Insomnia:
A Growing Problem In TodayÕs Stressful World
According
to the National Institutes of Health, at least one-third of all Americans
suffer insomnia. Half of this group feels itÕs a serious problem causing them
lost work and productivity not to mention the toll it takes on their families.
Another study showed that a majority of adults get less sleep than they
actually require, and a large percentage of us are functioning with a chronic
sleep deficit.
We
all go through periods in our lives where our sleep patterns are disrupted. The
emotional stress of a new job, new relationship, a new baby, the loss of a
loved one can severely interrupt our sleep leaving us feeling sad, flat and
drained of energy.
An
interesting study recently published in the aftermath of a prescription sleep
medication causing individuals to be come dangerously unaware of their
surroundings while seemingly wide awake shows that an individualÕs brain can
and will suffer nanoseconds of micro sleep if derived long enough. (Makes me
question if the sleep aid is actually allowing for sleep.) One is not
consciously aware of this happening, but will be aware of brief lapses in
memory.
Before
you decide to use a prescription sleep aid why not examine whatÕs keeping you
awake and do something about it? And, in the meantime here are some more
natural alternatives that may help you get the nightÕs sleep you so desperately
need.
Passionflower acts as a minor tranquilizer and can produce sleep
for those who just canÕt seem to close the mind down. This calming herb allows
the racing mind to stop and sleep comes more naturally.
Chamomile has a reputation for soothing nerves and stomach,
indigestion being a common cause of insomnia following late night dietary
indiscretions. Chamomile tea is considered by experts to be gentle enough for
children in small doses.
Valerian has been used safely for thousands of years and is
the most widely used sedative in Europe. Once commonly used in this country
until the mid 40Õs when stronger pharmaceuticals displaced itÕs use. It has wonderful
sedative properties and helps tight muscles relax helping produce deep sleep.
Melatonin a natural occurring hormone excreted by the pineal
gland helps regulate our circadian rhythms of awake and asleep. As we age, the
secretion of melatonin is markedly decreased. If you have difficulty staying
asleep rather than getting to sleep try melatonin.
Other
herbs that have been known to help induce sleep are Kava Kava, Lemon Balm and
Orange Blossom. Many individuals cannot sleep due to pain. If this is you, you
will need to work out a program of stretching, exercise and possibly massage or
herbs or medications that relieve your pain. You may then find that a sleep aid
is not necessary. Till next time sweet dreams, Rebecca