Natural Insomnia Remedies From A To ZZZs

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Spent another night tossing and turning? Your restlessness could be attributed to insomnia, a sleep disorder that prevents you from falling and/or staying asleep. The condition occurs in about half of all adults, typically affecting more older people than younger, and more women than men.

There could be various causes for insomnia’s presence in your nightly routine. While it might be just a temporary strain, it could also be a long-term issue as a result of irregular sleep habits or an existing health condition.

There are two types of insomnia:

Primary

Primary insomnia means your sleeplessness may not be linked to a health problem. Causes can include stress, a poor sleep environment or abrupt changes to your schedule.

Secondary

Secondary insomnia is usually prompted by a health condition such as asthma, depression or arthritis, as well as substance abuse. It can also be associated with mental health issues and other sleep-related disorders.

So how do you treat insomnia? Sleeping pills are a common answer but could result in unpleasant side effects. Read on to learn more about natural, alternative treatments to help you sleep soundly.

Are Sleeping Pills for You?

Western medicine has evolved as technology has advanced. Over-the-counter drugs and prescription sleep medications have gained popularity for their convenience. Unfortunately, not all pills are a perfect cure for insomnia.

While sleeping pills claim to stimulate melatonin receptors or initiate drowsiness in the brain for a more restful night, they also carry warnings for health risks and side effects. Some common reactions include headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, difficulty urinating or memory disturbances.

With the fluctuating duration of their effects and risk of dependence in the long run, medications can sometimes worsen the insomnia they are supposed to treat. That’s why you might consider choosing a more natural method to tackle your insomnia.

There are a few time-tested approaches that may be just as effective as sleeping pills. Maintaining a steady routine before bed or altering your diet to incorporate certain superfoods and supplements may benefit you over time. Some nontraditional remedies like acupuncture, hypnosis and electromagnetic therapy have also been used to treat insomnia.

Don’t worry — if needles aren’t your thing, it’s not the only solution to achieve a better slumber. Check out the infographic to discover some natural insomnia remedies that could help you get the rest you need.