INSOMNIA

Anxiety about not being able to sleep tends to perpetuate insomnia. Your inability to get to sleep or stay asleep may be caused by stress, medications (such as for asthma), high blood pressure, depression, epilepsy, colds or a thyroid problem. Other causes are hypoglycaemia and physical pain. Although sleep requirement vary greatly with age, most adults need seven or eight hours a night. Generally speaking, the older you get, the less sleep you need.

TREATMENT

· Try to treat insomnia as a normal occurrence, as anxiety will make it more difficult to sleep. Instead of trying to get to sleep, read a book or watch TV, but move around as little as possible.
· Avoid stimulants, including cigarettes.
· Get plenty of exercise.
· Have a long, hot bath before you go to bed.

CONSULT A DOCTOR

· Check wit your doctor if you suspect your insomnia is caused by any medication you're taking. An alternative medication may work just as well.
· Ask your doctor to test you for hypoglycaemia if your insomnia is persistent.

AN ALTERNATIVE CHOICE

HOMEOPATHY

· If every little noise wakes you and your mind is overactive, take Coddea; if you’re overtired, try Arnica. If you need to, you can take these every 30 minutes.
· If fear is keeping you awake, Aconitum may work.
· For insomnia caused by depression, try Ignatia.
· Use Nux vomica if you're going through a period of withdrawal from sleeping tablets or alcohol.

AROMATHERAPY

· Have a hot bath at least two hours before you go to bed and stay in for at least 20 minutes; add five drops of lavender oil or a few drops of Roman chamomile oil if you feel stressed and need to relax. (Do not do this if you're pregnant.) Put three drops of the oil on a tissue to keep next to your bedside, and inhale the fragrance if you wake up during the night.
· Clary sage can also be used in this way, but do not use it in conjunction with alcohol.