissue massage. This weight apparently can create serotonin in your body, of which some of that becomes melatonin and helps you get your rest.
20. Use natural sleep supplements
If you find yourself facing a chronic lack of sleep, consider natural sleep supplements like valerian root, passion flower and melatonin. Research shows that these natural sleep supplements may help to improve sleep quality without producing side effects. Often, these are available in a tea or in supplement tablets. These can get you over the hump when you’ve had several sleepless nights and help your body get some much-needed rest. But these should be used for a limited time only — if you find that minimal sleep has become the norm over several weeks or months, consult your doctor.
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