One in three American adults has trouble sleeping. Drugs that induce sleep are among the most widely used medications today. Most insomnia is caused by worry, but other causes include sleep apnea, noise, light, excess caffeine before bed, lack of exercise and drug use, including the overuse of sleep inducing drugs. Other factors include chronic anxiety, depression or mania.
Traditionally, insomnia is most often the result of a liver and gallbladder imbalance. This is especially the case when the person has trouble sleeping between 11 and 3 am when the body is channeling its energy to gallbladder and lover which means these organs are receiving their peak amounts of Qi of life energy. Just as Western Science has established a circadian rhythm, so, too did Chinese healers, who maintained that each of the major organs receives optimal amounts of energy during a tow hour period through the coarse of a day. A weak liver and gallbladder cannot remain stable and relaxed during the hours of 11-3am when they are receiving an abundance of energy. This is especially the case for those who have eaten before bed or consumes alcohol or heavy and spicy foods.
Any food that taxes the liver and gallbladder and is consumed before bed can cause insomnia. Overeating, food additives, preservatives, artificial colors or foods that do not combine well can disturb the the liver and therefore can keep you awake.
Insomnia can be caused by an excess of other foods and drinks consumed during the day, including too much coffee, tea, yerba mate, chocolate ( including CACAO, yes its true) and soda. other dietary factors include a deficiency of B vitamins and calcium & Magnesium.
Finally, eating whole grains and getting physical exercise are essential to a good nights sleep. Whole grains promote the production of serotonin, a brain transmitter that promotes better concentration, feelings of well being and deep sleep.
Natural Remedies: Foods to eat-
*Chlorophyll rich foods such as leafy, green vegetables steamed and boiled.
*Blue green algae and spirulina
*Oyster shell can be purchased in health food stores and taken as a nutritional supplement.
*Mushroom of all types ( Chaga especially)
* Chia seeds also have a sedative effect
*Dill & Basil
Herbs to treat insomnia:
* Rose hips: soothing and calming to the nerves
*Hops are a mild sedative, can be mixed with chamomile in equal part to make a tea
*Passion flower is a sedative. Take 30-60 drops before bed of the tincture
*Skullcap, Valerian, lemon balm and lady’s slipper in equal portion. Drink an infusion when needed, using one ounce to a pint of boiling water. Steep for 20 mins
Homeopathy:
* Nux vomica
*Arnica: when you are sleepless from worry
*Coffea
*Pulsatilla: for sleeplessness from recurring thoughts.
Take NATURES CALM 3 teaspoons in hot water before bed. It is calcium/mag mix that does wonders.
Also try mediation and visualization techniques at bed time to help calm the spirit and mind…it really does work. And of coarse a high quality dosing of LAVENDER or SPIKENARD will help you relax and fall into a deep slumber. Check out www.wisdomoftheearth.com for my favorite essential oils in the world. Nighty night beauties
