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by Santaanacanyon on July 25th, 2003

Santaanacanyon

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Are there natural ways to help me sleep?

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  • by Stephanie Davies on July 26th, 2003

    Stephanie Davies

    Actually, the best herb to help with deep relaxation and sleep is valerian extract, or valerian root. You can pick up bottles of it (available in capsule form, and sometimes in teas) at your local supermarket in the vitamin and herb section. Valerian extract/root is completely harmless, 100% natural, and actually works better than most all over the counter sleeping pills!

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  • by Santaanacanyon on July 25th, 2003

    Santaanacanyon

    Several, but here's what works for me:
    1. A warm bath. It's relaxing, plus I'm told it affects the circulatory system and promtes drowsiness.
    2. Warm milk. It contains amino acids that promote drowsiness.
    3. Camamille Tea, no sugar. Learned this from my wife. Makes her fall asleep, too.

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  • by NetVault on May 6th, 2005

    NetVault

    Before considering natural ways to aid sleep, it is important to identify which category the sleep problem falls into as this can determine the way to treat it.

    The U.S. National Institute Of Health categorizes insomnia this way:

    1. Transient insomnia is just a temporary sleep problem lasting a few days or even a couple of weeks.

    2. Intermittent insomnia refers to temporary sleep problems that last a few days or weeks re-occurring from time to time.

    3. Chronic insomnia is when a person is unable to obtain adequate sleep most nights which goes on for a month and longer.

    With that criteria you can now evaluate the insomnia symptom that is causing you concern.

    If it falls into categories 1 and 2 it is unlikely to be serious.

    Sleeping tablets and medications or natural remedies can improve sleep duration and quality and make the insomnia symptom disappear.

    For example, natural sleeping remedies can include giving attention to bedtime routine, exercise routines, chromotherapy, breathing exercises, music, warm baths, stress relievers, herbs, vitamins, diet, chamomile, valerian, and lavender.

    Chronic insomnia is another story. An ongoing sleep problem can have a major impact on a person's quality of life, performance at work, and social behavior.

    In such cases medical attention is advised. A doctor will probably try and ascertain the underlying medical or even psychological cause of the insomnia symptom and prescribe a course of treatment accordingly.

    This may include medicine, or a variety of therapies such as relaxation, sleep restriction, and reconditioning.

    Insomnia can be further categorized in this way:

    1. "Initial" insomnia: where you have difficulty in falling asleep, generally taking 30 minutes or longer to fall into a sleep state.

    2. "Middle" insomnia: where after falling asleep you have problems maintaining a sleep state, often remaining awake until the early morning hours.

    3. "Late" or "Terminal" insomnia: where you awake early in the morning after less than 6 hours of sleep.

    Insomnia can be the symptom of some medical conditions that may require your doctor's advice and medical care. In those cases the cause will be treated, not the insomnia.

    If, however, your sleeplessness is due to a pattern of not sleeping, or because your body and mind find it difficult to settle into a state of relaxation necessary for sleep, this guide offers you alternative choices for achieving healthy sleep without the use of prescription drugs:

    The Natural Sleep Guide
    http://www.medlisting.com/natural-sleep-guide

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  • by yoda23 on December 11th, 2005

    yoda23

    Try counting backwards slowly. I imagine myself writing numbers, starting at 10 down to 1. If I get to 1, I start over. Or, imagine the beach (or some other soothing place). Or, try to invent a children's story in your head. Any of these help me fall asleep when I can't.

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  • by Anonymous on April 8th, 2005

    Anonymous

    I put baby powder under my sheets to help me fall asleep. I dont know why it helps me but it does you should try it let me know how it works for you?

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  • by Kelly Masters on February 11th, 2005

    Kelly Masters

    It may sound weird, but eating a peanut butter sandwich right before I go to bed helps me. My mother told me to do this and I don't know why it works, but it does. I'm still not off the med's, but do get a couple hours of sleep at least. Another thing you can do is drink a cup of chamomille tea, it has a relaxing and calming effect. Hope this helps. By the way: valerian root, very good advice.

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  • by JollyMommy on August 27th, 2004

    JollyMommy

    Get specially made "Sleepy Time Tea" Which can be found in the flavoured tea area of any large grocery mart. A cup of this with a bit of honey in it is a tasty way to end the night and really relaxes you. Has no Caffeine and is made out of several herbs for relaxation, and calming.

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  • by clevergirl on July 17th, 2004

    clevergirl

    A great evening cocktail for one or two is two cups of lettuce leaves pressed down tightly, combined in a blender with two cups of pineapple juice. This is more effective fresh than leftover, so reduce the amounts if there's no one to share.

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  • by jeffyboy on June 16th, 2006

    jeffyboy

    get a bottle of mallatonin it is all natural sleep aid. It works great with no drowsyness the next day.Find it at any drug store or your local walmart.

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  • by ptrask on April 7th, 2006

    ptrask

    I used to use a method that was introduced to me as "self-guided imagery." I found it to be an extremely effective way to get myself into a deep sleep quickly. The steps that I am going to outline here may be modified as you feel fit, but the person who taught me insisted that you had to have the same number of steps to achieve this level of deep sleep. He also informed me that the same technique is used by some hypnotists, except as a guided process rather than a self-guided process.

    Relax in your bed or another comfortable place and close your eyes.

    (I was told to keep at it while imagining the colors, until I could actually "see" the colors in my mind's eye. I have included "visual aids" that worked for me, but use whatever image will work for you.)

    Imagine the color red (i would visualize a red delicious apple)

    Imagine the color orange (a Sunkist orange)

    Imagine the color yellow (daffodils)

    Imagine the color green (a grassy field)

    Imagine the color blue (the sky on a sunny summer day)

    Imagine the color purple (grape jelly)

    Imagine yourself at the top of a set of white stairs. There are twelve stairs, and a white bed at the bottom of the stairs.

    Proceed down the stairs one at a time counting (to yourself) as you go. Stop on each step, until you can "see" all the details of that stair. Is it made of marble? If so, are their veins in the marble? What color are they? Is it made of wood? Is it a simple design or ornate? Is that step clean, or is there dirt in the corner of the stair?

    Remember to stop on each stair until you can "see" it in your mind's eye.

    When you reach the bottom of the staircase, step onto the floor and walk across to the bed. Lie on the bed, close your eyes, and go to sleep.

    I have done this exercise many times, and it has always worked well for me.

    I just want to add a note here: I used to work as a firefighter, and frequently had difficulty falling asleep at the station knowing that the phone or the house gong might ring at any minute. One time I used this method to get to sleep while at the station. I was on the fourth step from the top on my white stairs, when the house gong went off. I was immediately wide awake, and I was unable to fall asleep for the next three days. Every time I lay down and closed my eyes, I would hear the house gong going off and would sit upright in bed, wide awake. On that note, I would suggest you only use this method if you know you will not be disturbed.

    Another note: An old girlfriend, who I taught this technique to, always imagined her white staircase as being made of white chocolate. She confessed to me that she would imagine herself taking pieces from the staircase as she descended and eating them!

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  • by Thommy on June 6th, 2004

    Thommy

    Magnesium. Sometimes calcium and magnesium, but contrary to what is popular in the media, most people get enough calcium. They lack magnesium. The two balance. You can over-do calcium, but not magnesium. In order for the body to properly absorb magnesium, it needs an acidic context. Natural Vitality (California) is a company that carries a magnesium product called "Calm". Within a few minutes you will find it effective. Not only will help one sleep, but it is great if you have muscle related problems, back pain, or any of a whole list of ailments.

    Here is something else. This will sound too simple, but the results are very worthwhile. It is a great solution for a variety of conditions.

    "TAKE A WALK ." That's right...go outside and take a walk. Put your attention on things in the environment, noticing the trees, grass, objects, sounds, smells, etc. Really LOOK at things. Notice things. Observe things. Don't worry about a physical exercise benefit. The idea here is to put attention out of the head and into the environment and things in it.

    This is also a good temporary remedy or assist for a variety of other things:

    Difficulty in going to sleep.
    Feeling exhausted or tired or too worn out to do anything.
    That "after work exhaustion".
    Worry or anxiety or feeling depressed.
    A rising, heated temper.
    Something that has a person "all riled up".
    An argument or rift between two people reacting to each other's buttons can be addressed if they take a break from the "fight" and go for a walk (by themselves).
    Someone being hysterical or distraught over something.
    Somebody acting "crazy" or nutty can gain some temporary sanity by just going for a walk and observing things.

    Part of what occurs when a person goes for a walk and looks at things, is that it "unsticks" areas of stuck attention. A person becomes more in "present time". You can even help sober up a drunk by calmly with good communication getting that person to look at different things and touching different objects.
    Try this sometime to see how it helps.

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  • by Ze_n_aY on October 3rd, 2010

    Ze_n_aY

    I've found that if I don't have Physical Activity in my day...
    I get wrestles and fidgety at night...!!!

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  • by Anonymous on March 19th, 2006

    Anonymous

    Antihistamine, 25-50 mg. one hour before bedtime is guaranteed. its not habit forming and is very cheap at dollar general stores. ok, its not natural, but it still works, promise.

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  • by skitty on March 10th, 2006

    skitty

    I always have trouble falling asleep, and this works for me guarenteed everytime. I lay down in bed in complete darkness. I lay on my back (even though I don't acutally like to sleep on my back), and I get comfortable. I clear my mind, and do a meditation technique. I breath in while counting to 4, and then breathe out and count to 4. DON'T LET YOUR MIND THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE, just concentrate on your breathing and counting. It always makes me fall asleep.

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  • by classy 1 on August 16th, 2005

    classy 1

    My suggestion was not to eat a big meal, before going to bed... I was just saying that when you eat right and do a good day of work that it really will help you sleep. I am sorry if I offended anyone with my answer.

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  • by classy 1 on August 15th, 2005

    classy 1

    Eating healthy meals and a good day of work is the best way of getting a good nights rest.... Oh! get rid of all the stress in your life that you can. Forget the drugs, because they most likely will cause more sleep problems when you try and come off the things......

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  • by puppycat on August 10th, 2005

    puppycat

    I use melatonin ,and it really helps me , and in the mornings i don't feel sleepy .

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  • by poolhalljunkie on April 28th, 2005

    poolhalljunkie

    You may want to think twice about eating right before you go to bed. When you go to bed right after eating, your body has to work all night to digest that food. As a result you may not sleep as well, and you can end up more tired the following day

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  • by A Friend on April 25th, 2005

    A Friend

    Valerian root, although effective - left me a little drowsy in the morning. Also, it's not recommended for long term use. Believe it or not, many prescription sleep drugs are based on valerian - it's just not one of the healthiest herbs out there.

    Magnesium products like Natural Calm and CalMag are also very good, but have an effect on the bowels that you may not want to use long term either. Hyland homeopathic products have a remedy for sleep which is very good. Most Health Food stores carry the Hyland line and you should have no problem finding it.

    Another product was "Sleep Assure" which worked very well and I was rejuvenated in the morning. This is also found in Health Food stores.

    Watching your diet (avoiding salt & sugar) and exercising a few times a week makes a big difference (it did for me). It helps to release stress and exercise increases endorphins and other neurotransmitters in our brain which we need to promote good sleep. Best of luck to you dear.

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  • by candango on March 23rd, 2005

    candango

    In Brazil we use passion fruit.
    You can find it at health food stores in tablet or capsule form. If you find the fruit or the concentrate juice at a local "latino/brazilian" store, you'll find it's delicious and quite soothing.

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  • by FyErAnGeL on March 22nd, 2005

    FyErAnGeL

    i find any pasta or rice tends to make me very sleepy. u should try it.
    lol also a boring movie. for some

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  • by travelmt on June 4th, 2004

    travelmt

    Another good one is lavender essential oil. It's a sedative but just like the valerian, but be careful if u use to much it becomes a stimulant.

    If you haven't heard of valerian then you can also find it in something called 99 oil by Hagina (Eurocana) www.hagina.ca. I don't know if they'll have that product where you are but a good place to find it is in a massage therapy supply store, same with the lavender oil.

    For both these oils a good method of use is on the feet, anything you put on your feet goes through your systom very quickly, prob a drop on each foot would be enough.

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  • by AB is an asylum run by the inmates, ciao! on October 3rd, 2010

    AB is an asylum run by the inmates, ciao!

    Be tired from actually doing some work before hitting the hay.

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  • by CT on October 3rd, 2010

    CT

    Relaxing..you may try all kinds of things as long as you find those relaxing such as meditaion, yoga, light reading, a milky drink, some people like to listen to soft music..

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  • by azlotto on October 3rd, 2010

    azlotto

    Meditation works for me.

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  • by King of Sexytown on January 6th, 2009

    King of Sexytown

    Beer

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  • by Evicted from Paradise on October 7th, 2008

    Evicted from Paradise

    Sex :-O

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  • by dumdum on February 15th, 2009

    dumdum

    Noncaffinated hot tea and a book.

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  • by tomeygirl on February 15th, 2009

    tomeygirl

    I always liked the noise & breeze of an oscillating fan along with a really warm blanket. Snooze city!

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  • by jjkidddd on January 6th, 2009

    jjkidddd

    try spraying lavender on your pillows

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  • by Secretive on January 6th, 2009

    Secretive

    Cold shower, soft music, massages, sex (honest it helps to relax)

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  • by nammy on February 15th, 2009

    nammy

    Don't think about sleeping itself......i normally read or put the food channel on........

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  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on January 6th, 2009

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    Valerian tablets
    Chamomile tea
    warm milk
    Boil lettuce and drink the juice. (Its a natural opiate.)

    an allergy medication that contains at least 25 mg of dyphenhydramine (if you can have it? Ask your doctor!)

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  • by Anonymous on October 21st, 2009

    Anonymous

    Reading produces a chemical in the brain which causes drowsiness. thats why alot of people fall asleep reading. knocks you out if you read for an hour. smoking weed is another one. It's pretty much natural because it comes from the earth. Also try accomplishing a lot more throughout the day. Humans sleep because their mind needs to replay the events that happened that day and process them. If you didn't do anything your mind won't want to sleep because it has nothing to process. If all fails try eating an enormous amount of unhealthy greasy foods. This can cause the "itis".

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  • by jjkidddd on January 6th, 2009

    jjkidddd

    Try spraying lavender on your pillows.
    i've been having sleeping issues lately and that tends to work 90% of the time.

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  • by alexm7 on October 21st, 2009

    alexm7

    I don't know why everyone is posting these very long responses. The answer is yes, there are natural supplements that can help you fall asleep.

    Any product containing melatonin should do it.

    I recommend trying the 14 day trial at www.best-sleepaid.com

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  • by -O-uknow on February 25th, 2009

    -O-uknow

    HARD WORK is the most natural.

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  • by Teasdale on February 25th, 2009

    Teasdale

    Wine.... :o-)

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  • by Anon on February 25th, 2009

    Anon

    Closing your eyes.

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  • by jin jang on April 22nd, 2008

    jin jang

    Melatonin is a natural source to help one sleep at night,and has many other benefits to ones health as well.

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  • by andry87 on May 15th, 2011

    andry87

    Drink milk before seeping for you to sleep tight.And go to bed if you really are sleepy and go to bed only when you feel drowsy.Soak your feet in warm water for ten minutes before retiring and do a small prayer before retiring to reduce stress.

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  • by Brayden_C on March 4th, 2011

    Brayden_C

    lay in your bed on your back and put your hand in the air and keep them there it works

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  • by philwell on November 13th, 2010

    philwell

    Cieaura rest quiet holographic chips and premium herbal teas will help any adult, child or pet get that satisfying REM sleep they deserve. Visit http://bit.ly/zzzquiet for free samples and real testimonials of others that are now getting great sleep. Hope this helps

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  • by chales on June 6th, 2007

    chales

    well, it helps if i don't worry or think of going to sleep. Also, don't do anything that will stimulate your brain too much about an hour before you sleep, such as watching a horror film, or things that make you think very very deeply or doing something that makes you make adrenaline, etc. RELAX yourself. that's probably the most important thing.

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  • by underdog on June 11th, 2007

    underdog

    Yoga nidra

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  • by NikonRob Goodbye on June 11th, 2007

    NikonRob Goodbye

    Yes buy the cd bedtime stories with Ben Stein.

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  • by New Member on June 11th, 2007

    New Member

    Yes.

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  • by strawberry_shake on October 29th, 2010

    strawberry_shake

    I want to know too =( I don't want to take pills anymore its hard to wake up

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  • by jesicamartin on October 3rd, 2010

    jesicamartin

    The easiest way. Do a hard exercise and when you get a lot of fatigue then you would fall asleep.

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  • by Nick_W6258 on September 14th, 2010

    Nick_W6258

    Weed.... Its all natural and legal in some areas.

    Look up what marijuana's effects on the body are before criticizing.

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More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading Are there natural ways to help me sleep? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • What is a good natural remedy to help you sleep at night?
  • Does anyone have any sort of "Home Remedy" for not being able to sleep?
  • What are some natural ways to help fall asleep?

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