Educate yourself about alternative medical treatments available for specific diseases and conditions. This site is presented to help you research alternative medical treatments, natural and herbal remedies and different ways of thinking about how to solve specific medical problems.  Please read our disclaimer.

Alternative Treatments for Insomnia

Alternative treatments for Insomnia have been used by people in other cultures for many years.  Some treatments are very effective for some people.  Others may only work because the patient believes they will work, much like the way placebos sometimes work in medical experiments.  However, we believe that the more you know about the options, the more you will be able to make intelligent, informed decisions about the medical treatment, which may be right for you and your particular medical conditions.  Please read our disclaimer.

About Insomnia or Sleep Difficulty

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep for an extended period. Insomnia varies in severity between individuals. Many persons often have intermittent insomniac periods that last for up to a few weeks. Others can have constant insomnia for months, and more rarely it is an always-present condition. Insomnia most commonly results in mental fatigue, anxiety and physical fatigue. Insomnia has many origins, some which can be modified, and others that are biological. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to improve the amount of sleep obtained.

• Valerian is an herb and dietary supplement that is often used to help diminish the effects of insomnia. Its effects have been validated by numerous scientific studies. Valerian is available over-the-counter as a natural supplement. Care should be taken as few studies have examined the long-term effects of valerian.
   
• Avoid using alcohol to fall asleep. While alcohol is a depressant, it prevents the body from entering the most rejuvenating form of sleep, REM deep-sleep, and can also lead to awakenings during the night to urinate, not to mention hangovers.
   
• Avoid too much caffeine. As many know, caffeine stimulates the body and makes rest more difficult. The effects are long-lasting however, and caffeine is best avoided 10 hours before you hope to rest.
   
• Insomnia can be caused by a lack of magnesium in the diet. Therefore, it is a good idea for many suffering from insomnia to ensure that they are receiving an adequate amount of magnesium everyday. Magnesium is found in green vegetables, particularly spinach and legumes such as beans and peas. Further nuts, particularly almonds and cashews, seeds and unrefined (whole) grains are good sources as well. As a mineral, magnesium is often found in tap water; however this is very much dependent on the source.
   
• Meditation and yoga can be very helpful in relaxing a person before rest and is often effective in relieving insomnia.
   
• Hypnotherapy, including self hypnosis, is often effective in inducing sleep and maintaining sleep to relieve insomnia. Over the long run, hypnotherapy can help to develop beneficial sleeping patterns as well.
   
• Make your bed a place of rest. First, try to make it comfortable. Second, try to avoid doing other activities other than sleeping in it. Third, always try to sleep in it, rather than on the couch or elsewhere.
   
• Some medications can interfere with sleep schedules. Check your medications and consult with your doctor, if you feel this is a possibility.
   
• Exercise during the day. Exercise helps to keep the body in good condition, and also tires you out, easing insomnia.
   
• Try to ensure a comfortable and relaxing hour leading up to when you want to fall asleep. Avoid strenuous activities, stimulating activities, or stressful thoughts. Soothing and soft music prior to bed is a common remedy for achieving peace of mind. Additionally, aroma therapy is often very beneficial. Approaching bed relaxed can make a phenomenal difference in obtaining more sleep every night.
   

Have questions about Alternative Treatments?

We recommend that you review the information about physical therapy on this website, look at the alternative medical treatments on the appropriate websites, do your own independent research, talk with your doctor or other medical professional and learn as much as you can before making the decision that is right for you.  We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health related questions, so please do not ask.