"Approaches like these are effective for the majority of patients suffering from sleeplessness," says James Rouse, N.D., noting that many regain healthy sleep patterns within one to three weeks.
"Success can depend partly on how you approach it," he adds. "I ask my patients to start by letting go of the idea of having control over getting to sleep, and opening their mind to just letting the body do what it's programmed to do. Most people are surprised at what a difference a simple mental tool like this can make."
Read our detailed interview with Dr. James on alternative medicine to prevent and treat insomnia.
| QUICK-RELIEF CHECKLIST |
| WHY ARE YOU AWAKE? |
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW? |
| Mental/Emotional Factors |
|
Are you worried about the future?
Angry about the past?
Frustrated with someone in your life?
Worried about not being able to sleep?
|
Breathe from your diaphragm. Do some meditation or relaxation exercises. Try to focus on the present. Do some gentle yoga. Massage pressure points such as your temples. Take a warm lavender oil bath or apply rosemary or clary sage oil. Try writing your thoughts down to get them out of your head. |
| Chamical/Nutritional Factors |
| Chemically stimulated (from caffeine, etc.)?
Experiencing low blood sugar after a sugar high?
Are you hungry because you skipped a meal?
|
Eat a sleep-inducing snack such as whole-grain crackers or bread; nuts, oatmeal or cherries; or milk together with whole-grain foods. Drink a soothing herbal tea (chamomile or passionflower). Eat some protein (turkey, tofu), which can help adjust blood sugar levels. |
| Environmental Factors |
| Are you too hot or too cold?
Are there distractions like too much light or noise?
|
Darken your room. Put on a sleep mask. Adjust the room temperature to 65-68 degrees. Remove or add a blanket. Apply calming aromatherapy oils such as bergamot, marjoram, sandalwood or geranium. Turn your clock away from you. Turn on a white-noise or soothing-sound maker. Open a window and breathe some fresh air. |
| Physical Factors |
| Are you in pain?
Do you have restless legs?
|
Breathe deeply. Do some meditation or relaxation exercises to loosen tight limbs. Drink an herbal tea with anti-inflammatory qualities, such as ginger or chamomile. Take a warm bath scented with lavender oil. Do some gentle yoga. Massage your reflexology or acupressure points. |
Get more health info via video on insomnia in the Mayo Clinic DVDs from Gaiam.
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