Home Remedy for Sleeplessness (Insomnia)

Home Remedy for Sleeplessness (Insomnia)

A sound sleep is crucial to maintain good physical and mental health.

Insomnia is inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can be long term sleep disorder or short term disorder. Insomnia can lead to irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and headache.

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can be acute or chronic. Short term insomnia is called acute insomnia. It can last from a few days up to a few weeks.

If Insomnia lasts for more than a month it is called chronic insomnia.

Causes of Insomnia

Acute Insomnia is result of stress due to family or work or when one has suffered from trauma.

Chronic insomnia happens as a side effect of other problems. So it is also called as secondary insomnia.

Below are the causes of Insomnia

• Medications for asthma, cold and allergies.
• Due to Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome, breathing related ailments like sleep apnea.
• Due to Chronic pain like arthritis.
• Overactive thyroid gland.
• Health issues that cause breathing problems like asthma.
• Menopause
• Excessive caffeine, tobacco, alcohol or related substances.

Remedies for Sleeplessness

Foods for Insomnia

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi Fruits are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the oxidative stress on the brain that may be causing sleeplessness.

Kiwis contain serotonin that helps relax the mind.

Eat 2 fresh kiwi fruits one hour before going to bed. Continue this every night; results will be visible in  few weeks.

Banana

Banana and its peel are rich in potassium, magnesium, tryptophan and vitamins. These nutrients regulate the functioning of the brain and the body.

They also generate optimum levels of hormones like melatonin and serotonin relaxing the brain and producing sleep.

Take 1 banana, 1-2 cups of water and optionally Cinnamon Powder.

Cut the ends of the banana and boil it in the water for 10 minutes. Strain the water into a cup and add pinch of cinnamon powder. Drink it warm.

Alternatively we can consume a ripe banana before going to bed.

Honey for Insomnia

Honey is loaded with antioxidants that reduce the oxidative stress within the body.  Taking honey before going to sleep supplies the liver with enough glycogen that it can utilize over the night.

When the glycogen levels in the body go down, stress hormones are produced. They disturb our sleep and lead to insomnia. Having honey every night can control this.

Milk for Insomnia

Milk contains tryptophan which is a calming agent and can help in sleep disorders.

Take a glass of warm milk. Drink it 10-15 minutes before going to bed. Do this every night for sleep issues.

Best Oils for Insomnia

Lavender for Insomnia

Lavender has a pleasant aroma that most of us love.  It is mild sedative and also a mood stabilizer.

Its neuroprotective properties reduce anxiety and help you sleep better.

Place the lavender oil drops on the pillow or keep the sachet under your pillow every night. Repeat this every night.

Coconut oil for Insomnia

Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids that supply the body with optimum energy. It helps in regulating the hormonal products which in turn regulates the sleep cycle.

Take 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of sea salt.

Mix the oil, honey and salt. Consume this before going to bed. Repeat this every night for sound sleep.

Black Seed Oil for Insomnia

Black seed oil increases the tryptophan levels in the brain which is required for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin-the hormones that regulate sleep.

Take 1 teaspoon of black seed oil and a glass of lukewarm water.

Consume the oil and immediately drink lukewarm water.

Do this every night before going to bed for at least three to four weeks to see results.