| Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects more than | | | | should only be used as a last resort, if at all. Here are |
| one third of adults. It is the inability to fall asleep or | | | | some alternative treatments you might try to |
| stay asleep, and is often an indication of other | | | | improve your sleep: |
| problems. Insomnia is a serious condition and should | | | | 1. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to achieve various |
| not be ignored. Fortunately, it can be successfully | | | | outcomes, including relaxation and drowsiness. |
| treated. | | | | Jasmine oil and lavender oil are two possibilities you |
| There are three basic types of insomnia. Short-term | | | | might look into. |
| insomnia only lasts a few days to perhaps a few | | | | 2. Simple, basic meditation techniques are often very |
| weeks. The most common cause is anxiety or stress. | | | | effective in promoting relaxation before bedtime. |
| Intermittent insomnia occurs when sleeplessness | | | | 3. Some people suffering from insomnia have found |
| comes and goes over a period of about six months. | | | | success sleeping through the use of Chinese |
| Chronic insomnia is the most serious type. | | | | traditional medicine. |
| Sleeplessness occurs almost every night for more | | | | 4. Some studies have linked insomnia with magnesium |
| than a month at a time. | | | | deficiency. Look for ways to increase magnesium in |
| There are some very simple techniques and methods | | | | your diet. |
| you can use to improve your sleep. Sometimes all it | | | | 5. Melatonin is a safe, natural and effective sleep aid. |
| takes is making some small changes in your daily living | | | | It seems to be especially helpful in dealing with |
| and sleep habits. Making sleep friendly lifestyle choices | | | | temporary insomnia caused by jet lag. |
| is essential regardless of how old you are, but the | | | | 6. Limit your intake of coffee, soft drinks, tea, |
| right choice might be different depending on your | | | | chocolate and anything else that contains caffeine. |
| age. | | | | Stop smoking if at all possible. Don't drink alcohol right |
| The amount of sleep needed changes as you grow | | | | before bedtime. |
| older. Newborn babies may need 16 hours or more of | | | | 7. Try to get more exercise during the day. But avoid |
| sleep. The standard requirement for adults is usually | | | | exercising in the evening. |
| around eight hours. The ability to sleep well seems to | | | | As you can see, there are many alternative therapies |
| decrease with aging. Seniors are often quite | | | | and natural medicines that can help you deal with |
| vulnerable to insomnia. Regardless of age, the main | | | | insomnia. Once you find something that works for |
| complaint of insomniacs is lack of energy, inability to | | | | you, you can look forward to tonight after neither |
| concentrate and irritability. | | | | restful sleep without resorting to dangerous |
| Effective treatment of insomnia does not require the | | | | prescription medications. |
| use of sleeping pills. In fact, prescription sleep aids | | | | |