There are times when every person struggles with sleeplessness. It’s usually because of life circumstances that have created an environment of stress and worry. Luckily, there are many herbal friends that can assist us during these times.
Of course, if insomnia is a chronic problem that you’ve been dealing with for months or years, you really need to consider working with someone to make the necessary adjustments in order to promote sleep.
However, if you’re in a temporary position of sleep difficulty, the following lifestyle adjustments and herbs can help you get some shuteye.
Lifestyle
- create an evening ritual that calms you for sleep – bath, cup of tea, lower the lights, turn off screens (tv/computer/phone), play light and gentle music
- start your day with gratitude – write in journal, speak your blessings out loud
- express your feelings and worries by talking to someone you can trust
- figure out what you can fix and do it, work on letting go of the things you can’t control
Herbs
- hops – antispasmodic and very specific to people who tend to overthink or constantly ask “why is this happening” about things which creates increased worry
- passionflower – gentle nervine that acts as a mild sedative and helps soothe and repair the overwhelmed nervous system due to chronic stress
- skullcap – for insomnia accompanied by muscle spasms/twitching or difficulty sleeping because of prolonged illness, overwork and/or worry
- valerian – studies show it reduces time required to fall asleep and is a much more aggressive form of sedation; found in many herbal sleep products (Make sure you aren’t among the 2% of people who gets stimulated by valerian. I suggest you test this on a day you have no plans and see how you respond to it.)
- kava kava – calming and gives a mild feeling of peace; can help lift someone out of anxiety
