TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA/ SLEEPLESSNESS

BY

NATURAL SUPPORT THERAPY/ HOMOEOPATHY/ ESSENTIAL OILS / HERBS / DIET /EXERCISE/ VITAMIN AND MINERALS COUNSELLING / MIND-BODY-SOUL-HEALING


Insomnia is characterized by a general inability to sleep through the night.

It can be divided into two categories: the inability to fall asleep and waking up after a short amount of sleep. Some people have a combination of both.

Sleep is one of the most important factors to affect our overall health and wellbeing.

Much repair and rejuvenation takes place in our bodies when we sleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to slow wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections.

Concentration and brain function decline if we do not get adequate sleep.


PHYSICAL CAUSES OF INSOMNIA

There are many potential underlying factors that may lead to insomnia, including:

• Blood-sugar imbalance -if blood-sugar levels drop at night the adrenal glands release stress hormones which in turn raise blood-sugar levels.

• The stress hormones often lead to interrupted sleep.

• Nutrient deficiencies, particularly magnesium, Vitamins B6, B3 and the essential fats. Magnesium is needed for muscle and nerve relaxation. Vitamin B6 and the essential fats are needed for brain chemicals involved in relaxation.

• Amino acid deficiencies, particularly tryptophan. Tryptophan gets converted to serotonin and melatonin .Melatonin is the sleep hormone, levels of which should be raised at night. If vitamin B3 levels are low, tryptophan may be converted to B3 instead of melatonin so it is important to keep levels of vitamin B3 up.

• Stress, which affects adrenal release of adrenalin and cortisol. Imbalances in these can lead to an inability to get to sleep and can cause waking in the night or early morning.

• Hyperthyroidism -an excess of thyroid hormones -can lead to nervousness and an inability to completely relax.

• Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine usage as well as other drugs. These are all stimulants that can raise adrenal hormones. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, colas and many medications, such as painkillers.

• Pain and cramps. Both can lead to waking in the night and difficulty with getting to sleep.

• Indigestion, breathing difficulties, snoring, being too hot or too cold, depression , jet lag, restless leg syndrome and anxiety can all affect sleep.

• Many medications can also affect the ability to sleep and the quality of the sleep.


SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA

Common symptoms may include:

• waking up too early;

• difficulty falling asleep at night despite being tired;

• unrefreshing sleep;

• waking up during the night;

• Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, drowsiness, or irritability;

• not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep;

• increased errors or accidents;

• problems getting back to sleep when awakened;

• ongoing worries about sleep;

• difficulty focusing on tasks during the day;

• depression or anxiety;

• waking up too early in the morning;

• relying on sleeping pills to fall asleep.


COMPLICATIONS OF INSOMNIA

Complications of Insomnia may include:

• Lower performance on the job or at school.

• Slowed reaction time while driving and a higher risk of accidents.

• Mental health disorders, such as depression, an anxiety disorder or substance abuse.


ACTION PLAN with Holistic healing for Insomnia

The aim is to address the underlying causes of insomnia and work progressively to cure it. PREVENTION AND LIFE STYLE CHANGES IN INSOMNIA

• To keep blood-sugar levels stable, always have breakfast and eat small, regular meals and snacks during the day.

• Don't have your last meal too late in the evening but have a small snack before you go to bed.

• A few hazelnuts or almonds work well.

• Avoid eating a large meal in the evening.

• If you are overweight then aim to lose weight. Being overweight increases your risk of snoring and sleep apnoea, which can interfere with a good night's sleep.

• Avoid strenuous exercise within three hours of going to bed. Exercise raises stress hormones and testosterone, both of which can interfere with sleep patterns. However, exercising during the day is great for aiding restful sleep.

• Try brisk walking, jogging, skipping, dancing, cycling or aerobics. Establish a regular bedtime routine.

• Avoid watching television or using the Computer late at night as these are not relaxing activities for the brain. Instead, nave a warm bath with some lavender essential oil.

• Listen to relaxing music and light some candles. Do not expose yourself to bright lights in the evening or if you wake in the night.

• Light reduces levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making sleep less likely to occur. Using lamps is a better option.


CONNECTION OF INSOMNIA WITH MIND-BODY-SOUL/ EMOTIONAL CAUSES OF INSOMNIA

Your mind is the most powerful tool you have.

Every thought you get, causes changes throughout your body.

Neutral, calming or happy thoughts have the opposite effect.

It is always a set of emotions or an emotional state that manifests itself in the form of a disease.

The key emotions that generally co-exist so as to become the root cause of Insomnia are as follows.

The act of falling asleep is an act of trust that requires the ability to let go of your activity and control and open yourself to an unknown realm

Moreover, once asleep, the things that were suppressed during the day spring up in your unconscious mind during the night.

People have difficulties falling asleep because they are not able to free themselves.

There is a deep fear of letting go and surrendering and you don't dare relax because you don't trust the process of life. There is an inability to release the affairs of the day, in a feeling that you have to have hands on control over everything.

There could be a disturbed mental condition due to subconscious shock, grief and despair.

There could be a long lasting experience of a potentially threatening situation.

There could also be many unresolved issues that you feel unsure how to approach and deal with. You seem to be dwelling on issues for long periods of time without being proactive about it. Subconsciously, you feel less guilty dwelling on unresolved issues even though you know there's something you need to figure out. You may not understand why you feel the way you do and you struggle to find out your value within this conflicting situation.

You do not trust what you cannot see, are extremely resistant to change and may sabotage new transitions you are moving through.

Simply open yourself to what will come and remember to integrate "darkness" as part of life.

Try to surrender to the unknown with complete hollowness and faith within you.

If you are going through a stressful phase and overthinking is the cause of your sleeplessness, try letting go your thoughts by relaxing your mind.

Here are ways to master the mind/body connection to treat Insomnia

1. Relax. Relaxation is an active state of deep rest where the mind is quiet and the body is physiologically calm.

Meditation, guided visualization, body scanning and slow, diaphragmatic breathing are some of the many techniques that achieve relaxation.

2. Stop taking stress. Stress is heavily implicated in any disease. Review your life and see if you can avoid the causes of stress or change your response to them. Stop worrying about the past or future and live in the present. As that is all you can influence.

3. Express your emotions. Emotions are energy. Suppressing them takes physical effort that can cause pain.

Repressed emotions cause poor health. Suppressing emotion also keeps you stuck, unable to move past what you are avoiding. By contrast, writing in a journal or talking to someone about how you feel, and even just sitting quietly and "mindfully" to fully experience and acknowledge the feeling, all lead to feeling better both emotionally and physically.

4. Try to be cheerful. When you laugh your body produces endorphins, the body's natural healers.

5. Process your trauma. There could be a connection between earlier experiences of psychological trauma or chronic pain or illness of the past.

Our Talk therapy-Counselling sessions are based on guiding you, through finding and resolving the root cause. The main aim of our therapy is to make you realise and understand from the beginning that your identity is on the level and that your body and biological makeup is just a part of your physical life experience.

They not only help you unlock and resolve emotional block, but are also extremely effective in relieving stress as they target and are based on the realm of the reality plane of life. Harnessing your brain to heal your emotions does transform your life!


TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA BY NATURAL HOLISTIC APPROACH

1) HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat the outward symptoms of the physical disease but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility.

In homeopathy, the approach is to consider the sleep disturbance as part of the overall clinical picture. There is no such thing as a homeopathic sleeping-tablet, just as there is no such thing as a homeopathic painkiller. The well-selected remedy, includes the pattern of sleep disturbance and solves the problem.

As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, certain medicines are effective in treatment of Insomnia in Homoeopathy that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensation, modalities of the complaints

Commonly Indicated remedies for Insomnia are:

• Coffea cruda.

• Nux vomica.

• Silicea (also called Silica)

• Sulphur.

• Staphysagria.

• Aconitum apellus.

• Arnica montana.

• Arsenicum album.

***However it should be noted that all homoeopathic medicines (except few external applications) can be prescribed only with specific indications and hence should be taken under medical supervision or as directed by the doctor.

Only if the homoeopathic medicine is prescribed on the basis of symptom-similarity, it gives good results.

Self-prescription in Homoeopathy or any other system of medicine should be avoided.


2) DIET/NUTRITION IN INSOMNIA

Diet in Insomnia

• Lettuce juice in the evening. The milky sap in lettuce contains an opium-like substance called lactucin that can help to induce sleep and relaxation.

• Camomile tea before going to bed each evening. Camomile has natural sedative properties that can relax nervous tension.

• Green vegetables which contain magnesium, an important mineral involved in the relaxation of muscles and nerves. Good vegetables to include are kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts. Other sources of magnesium include whole grains, nuts and seeds.

• Tryptophan-rich foods in your evening meal. Tryptophan is converted to the sleep hormone melatonin in the brain. Foods that contain tryptophan include brown rice, peas, pumpkin seeds, oats, figs, natural yoghurt and bananas.

• Complex carbohydrates with your evening meal. Eating carbohydrates leads to the release of insulin which is needed to carry tryptophan into the brain where it can be converted into melatonin. Good carbohydrates to include are brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, millet, barley and sweet potatoes.

• Oatmeal in the evening. Oats have tranquillizing and nerve-restorative properties.

Foods to be Avoided in Insomnia :

• AVOID Sugar, refined carbohydrates, tea, coffee, alcohol, additives, nicotine and any other drugs or stimulants. These can all stimulate the adrenal glands to produce stress hormones and can upset blood-sugar levels.

• High-fat, heavy foods. These can increase body temperature which makes sleep difficult. They can also sit in the stomach and cause indigestion which can also interfere with a restful sleep.

Role of Water in Insomnia:

• Drinking lukewarm water before bed keeps you hydrated throughout the night and may help the body to rid itself of unwanted toxins.

You can read about the miraculous healing properties of water our following links:

• The power of positive and structured drop of water

• Unique qualities of water ,its memory and emotions.

• Understanding the beautiful structure of water

• What we know of this drop of water

• Role of water in nutrition


EXERCISE AND YOGA FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA

Insomnia which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep can have many long-term effects, including daytime sleepiness and impairment, memory loss, and mood changes. Yoga results in relaxed state of mind and body , boosts your confidence levels, brings about mindfulness and hence can be beneficial in managing sleep problems

At Nidhivan we give customised yoga and exercise advice as per the need and device a module along with the therapy


VITAMINS AND MINERALS FOR INSOMNIA

The B vitamins are needed for energy over the day and for nervous system function. Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat are all good sources.

As tryptophan may be converted to vitamin B8 (niacin) instead of serotonin if dietary intake is insufficient, niacin- rich foods are particularly important.

The B-complex vitamins provide essential support for your immune system and are important building blocks in cellular regeneration. In addition, vitamins B are also involved in quality of sleep and mood enhancement.

Foods rich in B-complex vitamins include:

• lentils;

• chickpeas;

• red kidney beans;

• almonds;

• walnuts;

• broccoli;

• cabbage;

• turnips;

• cauliflower;

• carrots;

• radishes;

• zucchini;

• tomatoes;

• onions;

• garlic;

• cantaloupe;

• sweet potatoes;

• potatoes;

• oats;

• oat bran;

• quinoa;

• bell pepper.


NATURAL /HERBAL REMEDIES FOR INSOMNIA

• Holy Basil is a powerful herb for combating sleep disorders. Holy Basil promotes better sleep primarily by easing anxiety and reducing stress.

• Passion flower, hops, skullcap, lime flowers and Californian poppy are all relaxing herbs. Jujube seeds before bed increases serotonin, which is a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin.

• Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb commonly used to combat insomnia. It is effective at improving sleep onset latency and quality of rest.

• The herb valerian may help for some of the short term, but acts as a stimulant for others. Supplement with magnesium citrate. Magnesium is needed for muscle and nerve relaxation and is often deficient in our diets.

Kindly note: all supplements and herbs should be consumed only in right proportion/dosage, under monitoring and medical supervision. Certain herbs are prohibited if there are any underlying illnesses or complications. Excess/overdosing or of any herb or supplement may prove to be detrimental .Hence Self-prescription is not advised.

At Nidhivan, we have been successfully formulating unique blends of herbs and required supplements for any particular disease condition (for ingestion as well as local application) . Our in-house proprietary blends of natural remedies have proven to be highly effective with our homeopathic medicines and other therapies..


ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INSOMNIA

Essential oils can provide relief for disrupted sleep and improve sleep quality thereby improving the quality of Life. Our blended oils are also more effective at improving sleep than a single essential oil.

Some of the best essential oils for relieving Insomnia and promoting sleep are:

• Lavender Oil.

• Chamomile Oil.

• Sweet Marjoram Oil.

• Bergamot Oil.

• Clary Sage Oil.

• Valerian Oil.

• Sandalwood Oil.

• Ylang Ylang Oil.

These essential oils are highly potent and are supposed to be used single or in appropriate combinations with specific proportions taking care of any underlying medical condition or allergies. Hence self-prescription should be avoided.

Along with the Homoeopathic treatment, we administer Our Proprietary blends of essential therapeutic oils. These combinations in specific proportions play an effective role in relieving Stress.

NIDHIVAN- INNER HEALING THERAPY WORKS AT THREE LEVELS :

Holistic and Integrative therapies for the treatment for MENOPAUSE at NIDHIVAN

Based on this Body-Mind-Soul, a variety of treatment techniques are observed after considering the individuality of the person to assist them take their responsibility for their own well-being and achieve optimal health.

These include:


1) At the level of Body- Main therapy guided as per our unique LIFE WHEEL MODEL.

1-Homeopathic remedies which maintain the emotional, mental, physiological, and immune reactions of the person to guarantee long-lasting and permanent help.

2-Facilitated Physical detox

3- Herbal and Essential oil therapy

4-Patient education on Lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness.

5-Customized Diet advice

6-Customized Exercise and Yoga


2) At the level of Mind- Main therapy guided as per our unique EMOTIONAL WHEEL MODEL.

1- Facilitated Emotional Detox

2- Individual Psychotherapy at different levels to overcome the root cause of the disease

3- Mind healing therapies. (Mind Imagery and visualization)

4- Motivational Enhancement therapies

5- Empowerment counselling (taking charge of your SELF)

6- Relationship and Family integrated Counselling sessions (if needed)

(Other individual therapies by our esteemed therapists if required in a particular case)


3) At the level of Soul- Main therapy guided as per our unique SPIRITUAL WHEEL MODEL.

90% of the diseases are a result of build-up of unresolved negative emotions and pre-programming of your mind as discussed above. Your soul tries to express these unresolved negative emotions first through your thoughts and feelings. If you fail to listen to the messages that are crying out to be heard, these messages become stronger and then harder for you to ignore. They then express and manifest themselves by means of pain, discomfort or ill-health.

Along with Emotional management, Spiritual programming of your mind is a must to unwind yourself from the clutches of the negative emotions you've held so long which has ultimately led to the dis-ease.

This we achieve by means of:

1- Facilitated Spiritual Detox

2- Meditation

3- Identifying the imbalance and healing at the level of the Chakra

4- Energy healing


After-care maintenance and guidance once the goal is achieved (reversal and cure of disease)

The aim is to gain proper balance in life by achieving a permanent healing at the level of Body Mind and Soul.

We at NIDHIVAN, instead to targeting the disease or problem on the surface, aim to treat the innermost root cause of the disease, so as to achieve a permanent cure

Book an Appointment

Its time you share !

Appointment Treatment Plans