5 reasons why you may be struggling to sleep and how to fix them

When someone consistently struggles to sleep, this is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be investigated. Most people, especially in the Western world, quickly turn to sleeping pills without even bothering to look at what their lack of sleep could be indicating. Simply taking strong drugs to fall asleep is not enough and can further complicate the picture.

Fortunately it is possible to treat insomnia in a natural and more holistic way, resulting in a long-term solution which does not damage your health or lead to addiction. In order to treat insomnia or difficulty sleeping, we first have to identify what is causing the issue - sometimes curing insomnia isn’t always quite as simple as avoiding coffee after 6:00 p.m!

Did you know? Chronic insomnia can lead to depression, decreased job/school performance, hypertension, heart issues, obesity, decreased quality of life, and many other health issues!

Here are 5 likely reasons why you could be struggling to sleep!

Sleep apnea

Specific sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea can be a cause of insomnia. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods while you're sleeping, resulting in the person not taking in enough oxygen and suddenly waking up gasping for air. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder and is closely related to insomnia.

Sleep apnea is most common among men, obese individuals and older people. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as weight-loss and the use of a breathing assistance device at night. Regularly practicing yoga has also shown positive affects due to the breathing techniques used in the practice, as well as its heart-strengthening benefits and encouraging better oxygen flow around the body.

Adding lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil to an aromatherapy diffuser while you sleep opens your airways, decreases congestion, and encourages clearer breathing! For some, sleeping on their side can help ease sleep apnea.

Diet

Researches have many studies proving that certain foods and drinks can interfere with sleep, notably sugar and caffeine. Before you think it's as simple as not consuming sugar or caffeine anywhere near bed time, the National Sleep Foundation reports the effects of caffeine can cause problems falling asleep as much as 10-12 hours later in some people. Yup, that means that your morning coffees and the slice of cake you ate at lunch time could be the culprit of your insomnia!

If your sugar cravings are due to sugar imbalance, Triple Complex Diabetonic keeps blood sugar levels stable and reduces the craving for sweet foods.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes powerful urges to move the legs. Restless legs syndrome typically occurs while sitting or lying down, and often more frequently in the evening. It often worsens with age and disrupts sleep.

LegCalm is a 100% safe and effective natural remedy for treating Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement (PLM). LegCalm contains a selected combination of herbal and homeopathic ingredients working together in synergistic fashion to relieve and prevent the symptoms of RLS and PLM. Regular use can help to support the nervous system and relieve the symptoms of these troublesome sleep disorders as well as address the underlying causes.

Eat a balanced and wholesome diet to prevent dietary deficiencies and include food high in iron and magnesium. You can also start taking a good quality daily iron and magnesium supplement to correct any deficiencies.

Depression / anxiety / stress

Depression/anxiety/stress and sleep problems are closely linked. Those who suffer from mental health issues are very likely to develop insomnia. In the same breath, those who suffer from insomnia are very likely to develop mental health issues! Sleep problems can worsen depression, leading to a negative cycle between mental health and sleep that can sometimes feel almost impossible to break.

Studies show that 75% of people with depression have trouble falling asleep or staying a sleep! Fortunately, people who struggle with depression, anxiety or other mental health problems report improved sleeping patterns once they start receiving proper, holistic treatment. 

Are you taking prescription anti-depressants? Did you know that insomnia is one of the known side effects? While prescription anti-depressants can improve mood disorders, the side effects are often exactly what you want to avoid!

MindSoothe is a herbal mood tonic that helps with anxiety, low self esteem, depression and other mental health issues. Sceletium has also helped many people overcome depression and anxiety. Both these natural remedies for depression and anxiety do not come with the side effects associated with prescription medication. In fact, regular use helps to balance serotonin levels which leads to better sleep.

If you are already using prescription meds, please speak to your health practitioner before making any changes.

Electronic devices

Studies have linked excessive screen time to an array of issues including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. To focus only on one point, interactive technology makes us more alert and can lead to insomnia, especially when used at night. The human sleep-wake cycle follows a circadian rhythm that mostly takes its cues from sunlight (when it's bright, we're alert - when it's dark, we're sleepy).

Most digital screens give off short-wavelength blue light that is very similar to sunlight. This light make us more alert and deceives the body into thinking it’s daytime, even when it's actually night. This is one of the major reasons why so many health professionals are urging people to refrain from screen time in the evenings and at night! To make matters more complicated, excessive screen time has been linked to depression and anxiety, which as we already know are a high risk factor for insomnia.

Create a calming bedtime routine to replace screen use, including activities such as reading or meditating. Burn some of your favourite calming essential oils and keep your lights dimmed down low.

How can Serenite Plus help?

Serenite Plus is a combination herbal/homeopathic formula especially formulated to treat the symptoms of insomnia, especially sleep onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) and occasional insomnia (i.e. difficulty falling asleep not more than two or three times a week). Serenite has been used safely and effectively for many years to help with sleep problems. Now newly formulated, using up-to-date scientific knowledge of insomnia and natural sleep patterns, Serenite Plus combines herbal AND homeopathic remedies in a new improved formula.

Feelgood Tips for healthy sleep

• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine products at least 4 hours before bedtime
• Try to use the hours before bedtime for relaxation to help your body to wind down
• Have a warm bath just before you go to bed
• If you are worried, anxious or depressed, talk about your feelings to someone you trust
• If you have unresolved issues or problems that are causing stress, consult a counselor for help in making changes to your life

Serenite Plus is often recommended along with the following natural remedies: 

• MindSoothe - for insomnia linked to depression
• LegCalm - for insomnia caused by Restless Legs
• PureCalm - for insomnia linked to acute anxiety