Homeopathy for Insomnia and sleep issues.

Not sleeping well? You’re not alone.

It is estimated that up to 30% of people in the world, have insomnia type symptoms at some stage. The reasons for poor sleep can be varied. Sometimes it’s from difficulty getting to sleep; staying asleep; pain; over-stimulation; light sleep; growing pains; grief; chronic insomnia; stress; a mind full of worries; urinary system issues; anxiety; shift work; jet lag; restlessness and many other health complaints. The list can go on and on.

 Can Homeopathic remedies help? YES! The best solution would be to have a consultation so your whole health history is understood. This includes your physical AND emotional history. Homeopathy has a broad reach when it comes to supporting the reason why you’re having this complaint in the first place.

 Sleep facts:

Sleep cycles are broken into two phases – Non- REM and REM sleep. During non-REM sleep the body transitions from wakefulness to sleep, breathing and heart rate regulate and the body temperature drops. You then move in to deep sleep.

In REM sleep, your brain activity is similar to when you’re awake, your eyes are moving rapidly behind closed lids and you typically dream.

·      Sleep cycles last around 80-120mins and you have several of these a night.

·      You have more non-REM sleep in the initial hours of sleep and more REM sleep in the later hours of sleep.

·      Non-Rem sleep is considered more restorative.

 Things to consider:

·      Caffeine and stimulants – Are you one of those people who can drink coffee later in the day and say that it doesn’t affect your sleep? Yes, you may sleep but the quality of your REM and non-REM sleep is impacted.

·      EMF’s & Screens and devices in the room – Blue light has been shown to impact melatonin.

·      Melatonin – factors like high cortisol can impact good melatonin levels. Poor gut health can also impact good melatonin levels. This requires further investigation.

·      Diet, lifestyle and general health including gut health and hormone health. These areas need deeper investigation via appointment.

·      TCM organ clock– In Traditional Chinese medicine organs are represented by certain hours of the day so if your wake-up time is consistent, this may be useful to consider. For example, the liver is 1am – 3am – a common time to wake.

·      Sleep hygiene – A good sleep routine is a wonderful way to maintain good sleep habits. This may be a simple as consistently getting to sleep before 10pm or perhaps it might include a relaxing sleep environment with meditation and relaxation techniques.

·      Insomnia – there can many reasons for this and the root cause needs to be understood for successful resolution.

 Homeopathic Remedies for sleep issues:

Here are a few examples of how Homeopathic remedies can support sleep issues. What you need and the right potency for you is often best decided by a Homeopath.

It’s also important to understand that the remedy you need will likely be found after you have a Homeopathic appointment and the remedy that best suits your overall needs is prescribed. This works on stimulating your vital force and therefore supports your overall well-being.

 Arsenicum album: Disturbed, restless and anxious sleep. Lots of fears and worries. May be sleepless most of the night. Nervous exhaustion. May talk in their sleep and shocks on dropping to sleep. There may be dreams that often have themes of fears, death and misfortune.

Coffea cruda: This type is sleepless from thoughts. Their excited, racing mind encourages uncontrolled thoughts. They are overstimulated and find it hard to switch off. Coffee can be very aggravating to this type. They may wake easily from the slightest noise.

 Valeriana: Valarian is a herb that is described as hypnotic and calming to the nerves. As a homeopathic, it works in a similar way. It may help if you are sleepless until midnight and for restless and anxious sleep. It may also help with restlessness from muscular spasms.

 Nux Vomica: consider this remedy for the following reasons – waking at 3 -4am and struggling to go back to sleep; drowsy after meals; sleepless after over-indulgence of alcohol and/or food; can’t sleep from thoughts about work. May also be sleepy during the day especially after eating.

Aconite: Disturbed and restless sleep especially after an accident or frightening event. Aconite can help to release shock or fright from the body – even when it has been held for a long time. This may also help when sleep is disturbed by phobic states and panic disorders.

Kali phos: Usually, the sleep is affected after periods of stress and mental and physical exhaustion. This remedy is indicated for sleeplessness from worry, overstudy and work worries. There may be feelings of drowsiness and yawning. Night terrors.

Ignatia: Can have insomnia or excessive sleepiness following grief or loss. Insomnia from worries about work and relationships. Anxious thoughts causing sleeplessness. Dreams about grief and of lost loved ones. Constant changing of sleep position.

Arnica: Unrefreshing sleep; restless and sleepless when overtired, bed feels too hard; jetlag; waking with soreness and need to keep changing positions.

These are just a few examples of how remedies can support you in times of need. We all have periods of difficulty, grief and change that can come with stress and worries. As already stated, if your sleep issues or insomnia are more chronic you may need a remedy that is chosen by an experienced Homeopath as your needs are unique.

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