by Stephanie Davies on July 26th, 2003
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!
by Santaanacanyon on July 25th, 2003
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.
by NetVault on May 6th, 2005
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
by yoda23 on December 11th, 2005
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.
by Anonymous on April 8th, 2005
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?
by Kelly Masters on February 11th, 2005
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.
by JollyMommy on August 27th, 2004
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.
by clevergirl on July 17th, 2004
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.
by jeffyboy on June 16th, 2006
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.
by ptrask on April 7th, 2006
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!
by Thommy on June 6th, 2004
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.
by Anonymous on March 19th, 2006
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.
by skitty on March 10th, 2006
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.
by classy 1 on August 16th, 2005
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.
by classy 1 on August 15th, 2005
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......
by puppycat on August 10th, 2005
I use melatonin ,and it really helps me , and in the mornings i don't feel sleepy .
by poolhalljunkie on April 28th, 2005
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
by A Friend on April 25th, 2005
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.
by candango on March 23rd, 2005
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.
by FyErAnGeL on March 22nd, 2005
i find any pasta or rice tends to make me very sleepy. u should try it.
lol also a boring movie. for some
by travelmt on June 4th, 2004
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.
by King of Sexytown on January 6th, 2009
Beer
by -O-uknow on February 25th, 2009
HARD WORK is the most natural.
by Teasdale on February 25th, 2009
Wine.... :o-)
by Anonymous on October 21st, 2009
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".
by daemonelson on February 25th, 2009
Closing your eyes.
by alexm7 on October 21st, 2009
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
by Anonymous on February 25th, 2009
Foods that are high in carbs
Herbal tea
Arrangement of your bedroom
Sleep Mask
http://www.ehow.com/how_4745864_use-natural-sleep-aids.html
by sleepy on December 26th, 2007
last nite i tryed the glass of milk idear and not thiking about going to sleep and it help me LOTS thanks evrey one
by pam i am on December 25th, 2007
My step-daughter, who is an insomniac, swears by a homeopathic remedy called "Calms Forte." It's a very gentle pill--so much so that a child can take it--with no side effects.
by jackson on February 20th, 2008
I have used valerian with good results. Some brands seem to work better. One other thing I do is try to remember a dream that ive had before. seems to put you closer to sleep. I also think about the honor guards at arlington national cemetery.
by DontEhMe on February 22nd, 2008
Lavender. The smell makes you sleepy.
by KalSuper5 on April 22nd, 2008
usually a warm cup of milk for most people will work, but if that doesn't work then i would try to make sure that you are not having any mid day naps and when you are around the house don't stay in your bed and only use the bed for sleeping and other love. this will make ur body take the bed as for only sleeping. and if this is not the problem then comment and tell me.
by sleepy on December 25th, 2007
hmm i try going to bed when i feel tied i jst end up laying there for a hr or 2 befor i fall a sleep and then i have to sleep till 12 but i wont to get up and be a morning person agen this onyl started at the start of the skool holidays
by sleepy on December 25th, 2007
hey im 15 and i cant get to sleep that esey i wood like to fall yo b sleepy a normel time and get up befor noon is there any NORMEL way of doing s0o
by New Member on June 11th, 2007
Yes.
by underdog on June 11th, 2007
Yoga nidra
by NikonRob Goodbye on June 11th, 2007
Yes buy the cd bedtime stories with Ben Stein.
by Da Azian Boi on June 11th, 2007
Try some relaxing music. Maybe some of those natural sounds like water or birds. Make sure you are completely relaxed. You could also try envisioning a relaxing place such as a pond.
by Lady Alathia of Vulcan on June 11th, 2007
On nights where I feel over-stressed, I take a hot bath, drink a cup or two of tea (any kind really... it's the ritual that relaxes me, not so much the tea) and read a bit of a book, and snuggle into my warm bed, with a little lavendar oil on my pillows. I don't know what it is about Lavendar, but it makes my body instantly want to sleep.
by jennyb on April 22nd, 2008
I like to use Sleepy time tea, its a combination of herbal ingredients. You can find it at your Health food store.
by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on April 22nd, 2008
Physical exhaustion. : )
by jjkidddd on January 6th, 2009
Try spraying lavender on your pillows.
i've been having sleeping issues lately and that tends to work 90% of the time.
by Anonymous on August 4th, 2008
Hold your thumb on the middle of your forehead it relaxes your muscles.
by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on January 6th, 2009
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!)
by Secretive on January 6th, 2009
Cold shower, soft music, massages, sex (honest it helps to relax)
by jjkidddd on January 6th, 2009
try spraying lavender on your pillows
by FFUDON on April 30th, 2008
I use the ancient rememdy of Highland spring water - more commonly known as WHISKEY!
by jin jang on April 22nd, 2008
Melatonin is a natural source to help one sleep at night,and has many other benefits to ones health as well.
by hazel1908 on April 22nd, 2008
Chamomile and Lavander helps. Also try turning ALL lights off, when it is dark your body will produce Melatonin which makes you fall asleep. You can also buy Melatonin capsule from a health food store, but it is easier and cheaper to produce your own. Always check with your doctor before taking any new meds even herbal supplements.
Why do people giggle when they're over-tired?
by Kattra on December 29th, 2009
| 1 person likes this
I had this dream
my dad was a investigator and we went 2 a mental home n the mental had weapons and we hid behind coach n died. wht it mean
by MileyFan100 on January 6th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
I can't sleep well, I think too much and when I do get to sleep I wake up real early. Why is that?
by Strength 3 days ago
| 1 person likes this
What does it mean if you never go into a deep sleep? I am always tire and dream about daily events, things I have to do the next day, etc.
by lmcghee on December 25th, 2009
| 1 person likes this
Is it possible to kill yourself off in a dream/nightmare?
by freebeelea on December 23rd, 2009
| 1 person likes this
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?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
I'll second the valerian root.
by Repsychler on July 26th, 2003
Never heard of these roots; will try them. Thanks.
by Santaanacanyon on July 30th, 2003
Works every time.
by Andy Ninja Is Wicked Back To Work on April 22nd, 2004
Never knew that! Thanks for the info! =)
by aeonflux on September 18th, 2004
i will definitely try this! maybe will be able to go off the valium!!
by Kelly Masters on October 19th, 2004
i never knew this either , thanks for the info
by DUKDWNBCC on December 3rd, 2004
works great if you can get past the smell
by Ithilwen on January 25th, 2005
I'll give it a try , thankx.
by nay-nay on January 30th, 2005
Valerian is a drug and can interact with other drugs. It is not "completely harmless." Consult your doc or pharmacist...
by webgrunt on April 11th, 2005
Sounds great, i think i'll try it. but, is it habit forming?
by G-Diddy on July 26th, 2005
my wife valerian root pills in my sunday suit. wondered why people moved away
by Anonymous on March 19th, 2006
It does smell funny but it works great! The only "natural remedy" that ever worked for me.
by lizvelrene on August 1st, 2006