INSOMNIA

I’ve seen a number of clients recently who have had trouble sleeping.  Getting enough sleep is a vital component in our health and well-being.  Sleep helps our body cells to rejuvenate and heal, but a lack of sleep can leave us feeling tired, depressed and low.  Insomnia is a surprisingly common complaint: it is reckoned that 15 – 25% of adults regularly suffer from it.  And there are different types: some insomniacs have difficulty falling asleep, whilst others wake up frequently and have problems getting back to sleep or staying asleep. 

In my experience, insomnia can sometimes suggest a deep fear of letting go and surrendering.  When we sleep, we are in a vulnerable and surrendered state, and the inability to sleep may indicate chronic tension, fear and anxiety.  Ongoing insomnia can also indicate a severe lack of trust.  The thymus gland is closely connected to sleep, and in turn the thymus is connected to the energy of the heart.  Thus insomnia is often related to our ability to love ourselves, to trust love and therefore to trust life.

Perhaps the best way to determine whether you are getting enough sleep each night is to see how you feel upon waking.  You should be rested and refreshed.  If you are not, then you need to do something about it!  Here are some useful tips to help with insomnia:

- Before bedtime, take a warm bath with a few drops of relaxing aromatherapy oils such as clary sage or roman chamomile

- The homeopathic remedies Aconite (releases fear), Arsenicum (releases anxiety), Aurum (soothes the inner critic), Coffea (relaxes the mind) and Nux Vomica (calms the racing mind) can all help with insomnia: use a 30 potency half an hour before bedtime and then again at bedtime.  Repeat hourly if necessary.

- Avoid caffeinated products such as coffee, black tea, colas etc.  Nicotine in cigarettes is also a stimulant that can keep you awake at night

- Despite folklore that has long suggested that warm milk helps people sleep, research has shown that it is rarely helpful.  In fact, non-fat and low-fat milk can actually stimulate activity in the brain!

- Bedrooms should be used for sleeping and not for stressful activities like paying bills or doing work: make sure yours has a relaxing atmoshpre

- Finally, acknowledge your anxieties, insecurities and fears.  Write them down and then burn the piece of paper: just the simple fact of putting them down on paper may help you to get a good night’s sleep.