Join Our Mailing List
Email:

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Tips on Inducing a Natural Sleep

There are two important consideration for a good night sleep:

  • Falling asleep and
  • Staying asleep

For some individuals, falling asleep is the major challenge. Even though you feel tired, relaxed, and calm, it's like your brain just won't switch over to sleep mode. For others, staying asleep is the challenge. You fall asleep easily but sleep lightly and awaken at the slightest noise or for some reason you wake up at 2 or 3 am and can't get back to sleep.

Both issues leave the individual feeling exhausted, sluggish, and unmotivated. What can you do?

The following suggestions are listed from simplest to most complex. Keep in mind that sleeplessness may be caused by serious imbalances and should be discussed with your naturopathic doctor.

  • Develop a routine bedtime where there is only calming activities 1 hour before bed. No working out, watching TV, checking Facebook, or reading exciting novels. Try reading that nonfiction book on sea slugs that you've been putting off.
  • Don't drink fluids after 6:00 pm if you have bladder issues.
  • Take a good quality liquid calcium magnesium supplement and an extra 250-500 mg of magnesium after dinner for calming the nervous system and muscle aches or restless legs.
  • Make sure there are no allergens in your room. Install an air purifier if necessary.
  • Turn off all wireless communication devices and electronic equipment, ie. cell phones, printers, computers, routers.
  • Try to avoid taking a nap during the day, meditate instead.
  • If pain is keeping you awake due to arthritic joints, get on a good quality fish oil and natural anti inflammatory.
  • Financial, relational, or family stress can have a cumulative affect on your ability to sleep. Talk to your naturopathic doctor about adaptogenic herbal therapy.
  • Take a look at your diet, have you been overindulging lately? If so a cleanse may be in order. Toxins can wreak havoc on sensitive hormone systems so maybe it's time for a doctor supervised detoxification.
  • For both women and men entering mid life, hormonal imbalances can cause sleep disturbances. Contact your naturopathic physician about testing for hormone imbalances and natural hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Yim will be able to prescribe these sanity savers beginning in September. Talk to him about testing and your next step.