Insomnia causes and home remedies

Insomnia

Sleep is a natural phenomenon of giving adequate rest to the body and mind. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep at night for many hours or inability to have a sound sleep, which deprives one of natural rest and interferes with activities during the day.

Insomnia Causes

·              An improper diet and lifestyle causes aggravation of Vata (Ayurvedic humor representing Air) that travels through the channels of the head causing sleeplessness.

·              Vata is aggravated by increased intake of tea and coffee, especially, before going to bed; long gaps between meals; and intake of cold and dry food, cabbage, lettuce, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, rice, and smoked foods.

·              Suppressed emotions, disturbed sleeping patterns, worries, anger, overwork, overexcitement, and ill health may be other responsible factors.

Insomnia Symptoms

·        Waking up during the night

·        Waking up too early

·        Day time irritability

·        Day time fatigue and sleepiness

·        Difficulty falling asleep at night

 

Insomnia Diet and Lifestyle Advice

·        Have fresh fruits, avocado, pasta, rice, dairy products, and sweet foods.

·        Include nuts like almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts in your daily diet.

·        Have salads with a dressing of cream, yogurt, or vegetable oils.

·        Use whole-wheat flour and brown rice instead of refined varieties.

·        Increase use of butter or purified butter in foods.

·        Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and aerated drinks after dusk.

·        Avoid watching television or working on the computer late at night.

·        Have a body massage with sesame oil, followed by a bath.

Insomnia  Medication and Home Remedies:

Aswagandha: (Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry).Ashwagandha, an exotic Indian herb, has remarkable stress-relieving properties This is an overall tonic for greater vitality and longevity. It enhances coordination between the mind and senses which, according to Ayurveda, is essential for good sleep. The recommended dose is half teaspoonful of powder taken at night along with sugar+ ghee or warm milk.

Cardamom Powder: Have a glass of whole milk (without the cream removed) with green cardamom powder before going to bed.

Mint Leaaves: Boil 3 grams of fresh mint leaves or 1.5 grams of dried powder of mint leaves in 1 cup of water for 15-20 minutes. Take lukewarm with 1 teaspoon of honey at bedtime.

Banana: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cumin on a sliced banana. Eat at night regularly.