Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Use natural remedies for insomnia to help you get to sleep without the use of sleep medications. Sleeping pills can be addictive. Instead of becoming dependent on these drugs try home remedies for insomnia.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the hormone the brain produces to make you fall asleep. You can buy this hormone in supplement form from many health food stores.

When you take melatonin start out slowly. Take 1mg and see if that helps you. If it doesn't seem to work you can up the dose when your take it the following night. You should never exceed a dose of 5mg.

Try taking this supplement every other night once you get it to work. You may only have to take it a few times before your brain starts producing the melatonin it needs.

Meditation

Sometimes anxiety and worry can be causing you to stay awake. Meditating before you go to sleep can help calm your mind and put you in a state that is better for falling to sleep.

Hot Bath

Take a hot bath just before bed time. A hot bath will reset your body's termostat making it easier to get some sleep.

Have a Snack

Eat a carb filled snack just before between will help you feel sleepy.

Magnesium

Lack of magnesium may make you feel anxious and give you sleep disorders. Make sure you include foods that contain magnesium in your diet like dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains. You may also want to take a multi-vitamin with magnesium in it.

Herbs

These herbs can be used to help you get to sleep.

• valerian
• hops
• kava
• chamomile
• passionflower
• lemon balm

Essential Oils

Some essential oils act as sedatives and can be used as natural remedies for insomnia. Just put a few drops of one of these essential oils in a shallow dish of water on your bedside table or in a handkerchief left near your pillow.

• lavender
• ylang ylang
• chamomile

Massage Therapy

Massage relaxes the mind and soothes the nervous system. Get a massage in the evening and try to remain calm and relaxed until bedtime.

Lifestyle Changes

You'll be able to get to sleep more easily if you sleep in a completely dark room. Buy black-out curtains for your bedroom windows. Make your room as dark as possible.

Make sure you're comfortable. You pillows and mattress should be as comfortable as possible.

Exercise in the morning or afternoon.

Avoid caffiene especially at night.

Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday.

Don't take naps.

If you like these natural remedies for insomnia check out our other natural remedies on our Free Home Remedies page.

Do you have a favorite natural remedy? Share it here.