HOMEOPATHY FOR RESTFUL SLEEP

In last week’s blog post we looked at ways to promote healthy sleep. This week, I would like to look at sleep disturbances and their causes in more detail. We will also look at specific homeopathic remedies that are the most helpful. Don’t worry – there is always help at hand, but make sure to check in with your health professional and don’t self-diagnose.

The frustrating thing that patients report is that you cannot make yourself fall asleep, just as you can’t digest your food faster. Sleep onset is not something you control; however, you can provide the right conditions for sleep, both in your mind and in your environment.

As more research is being done on sleep, we now know that sleep is an active state. Where we used to think that everything shut down when we fell asleep, scientists are aware that our brains are active while our body is asleep. In fact, some parts of the brain use more oxygen and glucose asleep than awake!

We also know that the deepest stage of rest happens in the first 3 hours (slow wave sleep). The dream stage (Rapid eye movement sleep) occurs later in the night, which is why we can sometimes remember dreams when we first wake.

WHAT ARE SLEEP DISTURBANCES

Insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Frequent waking

Snoring

Nightmares

Sleep apnoea

Narcolepsy

Disrupted circadian rhythm due to shift work, jet lag, new baby

WHAT CAUSES SLEEP DISTURBANCES?

Poor bedding, covers are too hot, room is too bright, too hot or too cold.

Anxiety or worry

Chronic pain

Incontinence or enlarged prostate

Drug or alcohol use

Grief

Hormonal changes i.e. menopause

Lack of sleep can have significant impacts on daily life. Feelings of irritability are normal, as is tiredness and inability to concentrate. Mood swings are common as is lack of libido, after all, you need energy to feel ‘in the mood’, don’t you?

Losing your sense of humour is a common side effect, as is lack of motivation, general apathy and lack of interest in life.

If you have experienced periods of sleeplessness, you know that the feelings can often mimic mild depression. Rest assured, that with some small lifestyle adjustments and the support of homeopathic remedies, good restful sleep is possible and within reach.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SLEEP

COFFEA

Good for insomnia and an overactive mind

Restlessness and edginess

Overexcitement

COCULUS

Disturbed sleep cycles due to interrupted sleep cycles, ie jet lag, night shift, new baby

STRAMONIUM

Sleep disturbance due to night terrors

Fear of the dark and being alone

IGNATIA

Inability to sleep due to active mind