Insomnia and a Natural Solution

Your body has an internal biological clock that normally runs on a 24 hour cycle. This cycle is called your circadian rhythm; It regulates your body’s systems and when it is in tune it allows you to maintain a normal sleeping pattern. Sometimes however, your circadian rhythm may become altered and you can experience bouts of insomnia. Common examples of this are jet lag, illness and change in work hours that disturb your natural sleep pattern.

Two Types of Insomnia

Stress, depression, sickness and some medications can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. When this happens for a short time or is infrequent, it is known as “acute insomnia”. “Chronic insomnia” generally lasts for more than three nights a week for one month or more. Insomnia can happen to anyone at any time and is not always connected to a cause or reason. Insomnia is classified in two ways. Primary insomnia is not related to any event or health issue. You just can’t fall asleep. Secondary insomnia is caused by a condition

or event in your life. Asthma, heartburn, arthritis, pain and medications can all be the cause of secondary insomnia. Some people try to find relief from this condition with prescription medications, antihistamines and over the counter sleep aids, many of which can have serious side effects.

Why is Sleep So Important?

Your body needs to be at rest in order to renew, repair and rebuild tissues and cells. It is important not only for physical health, but mental health as well. Lack of sleep can affect the body in many ways, including a weakening of the immune system, metabolic complications and even affects heart rhythm. Severe sleep deprivation can cause mood swings, impaired memory and cognitive functions and even hallucinations.

Normally a sleep cycle occurs every 90 minutes during the night. Stage 1 usually only happens when you first fall asleep. If you are awakened during sleep the cycle may start over or, if you can fall back to sleep quickly, you may return to the stage you were in prior to waking.

Sleep Stag 

SLEEP STAGES OF A NORMAL SLEEP CYCLE
Sleep Stage	DURATION	Physiological  Effects Stage
Stage 1	5-10% of sleep	Breathing  slows You start to relax
Stage 2	40-50% of sleep	Brain waves slow Eye movement stops
Stages 3 & 4	20% of sleep	Long delta brainwaves appear Deep sleep
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep	Every 90 minutes	Stage of sleep associated with dreams

Nature’s Sleep Aid

Valerian Root, Lemon Balm and Passionflower are just a few of the natural alternatives to Xanax and prescription sleep aids such as Ambien and Lunesta. These herbs carry none of the side effects or risks of prescription sleep aids. They are safe for most people to take and not addictive although you should always consult your healthcare professional.

Valerian – (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since ancient Greek times as a sleeping aid and also for its calming effects. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who struggle to fall asleep or wake up during the night.

Lemon Balm – (Melissa officinalis) Research in Germany has shown a key compound in lemon balm calms the central nervous system, making it great for helping to relieve stress and anxiety, which in turn helps people to sleep better.

Passionflower - (Passiflora incarnata) One of the great characteristics of passionflower is that it aids sleep without leaving the groggy feeling typical of many sleeping medications.

  Try tablets, capsules, tinctures or teas one by one to find out what is most effective for you. Whatever herbs you decide to use, Hope fully you’ll soon be sleeping sounder,longer and more peacefully.