Insomnia

RE: Insomnia

Most chemists or health food shops sell a product called either Calm or Kalm (I forget which). I've tried it back in the past and found that it does have some effect though, if I may say so, I'd take a bit more than they say. Or try the recommended doseage for a couple of nights. If that works, fine. If not, 50 percent more won't do any harm IMHO. In other words, I found it quite subtle.

Of course, though I don't think it's addictive, one wouldn't want to get into the habit of taking it forever, as that's psychological addiction. But it may help through a short patch. In fact, it would be interesting to know if it does.

P.S. But far better than any remedy such as Kalm would be, no matter how hard the working day has been, to sometimes get to a gym in the evening, or something where the body works out. I really can't think of anything at all more condusive to sleep than physical tiredness. ;)(Assuming that your partner works hard more in an office-type or managerial environment.)

V

RE: Insomnia

I think I have posted this before, but here's a excerpt from one of my books

1. If you are suffering from emotional problems which are causing your insomnia, consulting a behavioural or psychological therapist may be beneficial.
2. Changing your sleeping environment can help, have a peaceful place to sleep, have a comfortable mattress and block out all light and noise
3. Avoid napping during the day
4. Use relaxation tapes and techniques to help you unwind
5. Avoid stimulants such as beverages like tea and coffee which contain caffeine
6. Avoid medicine that contain ephedra and pseudoephedrine which typically tend to be in dieting, allergy and cold pills
7. Give up smoking
8. Avoid alcohol
9. Avoid rich food
10. It may help to have a high-carbohydrate snack such as a lettuce sandwich before you go to bed, this will produce more serotonin which is known to reduce anxiety and help with sleep.
11. It may help to take a hot bath with 1 or 2 cups of epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) in it, 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime.
12. Exercising will promote sleep but it needs to be done earlier in the day, do not do it before bedtime.
13. Insomnia has been linked to food allergies especially milk, excluding milk from the diet might help with insomnia.
14. Try putting drops of lavender essential oil near your pillow at night, it has sedative properties
15. You may find sleep supplements which contain valerian, hops and lemon balm helpful. Both valerian and kava kava are well known for their properties to relieve anxiety, reduce tension and promote sleep.
16. Some people have found that acupuncture can help with their sleep problems.

I hope this helps

RE: Insomnia

A nice bath with Lavender, Chamomile, Orange and Frankincense will work wonders for her sleep. You could try 5-HTP. If you take what the recommended dose is about an hour roughly before you want to go to bed it helps to relax and aids a restful sleep.

Clare x

RE: Insomnia

I have had the same problem for many years. Have tried all the herbal problems on the market - some work for a short while, but never for long, tried aromatherapy, counting sheep - you name it - I've tried it.Napping during the day is an old folks tale. If your body wants a nap - let it have one. Going to sleep - or not [:@][:@]can be purely a psychological problem. Your subconscious gets to know you have trouble, you think you wont sleep - and LOW - it doth provide[:@]

So,In desperation, I tried Hypnosis a couple of weeks ago - and it works after only 2 sessions. My hypnotist has made a CD which I play before going to bed if I feel I need it - and wow - it really works.

RE: Insomnia

I've been reading a lot about Hypnosis recently and find it very interesting.

I've been listening to Adam Eason podcasts and I know he has a sleep CD.

His web site is here: [DLMURL] http://www.adam-eason.com/products/pageDetails.aspx?PageID=117 [/DLMURL]

All the best

RE: Insomnia

Just on the subject in general, I do sympathise with those having insomnia. I know what the real thing is like. But a few reading this might have a condition more like mine, who knows ... ?

I used to fret a bit years ago at my "inability to get to sleep" which I thought of as insomnia. But as some members of HP have noticed, I might still be posting here at 3 AM or might be up and posting at 6 AM. In short, somewhere along the line, years ago, I realised that I don't have insomnia at all, but simply need little sleep - which is great, actually! In other words, 4 hours a night, or 5, or 3 even, and I'm still usually fresh all day. So some people are like that. If you feel fresh after a shorter sleep than most need, it's not insomnia (but it's a blessing IMO!). However, obviously if a person just can't get to sleep and is exhausted the next day, there's no need to say that yes, that's insomnia.

It's often caused by even unconscious stress, so it's worth examining one's life and what one might be stressed about. The last time I had real, recurring insomnia, I finally figured out it was because I hated the job I had and dreaded the next day. That sort of thing needs sorting out in one's life, in order to sleep.

V

RE: Insomnia

i suffer from insomnia also but thats my own fault, i drink alcohol regularly, drink too many sugary filled drinks and have a bad diet of take away food (although i only have around 1/2 meals per day) i also have no routine of excercise. I think in order to cure insomnia you need to have an outlet and balance/routine, i also think anxiety is a major cause of insomnia i often lie in bed awake unable to sleep thinking about the future or worrying about my health etc...(tiredness contributes to my paranoya) sp?.

RE: Insomnia

Hi,

As I posted in January (above yours), I only ever had insomnia because - yes - not so much anxiety as dread about a job I couldn't stand.

I'd recommend exercise! A manual job puts me to sleep soon after getting home, just for example; or gentle and pleasant exercise is to join the Ramblers. Even people in their 60s and 70s do that, so it's not so hard - but after a long one I'm practically ready to fall asleep when I get home around 6-7 p.m. I think non-exercise is a major contributor to insomnia.

V

Placing a piece of amethyst under your pillow helps with insomnia, but of course a life style change would be healthy also.

Controlled breathing as you're in bed trying to get to sleep is wonderful, there is a 4-way breathing exercise under the 'spiritual healing' section of this website, works wonders for relaxation and getting to sleep.

I gave it some months ago to a very stressed hyper lady and within a week she had already noticed the difference.

Taking a warm bath and drinking warm milk usually helps me sleep on certain nights.

Red Bush tea

Hello
I think this has been posted on here a while ago, but this usually works for me. Red Bush Tea you can buy them in small red boxes in the tea and coffee aisles of supermarkets. I am a chronic insomniac and get about 3-4 hours, as I have a husband who snores. Maybe I should practice reflexology on him!
The tea does work and also a lettuce sandwich. It might be worth speaking to a reflexologist so they can relax you and concentrate on the pineal gland which regulates the sleep/wake cycle.
Best wishes
Trace x

People with insomnia usually have something going on inside their head that is making their mind remain active, rather than slowing down. What I have found very effective is to simply change the tonality and speed of whatever is going on in your mind - slow it down, turn it into a seductive and soft voice...next thing its 7am and you've just enjoyed 8 hours sleep.