Insomnia

Insomnia is being unable to fall asleep because of worries, excitement, nervous tension or pain. A lack of sleep can lead to sluggishness and irritable behavior as well as a reduced ability to deal with stress and other emotional pressures.

Common reasons:

• Stimulants like caffeine in tea, coffee, chocolate and cola
• Antihistamines including the herb ephedra
• Eating late in the evening – it provides energy which can keep you awake
• Exercising late in the evening will cause wakefulness
• Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol – dehydration can cause waking in the night
• Shift work/jet lag/napping during the day
• Illnesses that cause pain or discomfort at night – emphysema, heart failure and restless leg syndrome
• An overactive thyroid – increases metabolism and causes difficulty in falling asleep
• Sleep apnea

Essential Oils:

Insomnia:  Angelica archangelica rad. [angelica]; Cananga odorata [ylang ylang]; Chamaemelum nobile [Roman chamomile]; Citrus aurantium var. amara [neroli bigarade]; Cistus ladaniferus [labdanum]; Citrus bergamia [bergamot]; Citrus limon [lemon]; Citrus reticulata [mandarin]; Citrus sinensis [sweet orange]; Cuminum cyminum [cumin]; Juniperus communis fruct. [juniper berry]; Lavandula angustifolia [lavender]; Litsea cubeba [may chang]; Melissa officinalis [Melissa]; Myrtus communis [myrtle]; Ocimum basilicum [basil] (nervous); Origanum majorana [sweet marjoram]; Ravensara aromatica [ravensara]; Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol, ct. linalool [sweet thyme]; Valeriana officinalis [valerian]

Herbs

Lemon balm tea – relaxing and induces sleep. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 fresh leaves of the herb, or 1 tsp of dried leaves. Step 10 minutes, sip slowly before bed.

Valerian – has multiple sedative effects with no side effects – or danger of addiction. Prepare valerian tea in the morning by adding 2 tsp valerian root to 2 cups of warm water. Let stand until evening. Strain and warm. Add 1 tsp of honey and drink 1 cup after dinner and 1 cup before going to bed.

Massage with St Johns wort oil and relax in herbal baths before retiring to calm and relax the body. Add lavender, fir needle, yarrow or valerian infusion to bath water.