Insomnia
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Insomnia: A Comprehensive Guide

Sea Salt

4 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  100%

Posted by Sarah (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/18/2011
★★★★★

I had developed insomnia and always felt awake till late in the night. Ltely I came to know about sea salt water cure. I take pinch of sea salt in water and also mix Apple Cider Vinegar in the water to make it tasty and now my sleep pattern has changed. I sleep easily. Yesterday I tried pinch of salt on tongue and later flushed it inside with water and could sleep like a baby. This method has worked for me. All of you can also try.

Replied by Sarah
(Melbourne, Victoria)
03/20/2011
★★★★★

I cannot describe in words how it feels to sleep without any problem. And after taking sea salt for the past one week I never have trouble in sleeping. Salt should be unrefined to be effective. One other thing I have included and that is oil pulling with mustard oil. It stings a little but in ayurveda mustard oil is highly placed for improving dental and gum problems with a pinch of salt and turmeric. But I do not add turmeric to my oil pulling. Every day before sleeping I take a pinch of sea salt and then water. You can also take it by dissolving in water. And it also reduced my cramps and painful joint condition. I have tried many things like acv, omega 3, wheatgrass etc but sea salt made the effect very quickly.

Earlier I was doing oil pulling with sunflower oil. I have also included green smoothies in my diet and also apply urine on my face and my face glows now. I was always weak and my face never glowed but these things have made the difference.

Replied by Janice
(Seattle, Wa)
10/25/2011

What brand of sea salt did you use for insomnia?


Sea Salt
Posted by Cal (Calgary, AB) on 05/13/2009
★★★★★

I was having problems falling asleep at one point and I resorted to all kinds of things even drinking alcohol, working out hard in the day so I would be exhausted but still wouldn't fall asleep but somehow (don't know how and why) it stopped and I was able to fall asleep. Then I would fall asleep fine but around 2am I would just awake sometimes for no reason sometimes to pee and I would hardly be able to fall asleep again. This happened for months. My eyes would just open and I would like there for hours trying to fall asleep again and no matter what I did it just won't happen. I even got eyebags due to lack of sleep now I want to get rid of them. I had gone to a health store and bought some sea salt - one without preservatives or additives and just sun and wind dried. Somewhere I had read something about sea salt but didn't quite remember what so I decided to try it. Add some to my drinking water and lo and behold that solved the problem. Another thing is I could only fall asleep on my left side so I started developing pain in my left shoulder and I could only sleep in that position. I couldn't sleep on my back or right side or belly but since drinking the sea salts I sleep on my back or right side like a baby. Sometimes i even sleep all through the night and even if I wake up to pee I will fall asleep again. I am sooooo happy. Hope this helps someone. I still take it daily or almost daily by adding about a little to about 1 liter of water - enough to taste it but not be salty. I think I was missing some minerals which the salts provided

Replied by Kelly
(Alexandria, Va)
10/26/2011

What brand sea salt did you use?

Replied by Jennie
(Adelaide, South Australia, Australia)
03/09/2012
★★★★★

I have had great success with this over the past week!

"Sea salt is very important for regulating sleep. It is a natural hypnotic. If you drink a full glass of water then put a few grains of sea salt on your tongue and let it stay there, you will fall into a natural, deep sleep. Don't use salts on your tongue without drinking water for repeated use of salt alone might cause nosebleeds". http://nzungseraphine.hubpages.com/hub/SOME-HIDDEN-MIRACLES-OF-SEA-SALT


Selective Insomnia

Posted by Father's Daughter (Chicago ) on 08/31/2013

Please, share any ideas you might have.

My elderly dad stays by me over the weekends and sleeps well. During the week he stays at his home with a caregiver and cannot sleep at night. He wakes up, becomes panicky and rude, tries to get out of bed (unsafe for him due to balance problems, leg surgery, etc) This past week he basically lost on a whole week of sleep. What could be the reason in his room (he has lived there for many years) that it becomes such a huge problem? It has been happening with different caregivers. I replaces new roomdarkening blinds already.

Please, share any insight you may have.

Replied by Timh
(Ky, Usa)
09/01/2013
2048 posts

This seems environmental. Two likely factors. One, evaluate the cleanliness of the indoor air. Consult a professional if possible. If nothing else, upgrade your air filter. Buy an indoor standing air purifier. Second, For people who are aging or ill, electric power lines can cause harm to health. Local lines are not as bad as those large regional lines that carry high voltage. There is info on the net and here on E.C. about electromagnetic radiation and health.

Replied by Rsw
(Uniontown, Oh)
08/31/2013

It sounds like your Father feels very safe with you, and is able to relax and go to sleep when he stays at your house. He can look forward to the safety of seeing you the next morning. You must be very loving that he feels this way around you. When my Mother became somewhat frail and lived alone, I got her a Lifeline necklace, and she liked to talk with the people who checked to make sure it was working and felt secure. When she had to move into an assisted living facility (she lives in FL and would not move up North near any of us), I let her keep it for a few months until she felt safe there, even though she didn't need it anymore. Maybe you could program his phone with your number so he felt he could call you if he panics, but, of course, you need your sleep, too. You are to be admired for the care and concern you have for your Father, and it sounds like you are doing the best that you can under the circumstances.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
09/01/2013

Father's Daughter: sometimes older folks have some similarities to babies. In this case, if he was used to having his wife/children home, he would be subconciously uneasy if they are not home. Just like small children do not take to changes so easily and do not sleep well if they are not surrounded by the people they deem important to them.

Replied by Liz
(Boston, Massachusetts)
09/01/2013

That's an easy one. He sleeps well when he is in your home because he feels safe and content there... 'at home', so to speak.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
09/01/2013

Your father is anxious because he KNOWS a stranger is in his home. The fact he can sleep in your prsence and not another even though he is at his own home tells you it is anxiety at the presence of a stranger.

Is he willing to drink "valerian" tea? That is a wonderful relaxing herb and also helps certain psychological conditions. There are all kinds of such sleep aids that you could test if he's willing.

Poor old fella... He just is conscious something is wrong in his own home and his mind won't let him rest because of it. So good herbs could do the trick. And remember too that melatonan diminishes with age. A few tablets of that under the tongue can do wonders for sleep. Your local health food store will have lots of different combos of sleep aids, but if this were my dad and assuming the idea that he is anxious over a visitor in his home is correct, then valerian tea is so nice and gentle. Smells bad when steeping but tastes great.


Serpina

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Joseph A. (Stockton, Ca ) on 08/16/2021 73 posts
★★★★★

Insomnia, my best tablets are called Serpina (Indian Snakeroot) an Ayurvedic tablet that is excellent, plus has many other positive things, I can't write everything now but send me a message and I will try. Serpina tablets $7 at Amazon, or Distacart sells them. Dosage if can't sleep at all take 3 tablets in am and 3 tablets at nite. Once you're sleeping then reduce dosage if you want. They are completely safe, however will interact with Antipsychotics, cold, flu medicines. Non habit forming, stopping cold turkey is fine.

You can take OTC Benadryl 50 or 100mg if you wake up in middle of night then just take another 1 of those and fall back asleep. Since they can cause memory loss in long-term use I advise to take for 3-4 weeks maximum.

Never take sleeping pills, habit forming and dangerous. A Valium is fine a few days but they are habit forming and dangerous after 4-5 weeks maximum. Jujube fruit(Chinese dates)fight insomnia, Anxiety, buy at Amazon.

Last one for sleep: try L-Theanine pills (only must have: Suntheanine, highest quality) take 200mg twice daily or increase to 400mg 2X daily, they are safe and can be taken at 3,000mg safely, but rarely done. Best of luck to anyone who tries them. If you're happy & sleeping send me a message.

Replied by Joe A.
(Stockton, Ca)
10/31/2021
★★★★★

Ken, I just read your latest post, regarding sleep I have a few things: Serpina pills from Amazon or wherever, Serpina is an Ayurvedic herb that was produced in 1934 for lowering blood pressure, later it was and is used for insomnia. AKA: Indian Snakeroot. If you cannot sleep at all take 3 pills in AM and 3 pills in PM they are 4mg pills, no side effects, stop whenever you like. They also calm your mind down. If you like you can take 2 pills 3X daily. It does interact with cold flu medicines and Antipsychotic drugs. The other suggestion is to take Benadryl pills 50mg or 100mg and if you wake up 1,2 AM then take another pill to put you back to bed. Completely good to use providing no longer than 1-2 months. Long-term effects can cause memory loss. Best of luck. Joe


Skullcap

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Penelope (Ojai, California) on 06/14/2014
★★★★★

Skullcap tea for Hyperthyroid, insomnia, nervous tension

Skullcap tea will immediately calm you down, slow down your nervous system. I have to be careful with how much of this tea I drink because of how fast it works and how effective. I want to go to sleep right after I drink it, so be sure to pace yourselves. Works like nothing else for this - a true miracle! A miracle for insomnia, hyperthyroid, and anxiety problems!

Replied by Timh
(KY)
06/15/2014
2048 posts

Skullcap is also strong anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant, which may be contributable to the varied beneficial effects reported.

Replied by Casey
(Montebello, Ca)
06/15/2014

Pleae, Timh, be so kind as to tell us the part of scullcap that is effective for the desired effects. Is it the root, or the arial part (flowers and leaves)? Thank you in advance for the clarification. I think many of our readers are wondering about the same question. I have severe insomnia. Thank you again.

Replied by Timh
(KY)
06/17/2014
2048 posts

Casey: The arial parts seem to be the most beneficial.


Skullcap
Posted by Ava (Seattle, Washington) on 06/12/2014
★★★★★

YES! Skullcap TOTALLY works! I've been drinking the tea form of it and it's just incredible! Like natural Valium! Rooibos is another good relaxing tea but Skullcap is a much stronger sleep aid. I just fall asleep practically immediately after drinking it! It's a must try for insomniacs!


Skullcap
Posted by Barb (Seattle, USA) on 08/09/2007
★★★★★

I have insomnia related to stress and physical pain. Magnesium helps somewhat. Kava has helped. Unfortunately, benadril is what gave the most relief the past few months. But I seem to be able to take less benadril by using a liquid tincture of the herb skullcap. I use one dropperful before a warm tub each night, then go to bed. I have used melatonin but it gave me bad dreams. I will continue to experiment and keep you informed if I touch on anything else worth mentioning.


Skullcap and Valerian

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
4 star (1) 
  50%

Posted by J. (Bozeman, Montana) on 11/27/2016
★★★★★

Hi,

Some time ago I started waking up at night, unable to sleep consistently. I searched around and found that the herbal mixtures of skullcap and valerian finally worked for me.

J.

Replied by Sam
(Canada)
05/05/2021
59 posts
★★★★☆

I also found scullcap to be helpful. But it didn't seem enough on it's own. Need more. Maybe a combo. Trying magnesium (& potassium) which began working but the magnesium dose was too high and started causing loose stools. Will try another type and a lower dose. Glycine is another addition that seems to help many. I heard taurine also helps. I seem to need a stack. Continue to biohack myself.

Art
(California)
05/06/2021
2313 posts

Sam,

Magnesium Glycinate as part of the combo at the dose recommended on the bottle is helpful for relaxing muscles and helping to get you to sleep.

Art

Pacific Coast Lady
(Crescent City, CA)
06/15/2021

Hello Art,

I do take Magnesium, usually just Citrate works for me, 400 mg twice a day. It does help me with sleep as well as leg and foot cramps at night. I also started taking it every day to hopefully help with Essential Tremors but I feel I need more than just the Magnesium.

I am able to see ALL your posts thank goodness, just by clicking your username. Then it takes me to another page that has a link to all your posts over the years. I think maybe in each of our profile, I know mine has an option to check or uncheck a box that asks if we want to allow others to see our posts/replies, and I have mine selected "yes" and I am betting you do as well. Finally figured that out when I woke at 1 a.m. and the thought just popped into my head, LOL!

I need to get your feedback, and possible knowledge of Taurine for Essential Tremor. I've posted there..

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/essential-tremor.html

..and so hoping you see this and stop in on that thread if you might be able to help me with searching for answer for my tremors in head & left-hand?

Can't thank you enough for all your dedication to helping others Art, Denise

Art
(California)
06/15/2021
2313 posts

Hi Denise/PCL,

Wow, that's a lot of magnesium citrate at 800 mg/day! Most people would be spending a lot of time in the bathroom at that dose of mag citrate.

I didn't know that was possible to see all of anyone's posts. I must have hundreds. I hadn't noticed that feature.

I will click over to your post link in a moment.

Art


Sleep Disorder Remedies

Posted by Val (Texas) on 08/08/2013

I have had poor quality sleep for some time now. I wake up 2 to 3 times at night. I am constantly tired at work. I've started doing light exercise (walking) right after dinner and that seem to help some by making me tired enough to fall asleep-but I'm still waking up throughout the night. Sometimes I even wake up teary eyed, coughing and gagging so much that I have to get up and blow my nose or drink some water. I read something about dust mites but I've fallen asleep on my sofa a few times & it happened there also. I take ACV on a regular basis for health benefits but it has not helped my sleep. I am a 30 year old 125 pound female; so weight is not a problem & I have no other health issues. Anyone have any ideas?

Replied by Timh
(Louisville)
08/10/2013
2048 posts

@Val: Looks like you are in need of general body detox and cleansing. Parasites and pathogens accumulate in the body over time until symptoms like you reported flare up. For starters, I would recommend oil of oregano (softgel caps) in the am and oil of garlic (softgel caps) in pm. Vit-C will help, take 500 mg w/ bioflavinoids at least 3 x daily. 250 mg Magnesium before retiring will help for sleeping.

If this doesn't help, do an herbal parasite cleanse as well as a candida cleanse (info here on E.C.).


Sleep Mask

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Leslie (Toronto, Canada) on 03/22/2006
★★★★★

I tend to forget to wear it, but a few yrs back my friend got me a sleep mask for my eyes. Whenever I wear this mask, I have the DEEPEST sleeps and most vivid dreams. Without the mask, it usually takes me ages to fall asleep, and even when I do, I'm always waking up. I suggest these masks to anyone who has trouble staying asleep. My only concern is that it does such a good job at keeping my eyes in darkness, that I've rolled right off the bed a couple times when waking up, because I'm disoriented and don't realize where I am on the bed. A small price to pay though for some needed sleep!


Sleep Pointing North in Absolute Darkness

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Ricardo (CA) on 02/07/2006
★★★★★

Total darkness allows the iris of the eye to completely relax. Eyes are the only place your nervous system is exposed to the world directly. If you are resting in a partially darkened room, cup your palms over your eyes for a while until it seems totally black. Remove your palms and keep your eyes closed. You will perceive some light or lessening of the black through your eyelids. Closing your eyes to sleep, in any illumination, does not allow complete relaxation. Always use a sleep mask or soft cap pulled over your eyes, doubled if needed, and test with palms over mask to be absolutely sure of total darkness.


Sleep Pointing North in Absolute Darkness
Posted by Brad (Wisconsin) on 08/01/2005
★★★★★

Sleeping with your head pointing North can improve the quality of your sleep. Also sleeping in absolute total darkness(no alarm clock lights, no light from the door jam) can have a huge impact on your over all health. It will allow more melatonin release by your body and for a longer period of time during the night, which is vital to living longer and healthier. This kind of sleep quality lifts your levels of attention, energy and motivation, awareness and helps keeping aging down to a minimum.


Sleep Smoothie

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Canadianguy (Victoria ) on 05/11/2019 15 posts
★★★★★

I use mango,coconut water, banana, and sweet potato for sleep, and it really works!

I read that these ingredients help with insomnia, which is typical for me now, and decided to try them, and they're great!

I make a smoothie with mango, banana, and coconut water right before bed. I usually eat more banana then and also eat some previously còoked sweet potato then too. Any kind of sweet potato works, but the purple colored ones work even better than the orange coloured ones, which are just fine. It's even better when I add GABA and tryptophan powder, but it's mostly the regular smoothly that does the work.

Ps the book says if you eat greens of some kind with the mango, it KEEPS you awake instead. I wonder if that means at dinner too.


Sleep Tracker to Evaluate Sleep

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 04/23/2018
★★★★★

My daughter and I each got a wristwatch/step tracker and are having a fun time of it. She has a friend she is comparing steps with. I got one because I thought it would motivate me to stay active on a regular basis. We did not get the expensive ones. They were about $25 each. Not only did I not want to spend a lot on one, a friend who was wearing a smart watch was having some weird symptoms that she attributed to her smart watch.

My watch can be paired to my phone to record data, which I do daily.

Honestly, I am not sure the steps are accurate. I did get to 10,000 steps in on Saturday which was supposedly over 4 miles in the day but I am not convinced I walked that much. 80% of it was just stuff I normally do around the house on Saturday (cooking, cleaning, gardening.) But, I do think it is comparatively accurate, so for my purpose of motivation to keep moving, it is effective.

I was especially fascinated by the fact that it can track sleep.

I feel like I am a light sleeper and often worry that I am not getting quite enough sleep. 5-6 hours a night seems typical for me.

I have tracked several nights and it appears that I am getting better sleep than I thought. I am getting plenty of deep sleep. Apparently, in the light sleep cycles one can be somewhat aware of what is happening around. I often feel like I am "sleeping with one eye opened, " but I am apparently getting rest. In fact, more than I might have guessed. One morning data was that I got 6 hours and 20 minutes of sleep, which was 45 minutes more than I was guessing I got.

My point is, if you suffer with insomnia, a sleep tracker may encourage you that you get more sleep than you think, or confirm how little sleep you are getting!

My husband snores and I have been concerned about sleep apnea for him. He has a bad family heart history and sleep apnea is hard on the heart! I had him wear my watch and he registered 8 hours of sleep with a good balance of deep and light sleep!

Obviously this is a very low tech way to evaluate sleep, and not appropriate for someone with significant sleep issues. But for the curious it gives some interesting data.

My watch also gives my heart rate. I thought it was reading too low, but when I compared it to the reading on a pulse oxygen meter I have on hand it appears to be pretty close.

So that is my two cents on a fitness tracker watch!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by KT
(Usa)
04/24/2018

Thank you for this post! My husband snores too...that's why we have to sleep in different rooms!

I'd be interested in getting this tracker watch because he feels he NEVER gets enough sleep. I think he underestimates how much he gets.

I have an internal alarm that gets me up after six hours, sometimes less. I think if you go to bed exhausted you can sleep hard for four hours and have enough. It has been reported that a 20 minute mid-day "power nap" can revive as much as sleeping eight hours. I did that when I was pregnant and worked full time. Little did I know that what I was eating (hidden sources of MSG) made me that tired.

BTW, I worked almost all day on my feet, went for monthly check-up, drove home thinking I was just having Braxston Hicks after exam, had my husband's labor inducing spaghetti sauce for dinner and had my first baby that night!


Slow Breathing

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Leila (Europe) on 04/17/2015
★★★★★

Hi everyone,

I often have trouble falling asleep, recently I found out about the the "4-7-8" breathing trick, and it seems to work for me.

"You breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. She explained to me that it slows down your heart rate and it also releases chemicals in our brains that soothe you".

Article about it on Dr Weil's site here.



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