Common treatments for insomnia vary from prescription medicine to lifestyle changes, herbal treatments and relaxation techniques. Your treatment plan should be supervised by your healthcare professional or natural care practitioner, as chronic insomnia can be debilitating. If you suffer from occasional insomnia just minor changes in lifestyle can provide promising results.
There is a case to be made for the possibility of insomnia being caused by blood sugar imbalances. Typically people in this situation can fall asleep but have a hard time staying asleep. The technical term for this condition is adrenal hypofunction. Patients with this condition must learn to stabilize their blood sugar levels throughout the day. When you are asleep, your body requires a constant supply of glucose which is stored in the muscles and the liver. While we sleep, we are basically fasting and a person with blood sugar problems is not able to tolerate that fast so their body secretes stimulants like epinephrine to stimulate glucose which causes people to wake up during the night. A low fat, low sugar diet combined with six small meals a day can help regulate blood sugar levels. Altering your diet to reduce sugar, introducing good fats and reducing saturated fats will improve your overall health and may lead to better sleep.
If you do not exercise regularly, maybe now is the time to start introducing mild to moderate activity into your daily routine and see if that helps. A short 30 minute walk daily may cure your insomnia. If you are lying in bed for more than twenty minutes and cannot fall asleep, you should get up and read a book or something else that is not too active until you feel drowsy. Following a nighttime routine to help wind down, like a hot bath or a warm glass of decaffeinated tea can train your body to prepare for bedtime. Relaxation before bedtime such as meditation or journaling may help clear your mind and result in an easier time getting to sleep. With mild insomnia try some of these stress reduction techniques including exercise.
For those with chronic insomnia, working with your healthcare professional, you can devise a strategy involving the suggestions and medication if necessary. As with any prescription medication, such as Ambien, there are side effects that may outweigh the benefits. Speaking to a herbalist may be beneficial as there are some effective herbal treatments for insomnia. It is extremely important you inform your herbalist of any prescription medications you may be on and inform your doctor of any herbs you are taking. It is vital that anyone diagnosed or suspected of suffering from insomnia due to a medical condition such as asthma or cancer speak to their doctor for advice on the best treatment for them. Do not feel uncomfortable asking your doctor’s advice on alternative treatments. Eastern style medicine is much more accepted these days and can be combined with medical treatments prescribed by your doctor. With all the varying diagnoses methods and possible treatments for insomnia, along with safe and natural insomnia remedies, reaching out for help is a good thing. Hopefully a long restful night’s sleep is in your near future.
Note: Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.
Posted under Miscellaneous Content
This post was written by admin on April 25, 2009
