INSOMNIA

Symptoms

Insomnia involves problems with falling asleep at night, waking up during the night and erratic sleeping patterns. Insomnia can be a long or short-term problem. Symptoms include:

• Inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep
• Repeated awakening in the night
• Early morning awakening
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Depression or anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Another type of insomnia is called ‘learned insomnia’. After a few sleepless nights, people can become apprehensive about going to bed because they fear they will not be able to get to sleep. This anxiety usually does make it difficult to sleep, beginning the cycle over again.

Causes Insomnia can be caused by many factors, or a combination of factors. These include:

• Certain medications such as amphetamines and decongestants
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Poor sleeping environment or surrounds
• Chronic pain
• Grief
• Jet lag

Insomnia treatment

The best way to prevent insomnia is to develop good sleep habits. This includes maintaining a regular and predictable sleep schedule. In addition, try to determine the cause of the insomnia and eliminate contributory factors such as stress, or too many stimulants before bed.

Substances known to cause insomnia, such as nicotine, caffeine and alcohol, should be avoided. Creation of a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment is also useful.

Many stimulant medications, such as diet pills, can cause insomnia. Children with ADHD are at particularly high risk of developing insomnia. Some medications mixed with caffeine can also lead to disturbed sleep.
Herbs such as valerian taken one hour before bedtime can help you to sleep.

Lifestyle considerations

Regular exercise is important to getting a good night’s sleep, but should not be done within 2 hours of going to bed. Quiet, relaxing activities before bedtime such as listening to music or reading can help create better sleep patterns. As nicotine is a stimulant, stop smoking, or at best do not smoke within a few hours of going to bed. Avoid stimulants such as sugar, fried or junk foods, alcohol and caffeine containing beverages. Taking a dietary supplement that includes passionflower and valerian, may also help relieve nervous tension and anxiety, and help assist in getting to sleep.

Sourced at:

http://uimc.discoveryhospital.com
http://altmedicine.about.com
http://www.medicinenet.com

How Herron Can Help

  • Valerian 500

    Valerian 500

    Valerian 500 is a specially formulated herbal remedy, which can help induce relaxation, encourage restful sleep, and provide temporary headache, insomnia and mild stress relief.
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  • Valerian Plus 2000

    Valerian Plus 2000

    Valerian Plus 2000 is a specially formulated, effective sleep aid that can assist in the relief of insomnia, and promote calm restful sleep.
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  • One Hundred Percent Pure Valerian

    One Hundred Percent Pure Valerian

    The HERRON 100% Pure range is made from only 100% pure, natural herbs, eliminating the use of any additives via a unique manufacturing process.  HERRON 100% Pure Valerian ...
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Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.