Home Remedies and Herbs for Insomnia (Sleep Disorder)

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder known. It affects most people at some point in their life and routinely causes 10 percent of adults to get an insufficient night’s sleep. They lay in bed for hours, wake up frequently, then are not able to get back to sleep. During the day, they feel tired, lack energy, have difficulty focusing and can be quite irritable.^1,2,3

There are two insomnia definitions — primary and secondary. Secondary insomnia is the most common and is normally brought on by outside factors like stress or other illness. Little is known about primary insomnia, which is classified as a distinct and separate sleep disorder. In cases of primary insomnia, the disorder is the cause of the symptoms whereas, in secondary insomnia, the sleep disorder is caused by an outside influence which presents in the symptoms. ²

Both types of insomnia can be acute or chronic. Acute insomnia lasts short-term, usually no more than a few days or a week. Chronic insomnia is a long-term sleep disorder and it can continue on for weeks, months and, in rare cases, may be permanent. ²

What Causes Insomnia (Sleep Disorder)

Insomnia causes can result from a number of factors. The usual suspect in acute, secondary insomnia is lifestyle stressors like financial, employment, illness or personal relationship situations. The sleep disorder usually passes once the stressor is rectified. ^1,3
 
Other common insomnia causes are:

• Substance abuse
• Emotional excitement or depression
• Overeating before bedtime
• Jet-lag or travel disruptions
• Poor sleep habits
• Medications
• Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake
• Advanced age
• Menopause
• Hormonal imbalances
• Medical conditions such as GERD and sleep apnea
• Snoring sleep partners
• Disrupted circadian rhythms

Insomnia (Sleep Disorder) Symptoms
 
Insomnia symptoms are usually obvious and quite disruptive to energy levels. They can be:

• Difficulty falling asleep, especially at night
• Frequent waking during sleep periods
• Waking too early
• Tossing and turning during sleep
• Feeling of low energy during daytime
• Irritability, anxiety and/or depression
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention
• Worries about sleep disorders
• Tension headaches
• Increasing errors and mistakes

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Insomnia (Sleep Disorder)
 
Fortunately, there are a number of effective insomnia cures and insomnia home remedies. Some of the best are:

• Melatonin - Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep and natural rhythms. Melatonin supplements are readily available but should be taken with care and in accordance with prescribed instructions.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV is one of nature’s wonder remedies for many ailments, including insomnia. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at bedtime has a relaxing effect that helps reduce insomnia symptoms.
• Chamomile Tea - Tea made from chamomile flowers has a calming, soothing effect on muscles and nerves to help improve sleep and reduce insomnia. It is an easy and safe insomnia natural cure for anyone to take.
• Valerian - Valerian root is one of the top insomnia natural home remedies. It is well-known for treating anxiety and nervous conditions. Insomniacs can benefit from a warm drink made of valerian and water.
• Sea Salt and Water - Sea salt contains mineral traces that help induce sleep and reduce anxiety. Sea salt diluted in warm water can be ingested before bed for a calming start to a restful sleep.
• Castor Oil - Though the health benefits of castor oil for insomnia symptoms are relatively unknown, it is believed that drops of castor oil placed on the eyelids is a sleep-inducing home remedy.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/home/ovc-20256955
2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/insomnia