If you are suffering from Insomnia you are not alone.  About 60 million Americans each year suffer from Insomnia.  Insomnia affects about 40% of women and 30% of men and tends to increase with age. 

There are two types of Insomnia. The first type (called primary) is classified by sleep problems that do not have to do with another condition or illness.  The second type of Insomnia (called secondary) is a sleeplessness that occurs because of a condition, illness, substance, pain etc.  

Chronic Insomnia is Insomnia that lasts for at least 3 nights but possibly much longer. If you are experiencing Chronic Insomnia you may consider seeing a doctor who may prescribe a sleep aid.

Tips for Preventing Insomnia:

• Try to avoid caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and nicotine several hours before bed
• Get regular exercise a few hours before bed
• Take B Complex about an hour before bed (this is also good for depression and your overall nervous system)
• Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, and avoid napping
• If you can’t sleep get up and do something relaxing until you feel drowsy
• Put your clock somewhere you can’t see it; this will help you avoid the urge to count the minutes you have left to sleep which creates tension.
• Don’t use your bed for activities other then sleep (for example don’t do work in bed)
• Write down a to-do list for the next day so that you don’t have to try to remember them while you could be sleeping
• Write you worries on a piece of paper and commit to not worrying about them until the next day
• Practice Stress Management

Things to Try When You Can’t Sleep:

• Drink a cup of Chamomile, Sleepytime or Tension Tamer Tea ( These are relaxing teas that will aid in sleep)
• Consider taking an herbal supplement like Kava Kava or Valerian Root that are calming and sleep inducing.
• Drink a warm glass of milk.
• Use Aromatherapy oils such as; cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon balm, mandarin, rose or ylang ylang.
• Use a relaxation technique.