Insomnia

An all too common malaise, but what causes it? Like most conditions
there can be a number of factors: insufficient exercise, stress,
allergies, day time napping, alcohol, over active mind. The list
could go on.

What we need to do is make time in our busy lives to eat well, this
means no junk food, exercise and relax. It is recommended that you
keep to a regular sleeping pattern and arise at the same time each
morning despite the quality of your sleep. The body and mind likes
predictability and a regimented lifestyle. Sounds boring I know, but
if you have sleep problems listen to your body.

I have noticed that if I am suffering from indigestion my sleep will
be disturbed. If this is also your problem then maybe your
indigestion is being caused by food allergies or intolerances. If you
have any suspects remove them from your diet and see if this helps.
You may have to try an exclusion diet to pinpoint any causes, medical
advice might be needed.

Many people have problems in falling asleep, rather than regularly
waking during the night. In the former the problem is probably an
over active mind. Try using a relaxation technique before trying to
sleep. Listen to some calming music (heavy metal, dance music or rap
is not a good idea!), read a book (a racy or steamy novel might not
help!), or just try clearing the mind of the day's events. If you
have a habit of falling asleep in front of the TV after work then try
to avoid doing this, napping after 4 pm is not recommended.

It is counter productive to get upset at yourself for not being able
to get to sleep or get back to sleep. Yes the clock is ticking away
to the alarm call, but some sleep is better than no sleep so just
relax turn over and stop thinking. If you find it is impossible try
whatever relaxation technique you find useful, but don't toss and turn
and get angry. Get up have a glass of warm milk, whatever.

Alcohol is not recommended as an answer. Yes it will get you off to
sleep, but it is likely your sleep will be disturbed, probably by a
need to visit the lavatory. Other stimulants, such as coffee
consumption, need to be drastically cut back on, or preferably removed
altogether.

Heavy late night meals are also a bad idea and exercise whilst
recommended is not ideal if completed less than 3-4 hours before you
retire. This is because adrenalin will still be pumping around your
body.

If you are brave enough you may wish to try detoxing your system and
try the following to help you relax and sleep:

* Have a banana or cup of warm milk just before retiring to raise
serotonin levels
* St John's Wort (can cause an increased sensitivity to the sun)
* Valerian (but in a few people it acts as a stimulant)
* Hops
* Passion Flower
* Chamomile
* California Poppy
* Kava Kava (but see this first)
* Lavender

Some people also recommend melatonin and although for some people it
works it can act as a stimulant for others. I have read that rather
than needing supplementation it could be the case the body is
producing too much, which results in a suppression of serotonin and
is, therefore, counter-productive as serotonin helps you sleep.

The enlightened view is that no aids, natural or otherwise should be
needed to get a good night's sleep. If a problem has arisen it is
because the body needs to detox. With the long-term solution being a
good healthy diet, relaxation and regular exercise. However, given
the complexities of the modern world you may need to follow some of
the above advice. May your dreams be happy ones :-)

http://theapothecary.890m.com

Alcohol is not recommended as an answer. Yes it will get you off to
sleep, but it is likely your sleep will be disturbed, probably by a
need to visit the lavatory. Other stimulants, such as coffee
consumption, need to be drastically cut back on, or preferably removed
altogether.

True.

Heavy late night meals are also a bad idea and exercise whilst
recommended is not ideal if completed less than 3-4 hours before you
retire. This is because adrenalin will still be pumping around your
body.

My experience is quite exactly the opposite. I tend to sleep much
easier if I have exercised and/or eaten shortly before. The body needs
to rest and the food will be more smoothly digested.

Why did you post this in a low carb group anyway?


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