Six Effective Alternative Methods

Sleep disorders can disrupt your day-to-day activities. People who are deprived of their sleep feel very sleepy and tired at all times. They get irritated easily and are known to be very emotional. Sleep disorders are dangerous not only to the person who is affected by it, but also to the people who have to live with such a person.

Alternative methods, in addition to traditional medication, can be used to successfully control and manage this problem. People who adopt an alternative method pay special attention to their dietary habits and include supplements and herbs in their diet. Others try exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy. Many time, people suffering from sleep disorders have found that a combination of some of these techniques and methods can work wonders.

1. Diet

If you eat healthy, you will enjoy a high level of energy and a good night's sleep. To maintain good health and a high energy level, you must eat a variety of healthy foods and drink lots of water. Sleep disorders can be cured by eating certain types of foods that promote sleep.

Serotonin is a natural sedative, which the body creates with the help of tryptophan, an amino acid. Eat food that is rich is tryptophan; for example, turkey, cheese, chicken, fish, milk, avocados, bananas, and cottage cheese. If you eat tryptophan-rich food just before going to bed, you will be able to raise the level of serotonin in your body.

At the same time, you should also avoid certain types of food that might not agree with you. Avoid processed foods and limit your intake of caffeine and sugar.

2. Herbs and Supplements

Several people use natural supplements and herbs in a bid to get rid of sleep disorders. The market offers a number of herbs and nutritional supplements. Before you purchase and use one, however, you should make a study of its effects on your body and whether it is capable of curing a specific sleep disorders.

For instance, restless leg syndrome, a sleep disorder, is caused by deficiency of folic acid or iron. If the patient takes an iron supplement, he or she can get rid of some or all the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and enjoy a good nights sleep.

Similarly, several herbs are known for their property of inducing natural sleep. Tea brewed out of a herb called chamomile or a lemon balm can relax a person suffering from sleep disorders and enable him or her to enjoy a deep and relaxing sleep.

3. Exercise and Relaxation

A good exercise regime along with a few relaxation techniques can ease the tension in your muscles and relieve stress. A number of people have used these techniques to get rid of sleep disorders. Trying out a relaxation technique just before you go to sleep can not only relax your body, but also calm your mind and, thereby, enable you to sleep peacefully. Some popular relaxation techniques are progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindful exercises.

4. Meditation

Many patients have also tried visualization and meditation with success. There are two types of meditation: mantra meditation and breath meditation. Both types of meditation go a long way in calming your mind and relaxing your body. Some people also use visualization techniques that have a healing effect on their mind and body.

5. Sensory Techniques

If you are suffering from a sleep disorder, you can also use a sensory technique such as aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy offers the following effective techniques to help you banish a sleeping disorder: a footbath that stimulates lymph and an epsom salt bath. Those who have taken refuge in aromatherapy can relax their body and mind by using essential oils in their bath water, massage oils, inhalants, and room sprays.

6. Therapy

Behavioral and cognitive therapy can also be used to manage and control a sleep disorder. Therapy helps improve sleep patterns. Alternatively, you can also try stimulus control therapy and keeping a diary.

Several people have claimed to have benefited from the use of alternative therapies, techniques, methods, and practises to get rid of a troublesome sleep disorder. Many times, alternative methods are used with traditional medication.