Not looking forward to another night of poor sleep? We don’t blame you. It’s no secret that insomnia can take a huge toll on your health. But contrary to popular belief, poor sleep isn't something you should have to live with. When you treat the underlying cause for insomnia – that’s when the magic happens, and you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day ahead. So how do we fix this?
The first step is understanding that there are two different types of insomnia: difficulty getting to sleep or issues staying asleep. These two variations require entirely different treatments, so it’s crucial to identify which one (or both!) you are suffering from.
- For those who struggle with getting to sleep, there are a wide range of natural sleep support products that help you fight the insomniac monster and claim back your sanity. Natural herbs such as Rhodiola and Korean Ginseng are great in assisting the brain in switching off and supporting sleeping patterns. Since stress is the main contributor to insomnia, consuming such natural herbs can help to quieten the stress hormones and allow the brain to have the same deep sigh of release.
- If staying asleep is the issue, it’s important to look at other formulations that enhance deeper phases of sleep which is best done by improving serotonin and melatonin release. Specific natural supplements can help balance out serotonin levels so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and not drowsy. When this is altered, it not only assists the body in entering the deeper sleep phase, but also helps the body stay there throughout the night.
The longer you’ve had insomnia, the more likely things are to be complicated. No one wants to spend the nights tossing and turning so it’s important to get your sleep (and life) back to where it should be.
How to reduce the symptoms of insomnia
- Follow sleep hygiene basics such as avoiding blue light for at least 2 hours before bed.
- Try Magnesium, but in particular Magnesium Bisglycinate as it can cross the blood brain barrier
- Ditch the caffeine within 6 to 8 hours of sleep.
- Eat some carbohydrates before bed (without going overboard on naughty foods!). No carbohydrates makes it harder to produce serotonin and therefore melatonin, consider ‘sleep’ supplements such as adaptogenic herbs or nutrients which can assist those with sleep.
Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.