The Dark: Insomnia

By Steve Hauptman

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Can't Sleep? Insomnia Tips, Insomnia Remedies and (just maybe) Insomnia Cures to Help You Sleep 42 simple tips—Natural, healthy sleep help They're all designed to help you deal with the tension, stress and anxiety that lead to insomnia, so that you can enjoy a good night's sleep. Not every one of these insomnia remedies alone will get you to sleep, but a few of them at least should prove successful. Needless to say, there's no guarantee, and no attempt to provide medical advice, but the feedback we've received indicates they've been very helpful for many people. With that caveat out of the way, we can only wish you good luck. And a good night's sleep.

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Insomnia remedies you've probably already tried but are still worth trying again. See a Doctor Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety—and of course the more anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. If your doctor pronounces you a "healthy" insomniac, he might suggest some of the techniques provided here. Or she might prescribe drugs to help you get to sleep. We suggest you try all these methods first, and use drugs only as a last resort. The decision, of course, is yours. Take a Warm Bath It's a great way to relax your body. Don't overdo it, however. You merely want to relax your body, not exhaust it. Too long in hot water and your body is drained of vitality. Use bath salts, or throw in Epsom salts and baking soda—one cup of each. These will relax you and also help remove toxins from your body. Get a Massage Have your spouse (or whoever) give you a massage just before going to sleep. If you can convince them to give you a full body massage, great. If not, even a short backrub and/or a face and scalp massage can be a big help. Have them make the massage strokes slow, gentle, yet firm, to work the tension out of your muscles and soothe you to sleep. Listen to Music or Other Audio Play some soft, soothing music that will lull you to sleep. There are many CDs designed for that very purpose. Some are specially composed music, others simply have sounds of waves rhythmically breaking, or the steady pattern of a heartbeat. Some will lead you to sleep with a combination of music, voice and other soothing sounds. Enjoy this five minute relaxation audio. Headphones recommended Download this five minute audio for use at home (It's free) Drink Warm Milk A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will soothe your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works directly on jagged nerves to make them (and you) relax. Drink Herb Tea If you don't like milk—or are avoiding dairy products—try a cup of hot camomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. All contain natural ingredients which will help you sleep. Most health food stores will also have special blends of herb tea designed to soothe you and help you get to sleep. Click any of the links below for full information on more insomnia tips Eat a Bedtime Snack Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco Sleep in a Well-Ventilated Room Sleep on a Good Firm Bed Sleep on Your Back Get Some Physical Exercise During the Day Keep Regular Bedtime Hours If You Can't Sleep, Get Up Don't Sleep In Get Up Earlier in the Morning Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep Avoid Naps Avoid Illuminated Bedroom Clocks

Of course there's the standard insomnia remedy that everyone knows (although it never worked for us, so we've got a better version) Counting Sheep Some insomnia cures you probably haven't seen before Sleep With Your Head Facing North Don't Watch TV or Read Before Going to Bed Toe Wiggling Stomach Rub Progressive Relaxation [Listen to, or download at no charge, this guided relaxation] Deep Breathing Visualize Something Peaceful Visualize Something Boring Imagine It's Time to Get Up Quiet Ears And some new suggestions from readers who have found these remedies useful for their own insomnia. Not Thinking Smoke Yourself to Sleep Yawning Sex—Alone or with Others Backwards Counting / Mental Computer South, Not North Earplugs Secure Place Bedtime Routine Hot Water Bottle Green Cows—and Other Animals of Color Short Walk Before Bed Good luck! Have a pleasant sleep!