Don’t Lose Sleep Over Insomnia

The following is part of Hospice of the North Coast's Living and Aging Well column

The solution to insomnia is simple: give it a rest! That’s a facetious response to a serious problem that affects nearly half of Americans at least occasionally, and often more frequently.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than one in five people tosses and turns on a nightly or nearly nightly basis. Lack of a good night’s sleep carries over into the daytime, impacting quality of life 24/7. In addition to fatigue, consequences may include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy and inability to focus. Ongoing insomnia can lead to problems at work, accidents on the road and health problems.

Frustrated insomniacs often combat sleeplessness with medication, but that carries the risk of side effects. If you regularly suffer, visit your doctor to determine if there are underlying health causes. If not, consider treating the problem in gentle, natural ways.

Relaxing Remedies

Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. Ramp up exercise, but not just before bedtime. Ad- dress stress by writing down probable causes and possible resolutions, so you can sleep unfettered by anxiety. Integrate yoga, meditation, massage or other relaxing therapies into your daily life, especially when you’re feeling stressed out. Establish a sleepy-time routine in which you turn off your social media and instead enjoy a warm bath and good book. Feeling drowsy yet? If not, consider herbal remedies such as kava kava.

Good night and sleep tight!