Insomnia, which is simply difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects most people at some stage in their life and can be attributed to a variety of factors. However, the group with the most cases of insomnia is seniors. There are many options available for seniors wishing to treat their insomnia and sleep better, but creating a dependency on sleeping pills will fail to solve the problem in the long term, and may even become an impedance to good health. Luckily, there are many natural remedies and simple lifestyle changes that can aid greatly in sleeping better.
- Decrease caffeine consumption, and avoid all caffeine (coffee, tea, and pop) after lunch time.
- Exercise daily. This may be a gym session, a walk outdoors, or more relaxing exercises such as yoga. Many yoga studios offer evening yoga that can help you wind down before night time.
- At least an hour before bedtime, dim the lights in the house and turn off distractions such as a loud TV. A warm bath will help the body relax.
- Bright lights from a TV or computer screen are too harsh and have been proven to keep us awake. Try reading a book before bed instead.
- Diet: A health diet is often the best cure for all that ails us. Avoid unhealthy food, such as fast food and sugar-dense, processed foods. Incorporating more whole foods will help your body behave better.
- Before bed, try a warm glass of milk, which contains L-Trytophan, that helps the brain relax.
- Alternatively, drink herbal tea in the evening such as chamomile or peppermint.
- Is there a cause for your insomnia? If something is bothering you and causing stress, the cure for your insomnia may simply be confronting the issue so you can rest better.
Remember that sleep is essential to a healthy body, and if insomnia persists despite lifestyle changes, you should consult your doctor. They may recommend some herbal supplements, or as a last resort, medications.