How To

How to Fight Insomnia

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(8 Ratings)

Everyone has an occasional sleepless night. Life's daily stressors, major decisions and consuming caffeine too late in the day all contribute to insomnia.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Figs
  • Herbal Teas
  • Turkeys
  • Aromatherapy Soaps
  • Lavender Oils
  • Marjoram Oils
  • Music For Zen Meditation
  • Soothing Music
  • Figs
  1. Step 1

    Get out of bed if you can't sleep. Lying in bed sleepless will only make you more stressed.

  2. Step 2

    Read or perform a light chore until you feel sleepy. Then try to go back to sleep - or, if you're feeling stressed or agitated, try some relaxation techniques.

  3. Step 3

    Relax by listening to soft music or a meditation tape. Do yoga or gentle stretching.

  4. Step 4

    Take a hot bath with aromatherapy soaps. Keep the lights dim. Bright light will make you more alert.

  5. Step 5

    Try an herbal sleep remedy to induce sleepiness. Valerian, chamomile, catnip, lavender, lime flower, passion flower, hops or skullcap can be taken in tea or capsule form.

  6. Step 6

    Snack on foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid that can help you relax. These include turkey, bananas, figs, dates, milk and tuna.

  7. Step 7

    Essential oils can also help you relax. Add six to eight drops of lavender or marjoram to a bath, or put four drops of oil on your pillow.

  8. Step 8

    Return to bed once you're feeling sleepy and relaxed.

Tips & Warnings
  • Room temperature, noise and physical ailments can all contribute to sleeplessness.
  • Trying too hard to fall asleep can have the reverse effect; you'll stay awake.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments  

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ozzmosis said

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on 6/29/2009 ive been an insomniac for years now and i also have sleep apnea and sleep with a cpap machine....not a lot of fun.
i have to sleep with ambien just to go to bed and that doesnt guarantee me an 8 hr sleep by any means.

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on 6/12/2009 Great tips. I really know about insomnia.Thanks.

SleepGuy said

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on 2/1/2009 Great tips. Come check my tips article out for more sleep problem/insomnia information. Also, you can check out our site: www.SleepAudios.com
-James

Mastery said

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Almost everyone hates getting up in the morning when they're nice and comfortable in bed. They tend to visualize what they'll have to do once they get up and it'll make them want to sleep more. Try this when you can't sleep at night. Pretend it's morning, the alarm clock has just gone off and you'll have to get soon. Visualize all the unpleasant things you'll have to do like walk on a cold floor, shave, drive to work/school, finish homework. You'll soon get sleepy and your body will want to fall back asleep.

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