Some people can fall asleep at the drop of a hat; they’re in dreamland before their heads hit the pillow. However, for those of us that have a harder time, naturopathic medicine can help. Whether you are a shift worker who must constantly adjust to schedule changes, a busy parent who needs to make the most of her child’s naptime, or a college student whose classes and social calendar leave little time for a good snooze, natural sleep remedies can help you get the replenishing shut-eye you need.
While the old saying, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” may seem appealing to those who want to make the most out of life, sleep is vital to having a quality day-to-day experience and lifelong health.
According to surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation in between 1999 and 2004, 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders. 60% of adults from this study reportedly suffered from sleep problems three or more nights per week, and most of these issues went undiagnosed and/or untreated.
While sleep needs vary, most healthy adults can successfully remain awake for 16 hours and require eight hours of sleep per night on average. However, some individuals can function well with six hours of sleep, or require up to ten hours of shuteye. Whatever your preference, the ability to sleep for more than six hours may be reduced as you age, so learning ways to squeeze in extra zzz’s is vital.
According to the studies, sleepiness has a pronounced effect on a subject’s decision-making ability. In addition, the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research (1998) reports that falling asleep at the wheel accounts for at least 100,000 crashes per year in the United States. Lack of sleep in young people may interfere with their ability to learn and remain awake in class.
If you are having a difficult time falling or staying asleep, Water’s Edge Natural Medicine can help. Our compassionate, highly-trained staff can assess your current hormonal and nutritional state and determine what would best assist you with getting a good night’s rest. We may recommend one of the following herbal remedies:
You may also rest easier with a few lifestyle changes such as cutting out caffeine and sweets (especially later in the day), and eating sleep-inducing foods, including foods full of magnesium.
Naturopathic treatments that can dramatically increase the amount and quality of your sleep include:
If you have difficulty sleeping, there are multiple tried-and-true methods of inducing quality sleep. Our experienced and conscientious staff at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine can help you rediscover the rest your body craves. Call our clinic today!
