Natural Sleep Remedies

[.♥. Cupcake .♥.]

I've found that sleep disorders is becoming more common in my line of work. Many of my patients, as well as myself, hardly get enough sleep due to shift work, stress, pressure or illnesses. Many do ask me what's the best thing for sleep, without having to have the 'last resort' with medications. I honestly have not found something that works well for most.

I myself suffer from a lack of sleep from uneven days, shift work, and such and it's quite annoying when you're lying in bed watching the minutes go by and unable to drift off!

What have you found that helps? I find a mug of chamomile tea relaxes, or reading before bed. I'm curious to see what people have tried:)

[Wyld]

Hard work.

Honestly, and I mean physical taxing work; a hike, rather than a walk.

An hour workout will knock you into a deeper and more natural sleep than an additive, not to mention growing resistant, dosage altering, complications, etc.

[Nightstaar]

Whilst I somewhat agree with you Wyld, my mind can still be running circles after doing something really physical and that seems to be the problem with sleeping I've found.

Reading a book does wonders. especially if done away from stimulating lights. There was a doco about sleeping a while back that showed how much blue light can effect your sleep. Could be total **** but it seems to make a big difference for me.

[goosmurf]

Hard work.

Honestly, and I mean physical taxing work; a hike, rather than a walk.

An hour workout will knock you into a deeper and more natural sleep than an additive, not to mention growing resistant, dosage altering, complications, etc.

I'll second this. I usually don't have trouble sleeping but if I do its because of stress or something that's subconsciously bothering me. Exercise helps immensely coz it tires you physically and if you do something strenuous focusing on your breathing helps to clear the mind too.

I usually go for a 45 minute run or ride or if conditions are right, for a surf. Whatever it is, it needs to get your heart going.

Occasionally I'll use exercise time to think through an issue, usually you can find a solution to any problem if you think hard about it for 45 minutes.

[v4moose]

studies have actually shown (which I can't be bothered to find) that the amount and intensity of activity one does in the day has vary little effect on the length and quality of sleep.

in my opinion the key is to be as least stressed as possible when it comes to closing your eyes - but in fact many people actually stress about getting enough sleep, counting the minutes as you say only increases this stress.

I don't have a clock near my bed, I set the alarm in the evening on my phone then just leave it on my table. that way I can't stress that i haven't fallen asleep in time. It also payes to do something relaxing like reading before bed (with a nice soothing warm drink)- but don't do it on a computer, as the light from the screen tricks your brain into still thinking its daytime so you won't easily fall asleep after.

[Onyx]

Audio books. Aw yeeeeeeeeeee.

[Artful-dodgeR]

I found a magical spray, works wonders. Brauer Sleep & Insomnia Relief. For $15 it can't hurt to try yourself.

[CelticAngel82]

went through a stint of insomnia for a while, ended up looking into meditation, going to bed with music of my choice playing (Enigma is really good, but i also find it easy to sleep to old school offspring and such.)
Getting more morning/afternoon light for my eyes.
a week into this and i was sleeping right through.

turns out it was my medication causing the insomnia. not much i can do about that.

also, welcome to the forums

[Auld]

If you're male Zinc, Magnesium and Folic Acid supplements can help you get a deeper sleep.

[ChainsawMcP]

Reading before sleep is fine - but don't do it in bed. The association you want to set up is bed = sleep not bed = xxx (although a bit of the right sort of xxx is also pretty good for promoting sleep)

If you have something running through your mind - get it out - write it down... write a list of things to do, or a story about how imaginatively you can remove your problem, or compose your letter of resignation (just don't send it).


I had a problem with insomnia when I was young (just shortly after we cleared the last of the dinosaurs from our area) which was managed - and still works for me to this day.
The Dr laid out a list of possible treatments - acupuncture, massage, sleeping tablets, self hypnosis, illicit herbal remedies...

We went with a re-inforced self hypnosis. For the first week I took sleeping tablets, went to bed at the same time, and listened to the same piece of music. Then, after that I dropped the sleeping tablets, but kept the music. Brain being fairtly easy to train associates music with sleep... Voila! I can still lie down, run through a little relaxation exercise with that music playing and practically guarantee that I'll be asleep.

[Wyld]

Sex is always a good option. Chemically, it's the best sleeping agent there is.

Let alone, physical activity and usually quite fun

[lee.]

Sex is always a good option. Chemically, it's the best sleeping agent there is.

Let alone, physical activity and usually quite fun

We should test this theory.

[Artful-dodgeR]

Sex is always a good option. Chemically, it's the best sleeping agent there is.

Let alone, physical activity and usually quite fun

We should test this theory.

Didn't know you two were an item. Congrats on coming out of the closet!

[/zing]

[Wyld]

Sex is always a good option. Chemically, it's the best sleeping agent there is.

Let alone, physical activity and usually quite fun

We should test this theory.

For Science!

[Nightstaar]

Sex is always a good option. Chemically, it's the best sleeping agent there is.

Let alone, physical activity and usually quite fun