Insomnia is difficulty going to sleep, or staying asleep, or getting back to sleep again if you wake in the night or too early in the morning. In most cases insomnia is a result of an overactive mind or a period of stress. This type of insomnia usually disappears of its own accord, although once established it can become a habit.
Other factors which may trigger a bout of insomnia include the use of stimulants (such as caffeine), or overeating, excessive alcohol, tobacco and nicotine replacement therapies such as gum, as well as stimulant recreational drugs.
Insomnia can also be a result of physical conditions that cause pain (such as back and neck problems or arthritis ). A number of mental disorders can also cause sleep problems. For example early morning waking can be a characteristic of depression.
There are many therapies available to aid sleep - but also many small lifestyle changes can also make a difference : -
· Massage can help reduce anxiety and tension that may be preventing sleep.
· Aromatherapy has been tried and tested for many years. A really effective way help you to the "land of nod" is an aromatherapy bath - add a few drops of lavender and a few drops of chamomile into the warm bath - this is also extremely effective and safe for children. Combining a massage, after a bath will relax and comfort whilst the oils take effect and balance the system physically, mentally and emotionally.
· A cup of chamomile tea helps relax the mind before bed.
· Reflexology can prepare the mind for sleep. One of the first things people often notice about reflexology is how well they sleep the evening after such a session. The effect of reflexology is to relax and prepare the body for sleep, and also to assist in the renewal and self-healing processes. This may well be useful in those cases where there is a physical cause for sleep problems, or where sleep is difficult because of the presence of pain.
· Meditation is a great way to relax the mind. If I ever have trouble sleeping I use the following technique to aid me to sleep:
1. Imagine your body filled with a blue gas, swarming all around, fillng up every part of you.
2. Start with your toes, then to your feet and up your legs, slowly gathering up all of this energy from each leg — feeling your toes, feet and legs relax as the energy leaves — and centre it in your stomach area.
3. Do the same for your arms — slowly pulling the blue energy from the finger tips, hands, arms, shoulder and down into your stomach, letting it join the rest, creating an even larger ball of blue energy.
4. Again, pull the energy down from your head, neck and chest and add it to the spinning ball of blue energy that now fills your stomach area.
5. This ball of blue energy now contains everything — all of your worries, stresses and fears — so shoot all of it out of the top of your head, through the wall, outside, and straight up into the sky. Watch it shoot past the tree tops, through the clouds and into space.
6. Feel your body relaxed and empty. Now, you're ready to sleep.
If you have any questions you would like to ask me or where to find complimentary therapies please email me on ejvickers@hotmail.com
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