Natural sleep remedies

Although these natural sleep remedies are different from the Oriental medicine approach used in my clinic (see the natural cures for insomnia page), they may help you sleep better... Many folks do find these remedies useful. But, bear in mind...

... the wisdom of Oriental medicine gives us the best method for handling insomnia once and for all. . Most conventional and/or natural sleep remedies seek only to help you sleep tonight... but not to fix the reason you have insomnia in the first place.

That's why many people come to me after having tried sleep aids like Ambien or Lunestra. Those drugs are meant only for short-term use... they have side effects and hurt you if used long term. And, we're still able to help them when nothing else has. So, having said that, here's some...

Natural Sleep remedies You Can Try At Home

Eat nut butter, turkey or dates in the evening - these are high in tryptophan, which makes you sleepy (But don't eat too close to bedtime... that keeps you awake!)

Use hops, skullcap, valerian root or kava kava (all in capsule or extract form) - rotate among these herbs, rather than using the same on every night. Take before bed.

A hot bath (not shower) an hour before bedtime will relax you and make you sleepy.

Chamomile or Catnip - these are mildly sedative and calming to your nerves. They are generally considered safe.

Exercise regularly, particularly early in the evening (but not just before bedtime)

Avoid computer work, thinking about money/ business or anything that excites or stimulates you before bed.

DHEA, a naturally occurring hormone, can give you better sleep.

Melatonin is another natural hormone that helps promote good quality sleep.

Use a Calcium-Magnesium supplement - calcium is calming, and magnesium relaxes the muscles and is required with calcium.

Use your bedroom only for sleeping (and sex). Your subconscious will eventually associate it with sleeping

Return to Natural Cures for Insomnia from Natural Sleep Remedies

Reference:

Balch, James F. and Balch, Phyllis A. (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, NY. Avery Publishing Group.