Alternative insomnia treatments

Sleep Disorders

Alternative insomnia treatments

Note that you should always tell your doctor when you try alternative treatments, and any combination of herbs with OTC sleep aid preparation or prescription sleeping pills. Herbal supplements are not always are safe as you might think. Some people have allergies, and the herbal supplement industry is not nearly as regulated as the pharmaceutical companies are. The dosages printed on the bottles are notoriously unreliable.

Warm baths

Some people find these relaxing. They can help relax the muscles and promote sleep. It is possible that the thermoregulation system, so tied into the sleep cycle, is affected by the warmth.

Acupuncture

Some people swear by the ancient practice of acupuncture for a range of maladies, including insomnia. There is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture.

Herbs

Passionflower

Passionflower is a vine native to Europe that no grows in the United States also. Herbal supplement companies put extracts into capsules and make it into tea-like preparations. Passionflower is used by enthusiasts for anxiety and insomnia.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an ancient remedy for a range of problems. The flowers are dried and crushed and infused into a tea. Some people are allergic to it.

Lavender

Extracts from this shrub are used for aroma enhancement in a range of consumer products. It is also used for aromatherapy for insomnia.

Valerian

Note that a US government report in 2005 found that valerian had no significant effect in helping people get to sleep. More on valerian.

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"Sleep hath seized me wholly"

(William Shakespeare – Cymebline)

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Good Sleep for Good Health

Sleep Disorders

Drowsy Driving

Glossary