Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. This leads to daytime fatigue, poor performance, tension headaches, irritability, depression, and various other problems.Insomnia is generally of two types: acute and chronic. Acute insomnia is usually more common and lasts for days or weeks. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, lasts for months or even longer.
There are a variety of causes including stress, anxiety, psychotic disorders, poor sleep habits, disruptions in sleeping environment, life changes, caffeine or other stimulants, chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and certain medical conditions such as arthritis, heart failure, acid reflux, and others.
Cumin SeedsCumin is a culinary spice with medicinal properties that aid in digestion. In traditional Ayrvedic medicine, it has been used to induce sleep. Cumin oil, too, has a tranquilizing effect.Mix one teaspoon of cumin powder in a mashed banana and eat it before going to bed. If you do not have the powder, dry roast and grind cumin seeds to make the powder.You can also have cumin tea to ease tiredness and fatigue; insomnia and fatigue often go hand-in-hand. To prepare the tea, heat one teaspoon of cumin seeds on low heat for about five seconds, add one cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover the container and let it sit for about five minutes. Finally, strain and drink this cumin tea before bedtime.
NutmegNutmeg has sedative properties and works as a natural sleep aid.Add one-eighth teaspoon or just a dash of nutmeg powder to a cup of warm milk. Drink it before bedtime.Alternatively, you can add one-quarter teaspoon of freshly ground nutmeg to a cup of warm water or any fruit juice. Drink it before bedtime.You can also mix a dash of nutmeg powder in one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice. Consume this three times a day. In addition to insomnia, it will also treat indigestion and depression.
SaffronSaffron also has mild sedative properties that help treat insomnia. Steep two strands of saffron in a cup of warm milk.Drink it at night before going to bed.
Chamomile TeaDue to its long history as a sleeping aid, chamomile tea is a well-known natural home remedy for insomnia. Though the exact reason is not known, scientific studies have suggested that the compound called apigenin in chamomile could be responsible for its sedative effect.Simply enjoy a cup of chamomile tea to induce sleep and relaxation. You can also sweeten it with a pinch of cinnamon and some honey.
BananasEating a banana can be useful in combating insomnia because it contains an amino acid called tryptophan that helps raise serotonin levels, which help regulate sleep patterns. It also will elevate your mood and help regulate your appetite. Minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium present in this fruit also help with sleep.