The lack of sleep is termed as insomnia and is also known as sleeplessness.Sleep is a periodic state of rest for the body, which is important for its efficient functioning.
It gives relief from tension and worries. The amount of sleep varies from individual to individual. Normally 7-8 hours of sleep every night is adequate and normal. Insomnia deprives the person with mental rest and interferes with the daily activities. It is the most common problem among the people of upper classes in urban areas. It is also common among the elderly people as the sleep requirements decreases with aging.
Causes of Insomnia
The various causes of insomnia are:
- Mental tension
- Any serious or chronic disease
- Excessive intake of tea and coffee
Home Remedies for Insomnia
Insomnia treatment - Various yogaasanas that are effective in the treatment of insomnia are shirasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, uttanasan, viparitakarni and shavasana.
Extract about 30 grams of the milk from the poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) and mix this milk with an adequate amount of sugar. Take this once in a day especially after dinner, when preparing to sleep. This remedy is one of the effective home remedies for insomnia.
Controlled breathing is also effective in inducing sleep.
Take four nutmegs and grind it to a fine powder and take this powder every night before going to sleep. This is one of the most effective home remedies for insomnia.
Regular, active exercises during the day and mild exercise at bedtime enhances the quantity and quality of sleep as the exercise stimulates the elimination of lactic acid from the body. Walking, jogging, skipping and swimming are the good exercises. This is a good insomnia treatment.
To overcome the problem of insomnia one should stick to a regular sleeping schedule like going to bed at a fixed time every night and getting up at a fixed time in the morning.
Applications of hot packs, hot fomentations to the spine, and hot footbath before going to bed are the effective measures. This is one of the best insomnia cure.
Take some root of the pippali (Piper longum) plant and grind to fine powder. Take one teaspoonful of this powder every night by adding some jaggery. Take this powder with a glassful of warm milk. This is very effective home remedy for insomnia.
The cold hipbath with feet in hot water at bedtime is the other beneficial water treatment.
A cup of milk with honey at bedtime is helpful in inducing sleep.
Mash a single ripe banana into a bowl and then put the roasted cumin seeds into it. mix both properly. Take this after dinner. It will induce good sleep and is very good home remedy for insomnia.
Valerian wallichi has mild relaxant properties and is useful in sleep disorders. The fresh juice of the valerian should be taken in a teaspoonful quantity before going to sleep. This is also very effective home remedy for insomnia.
Bedtime Drinks
- Oranges Orange flower water in warm water with little sugar is the most effective in inducing sleep. Orange leaf tea or the juice of 2 oranges in a little hot water sweetened with honey is also effective in dealing with mild insomnia.
- Milk or buttermilk Any of the two can be taken with a pinch of cinnamon and honey for quality sleep.
Visitor Comments -
Someone told me that fresh celery juice is good for insomnia. I've never tried it though, and I don't know if I could drink it. About 4 valerian capsules usually do the trick for me! Tim (22-8-2006)