Holistic Approach to Help You Achieve a Better Night's Sleep
By- Tracie Johnson
There are several things necessary for a healthy and well-balanced life. Most focus on a healthy diet and exercise; however, sleep is essential. Getting a good night's sleep is vital. Although most strive for seven to eight hours of sleep, sleeping that long for some remains elusive. That could be due to insomnia or lifestyle choices. If you are on a path to holistic living, continue reading to discover some holistic approaches to getting a good night's sleep.
Insomnia is a condition that makes it hard for a person to fall asleep or stay asleep. It can be acute or chronic and can result from several issues. There are several types of insomnia, but they all have in common a person's inability to get a good night's sleep.
Also, understanding that the lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues is important. Some of the problems for a person who cannot sleep are:
- ●Lack of focus and concentration
- ●Increased risk of heart disease
- ●Increased risk of diabetes
- ●Higher weight
For those looking for holistic approaches, some of them include:
- Yoga
Yoga is a way of promoting physical, mental, and physical well-being. It is an ancient practice that emphasizes physical postures, meditation, and breathing techniques. There are many different types of yoga, and they all have health benefits, including relieving stress, improving mental and emotional health, improving balance, and improving sleep.
As an exercise that involves a lot of stretching, yoga has significant benefits for helping a person sleep well. There have been scientific studies showing that yoga exercises done for six months not only improve sleep but helped patients fall asleep faster and decrease the number of disturbances through the night. Yoga also Promotes relaxation, Improves the quality of sleep and Improves the quality of life. - Ayurveda
Restful sleep is one of the three pillars of Ayurvedic healing, the other two being diet and lifestyle. A great option is to incorporate into your daily diet some Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs are used from ancient times to promote sleep.
Some useful herbs are -
1. Brahmi: It is a powerful brain tonic, which supports and improves all aspects of mental functioning. It is a calming and tranquilizing herb.
2. Vacha: (Acorus calamus) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as epilepsy, headache,insomnia etc. it can be taken along with Amla, Brahmi powder at bed time.
3. Aswagandha: This is an overall tonic for greater vitality and longevity. It enhances coordination between the mind and senses which, according to Ayurveda, is essential for good sleep.
4. jatamansi: It has a sedative effect on the central nervous system and is used to tranquillize an anxious or over-stressed person. - Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is holistic and uses natural plant extracts to help individuals promote health and well-being. It is these essential oils to enhance physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy works through our sense of smell and the oils and different channels for aromatherapy can include, but is not limited to: Aromatic spritzers, Diffusers, Bathing salts, Lotions, oils, spritzers etc.
Aromatherapy can also be in form of an inhaler. Finding remedies for sleep problems like insomnia is essential for those who travel, especially since most travel is either for business or pleasure. Consider looking into sleep inhalers, they are small, can be used anytime, and are safe to pack in a carry-on bag, ensuring sleep while away. According to Aromanthi, you'll get "better sleep with this on-the-go travel essential oil blend." - Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
Meditation is a technique that encourages a heightened state of awareness. The benefits of meditation improve a person's well-being. "It is a practice that anyone can learn, which helps reduce stress, improve clarity, and increase calmness. It involves focus and awareness and has been practiced for several centuries.
Meditation and relaxation techniques are proven to improve sleep. It does this on a biological level by slowing the heart rate. A slower heart rate lowers cortisol 12 levels which are the stress hormone. This helps the relaxation response in the body and can positively affect sleep. - Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a safe plant that has been used in many cultures as a mild sedative and to help with stomach ailments. Chamomile is proven to have several health benefits, including treating heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Chamomile is an ingredient in several products, including herbal tea.
In addition to the other benefits of chamomile, it is also used in tea because It has calming effects. Chamomile Hess chemicals bind to receptors in the brain and have a sedative effect. For anyone concerned, the FDA has chamomile on the safe list.
Conclusion -
As you have read, sleep is essential for a healthy life. Sleep aids and other medical treatments are available for those who have insomnia. However, holistic approaches are listed above for those looking for a holistic approach to their insomnia or sleep problems. To improve sleep problems, consider one of the five methods listed above.
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