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The disturbance of our circadian rhythm can affect those working early mornings, graveyard, or swing shift, as each schedule has the potential to disrupt regular sleep patterns, especially following a recent change. The greatest risk falls on those who must perform their most outstanding work late into the evening to meet deadlines.
Natural Strategies to Manage Insomnia
Many people are kept awake by excessive worrying, anxiety, depression, or even the recurring nightmares of PTSD. The brain requires daily rest, a minimum of 7-8 hours, and without a complete cycle of REM sleep, it can rapidly become difficult to focus or remember important details. In the event of anxiety-induced insomnia, we recommend therapy/counseling sessions, meditation, yoga, or massage therapy to alleviate the stresses at the root of the problem.
Women, especially after giving birth, may be especially vulnerable to fits of sleeplessness - and not merely because the baby won't stop crying. Research suggests a link between hormonal fluctuations and insomnia, and many such cases have responded positively to estrogen treatment.
Herbal Remedies to Support Restful Sleep
Because sleep disorders are so common, remedies for them are as well, from highly addictive prescription pills to mild sedatives available over the counter. Any drug taken to induce sleep has the danger of becoming habit-forming, as the user may quickly become unable to sleep at all without use of a pill.
Aware of the dangers of sleep aids, many herbal supplements have emerged to fill the gap among health-conscious insomniacs. Herbs such as valerian root, skullcap and chamomile are among the most trusted herbal remedies.
Melatonin, a hormone that naturally regulates the body's cycle of sleep, has also gained popularity as a sleep aid. The amino acid Tryptophan, from which it is made in the body, has also come into common use for restoring a more restful pattern of sleep. Experts are unsure of the safety of supplementing these in pure form, however, with some warning that excessive quantities may trigger symptoms in those with immune disorders.
Whatever's eating you while you lay awake at night, what you eat can have a profound impact on your cycle of rest. The best defense is to maintain a body that is thoroughly supplied with a complete nutritional profile, including amino acids and antioxidants, properly exercised, and as free as possible of emotional strain.
The importance of sufficient rest for the body and mind comes into play, no matter what physical and emotional challenges we face. When there's no time for downtime, we must make time.
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