Everyone's lifestyle, habits, medications and stress are different so to decide what may be causing your insomnia you will need to look at these areas of your life carefully. If stress is the reason for your insomnia natural insomnia cures can help you to sleep better by relieving the stress. Some of the commonest causes of insomnia are listed here.



Stress and Depression

Everyone has times in their lives that are more stressful and this can seriously interfere with your normal sleeping pattern. Stress can occur from unemployment, family troubles, financial worries and many other things that happen to us throughout life. The problem with many things that contribute to stress is that we have no control over them. Natural insomnia cures, including relaxation techniques can really help control the stress and help you to sleep better.

Depression is well known cause of disrupted sleep patterns. If you think you may be suffering from depression see your doctor who can help.

Prescribed medicines

Medicines prescribed by your doctor may be causing your insomnia. Did it start after you started taking the medication? Talk to your doctor who may know that this is a side effect for some people and may be able to offer you an alternative.

Food, Drink and Smoking

There are a number of foods that can stimulate you so much that you cannot fall asleep. Caffeine is the most well known one. The additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) is also known to disturb sleep patters and is found in a number of products and is often added to take away foods. White sugar may cause a peak in the blood sugar levels and put stress on the pancreas. The sugar level then drops causing a release of adrenalin, glucagon and cortisone which causes wakefulness.

Alcohol is another culprit. Although it may help you to get to sleep it interferes with the normal sleep pattern so you may then wake up in the early hours of the morning unable to get back to sleep. Nicotine is a neurostimulant so can cause insomnia. Avoid eating any stimulating foods after the early afternoon and do not drink or smoke to excess.

Your Sleeping Environment

Too bright a room can prevent you from falling asleep as can a partner who snores or moves around a lot while sleeping. Loud noise, of course, is very distracting and hard to deal with if it comes from neighbors. I have tried earplugs but only find them partially effective. Make your bedroom the place to sleep, not to watch TV, use the computer or other stimulating activities.

Activity in the Evening

Try to avoid any stimulating activities late in the evening. Vigorous physical activity, while you think it may tire you out enough to sleep actually stimulates and can lead to insomnia. Avoid watching stimulating or violent news events on the TV. Listen to relaxing music or read a book instead.

Your Physical Condition

If you suffer from chronic pain you will have difficulty sleeping. There are non drug ways to deal with chronic pain including the use of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) which can be performed at home. Regular exercise performed earlier in the day can help you to sleep and improve your general health and well being.

Natural Cures for Insomnia

Natural cures for insomnia include cutting down on stimulating foods and drinks, arranging your bedroom so that it is conducive to sleep, learning relaxation or meditation techniques and developing a sleep routine. Some herbs that have been found effective include Lavender, Chamomile, Valerian and St John's Wort.