If counting sheep isn’t working, you may be suffering from insomnia. Follow our top tips and you’ll soon be catching some zzzzzs…
Almost a third of us will suffer insomnia at some point during the year, and one in 10 are unfortunate enough to suffer chronic insomnia, where is lasts for longer than four weeks. It’s important to try and determine the root of the problem, common causes include work-related stress and depression, but some prescription medicines may also have an effect on your sleep patterns. Although it may be easier said than done, once you know the problem, you can begin to tackle it.
If you have a mild case of insomnia, or just simply find yourself restless before bed on an evening, try one of these natural remedies to help send you off to sleep…
- A glass of warm milk may sound like an old wives’ tale, but milk and dairy products like yogurt contain the amino acid tryptophan which helps boost levels of serotonin. This is converted to melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.
- Boost your magnesium intake, this will help fight stress and aid relaxation. Magnesium-rich foods include seafood, brown rice, green veg, nuts and seeds.
- Don’t eat too late. Whilst a light snack such as an oaty unsweetened cereal will help keep your blood sugars stable, a large meal too close to bedtime is likely to result in indigestion.
- Stock up the tea cupboard. While regular tea and coffee contain caffeine, which will hinder sleep, herbal teas will refresh and hydrate you. A cup of camomile or lemon verbena tea help to reduce stress and aid sleep.
- Night Time tea from pukkaherbs.com combines organic oatflower, lavender and limeflower. A unique organic blend of calming herbs with soothing properties to help unwind and get a peaceful night’s sleep.
- Keep a bottle of Bach’s Rescue Night Spray (£10.99, 20ml, Boots) on your bedside table. Two sprays on the tongue will release a cocktail of calming flower essences.
Updated: Aug 2017
